BrainPOP Videos

8th Grade Science

Ken Andersen & Victoria Mattos

Problem Identified: We wanted to get an earlier start on activating prior student knowledge for the 8th grade state science test.

Hypothesis: If we use relevant BrainPOP videos for 8th grade science test prep, then students will perform better on practice test questions as measured by pre and post video assessments.

Data Collection: We conducted a pre-video assessment using state test questions on a Google form for each topic and conducted a post-video assessment using the same questions.

Actionable Step: BrainPOP has a vast library beyond science. Using Google forms for the assessments made grading and analysis much easier.

Overall Findings/Impact: Student performance improved about 25% after watching the videos. We chose four straight-forward topics where prior knowledge could be more easily be primed with a video (Geology, Weather, Water Cycle, Phases of Matter). We expect more complex topics, such as Human Body, will need more in-depth review.