STEM Movies for Middle School: Inspiring and Educational Films for Young Minds
Movies have the power to inspire and engage middle school students, especially when it comes to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). By combining entertainment with valuable lessons, STEM-themed films can ignite curiosity in young viewers and provide them with relatable role models who make a significant impact in these fields. Whether you're a teacher looking to supplement your lessons or a parent hoping to encourage interest in STEM, there are several engaging films that both entertain and educate.
Below is a selection of STEM movies that are suitable for middle school students, complete with themes, educational value, and how they align with real-world STEM concepts.
1. Hidden Figures (2016)
Synopsis: Set in the 1960s, Hidden Figures tells the story of three African-American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played pivotal roles at NASA during the early days of the U.S. space program. The movie highlights their expertise in mathematics, engineering, and computer science as they work to send astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
STEM Themes: Mathematics, Engineering, Space Science, Computer Science
Educational Value: The film showcases the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and problem-solving in STEM fields. It also demonstrates how women and people of color have historically made significant contributions to STEM, making it a powerful tool for discussing diversity and inclusion in science and technology.
Why It’s Great for Middle School: The movie emphasizes the real-life application of math and engineering skills while making historical STEM achievements accessible and inspiring to young students.
2. October Sky (1999)
Synopsis: Based on a true story, October Sky follows a young boy named Homer Hickam who dreams of building rockets after watching the launch of Sputnik in 1957. With the support of his teacher and friends, Homer overcomes numerous obstacles—including his father’s disapproval and limited resources—to pursue his passion for rocketry.
STEM Themes: Physics, Engineering, Space Science, Rocketry
Educational Value: October Sky is a powerful story about determination, critical thinking, and the practical application of physics and engineering principles. It’s an excellent choice for teaching students about space exploration, rocketry, and the importance of pursuing STEM careers, even in the face of challenges.
Why It’s Great for Middle School: The movie's young protagonists make it relatable for middle schoolers, while the film’s themes of perseverance and teamwork resonate well with students who are beginning to explore their interests in STEM fields.
3. The Martian (2015)
Synopsis: In The Martian, astronaut Mark Watney (played by Matt Damon) becomes stranded on Mars after a mission goes awry. Using his knowledge of science and engineering, he devises creative ways to survive while awaiting rescue.
STEM Themes: Space Exploration, Botany, Engineering, Physics
Educational Value: The film emphasizes problem-solving, innovation, and resilience under pressure. Mark’s reliance on STEM knowledge to grow food, generate water, and communicate with Earth introduces viewers to a wide range of scientific concepts, from botany to physics.
Why It’s Great for Middle School: While some of the science may be advanced, the film does a fantastic job of making concepts like space travel, agriculture, and engineering engaging and understandable for younger viewers. The thrilling survival story keeps students engaged while subtly teaching them about STEM.
4. Apollo 13 (1995)
Synopsis: Apollo 13 tells the true story of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, during which a malfunction endangers the lives of three astronauts. With limited resources and time, NASA’s ground control team works tirelessly to bring the astronauts home safely.
STEM Themes: Engineering, Physics, Problem-Solving, Space Exploration
Educational Value: The movie is a testament to how quick thinking, teamwork, and ingenuity can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. It presents real-world applications of engineering and physics while demonstrating the importance of collaboration in STEM careers.
Why It’s Great for Middle School: Apollo 13 combines suspense with historical significance, giving students insight into both the technical and human sides of space exploration. It’s a great way to introduce problem-solving and engineering concepts through a compelling story.
5. Flubber (1997)
Synopsis: In this fun family comedy, eccentric scientist Professor Philip Brainard (played by Robin Williams) invents a rubber-like substance with incredible properties. The substance, called Flubber, has applications that range from defying gravity to supercharging objects with energy.
STEM Themes: Chemistry, Physics, Invention, Innovation
Educational Value: While the movie is whimsical, it introduces students to the scientific method and experimentation in a fun and accessible way. The film also emphasizes creativity and invention, encouraging students to think outside the box.
Why It’s Great for Middle School: Flubber provides younger viewers with a lighthearted introduction to chemistry and physics. The slapstick humor and imaginative science experiments make it an entertaining choice for students who are just starting to explore STEM concepts.
6. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Synopsis: A Beautiful Mind is the true story of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who made significant contributions to game theory. The movie not only explores his groundbreaking work but also delves into his struggles with mental illness and how he overcame adversity to become a Nobel laureate.
STEM Themes: Mathematics, Game Theory, Economics, Mental Health
Educational Value: This movie introduces students to the world of advanced mathematics and demonstrates how mathematical theories can have far-reaching impacts in fields like economics and politics. It also offers opportunities for discussions about mental health and the balance between academic brilliance and personal well-being.
Why It’s Great for Middle School: While some of the math concepts may be challenging, the movie offers an inspiring portrayal of intellectual curiosity and resilience. It can also spark discussions on how STEM professionals often face personal and professional challenges.
7. Big Hero 6 (2014)
Synopsis: Big Hero 6 follows Hiro, a young robotics prodigy, who teams up with his friends and his robot Baymax to form a superhero team. Together, they use their scientific knowledge and engineering skills to solve a mystery and save their city.
STEM Themes: Robotics, Engineering, Innovation, Teamwork
Educational Value: This animated film is an excellent introduction to robotics, engineering, and innovation. The film’s focus on teamwork also highlights how collaboration is an important part of STEM. By showing young characters who use their knowledge to solve problems, Big Hero 6 can inspire middle schoolers to see the potential of a STEM career.
Why It’s Great for Middle School: Big Hero 6 combines action, humor, and heart, making it a hit with middle school students. The film makes complex concepts like robotics accessible, and its youthful characters are relatable role models for aspiring young engineers and scientists.
Inspiring a Passion for STEM Through Movies
STEM movies provide an engaging way to introduce middle school students to key concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math. From historical dramas that highlight real-world achievements to animated adventures that make science fun, these films can inspire students to explore STEM fields and pursue their passions. By watching these movies, middle schoolers can see how STEM is not just something they learn in textbooks but a set of skills that can change the world.