Scientifically Physics Perspective

Movie Choices for Media Project - Most Available on Reserve in the Library:

Movie Rating Essay Question 2001 Space Odyssey G How is the location for the marker chosen by the

aliens? Is this reasonable to you, or would you choose somewhere else? Explain.

Avatar PG-13 Some of the laws of physics do not apply on Pandora (gravity and magnetism) as they do on Earth. Does this seem likely to find on a habitable world? Why or why not?

Chicken Little G Chicken Little's assertion of alien contact is ignored. What level of evidence would be reasonable for proof of alien contact? Explain.

Cocoon PG-13 Energy is shown as the central requirement for life in this film. Explain why you agree or disagree with this idea.

Contact PG Development of technology is required for alien contact in this film. Explain why you think we need new technology or why we have enough now to accomplish this goal.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

G This movie explores the “zoo hypothesis” that aliens are watching us and waiting to intervene. What evidence can you provide to show that this is or is not true?

ET The Extra-Terrestrial PG ET seems to be on a botany/biology exploration of Earth when he is stranded. How is this similar to our reasons for space travel?

Independence Day PG-13 The aliens in this movie have come to “steal our resources”. Why might this be a reasonable or unreasonable goal as aliens come to Earth?

Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skulls

PG13 Many advances have been made in ancient and modern times (such as agriculture, written language, etc.) Does it make sense to give credit for this to alien life?

Knowing PG-13 This movie explores ideas about the origin of life. Does the theory shown here seem likely to you? If you disagree, what other origin seems likely? If you agree, explain why it seems reasonable.

Lilo and Stitch PG All of the aliens in this film have emotions. Are emotions a good indicator of intelligence, or would you choose another? Explain.

The Last Starfighter PG Arcade games act as a simulator/trainer in this film. How is this similar to our own method of exploration?

Man of Steel PG In the movie, Superman's parents select Earth as the planet that he will inhabit. If you had to select a planet for your baby, what characteristics would be most

important to you? Mars Attacks

(You may select EITHER Mars Attacks or Arrival, but not both. Find them both under Mars Attacks.)

PG-13 Communication with the aliens in this film seems relatively easy. What essential pieces of communication might be difficult to overcome with an alien race?

Arrival PG-13 Communication with the aliens in this film seems difficult but achievable. What essential pieces of communication might be difficult to overcome with an alien race?

MIB Men In Black PG-13 This movie assumes that the Government is hiding information about aliens contact from us. What evidence can you give to support or refute this claim?

Signs PG-13 Does it seem reasonable that aliens might be "allergic" to water? Why or why not?

Star Trek (2009) PG-13 Time travel is used in this movie. Do you think this is a reasonable expectation for the future? Why?

Star Trek Insurrection PG Who are the real aliens in this movie? How is this similar or different to our search for life?

Star Wars The Phantom Menace

PG The movie assumes that space travel between worlds is simple and common. Does this seem reasonable for the future? Explain.

Super 8 PG-13 One conspiracy theory about aliens is that the military is hiding the information from us. Explain why you think this is or is not reasonable.

Titan AE PG Titan was hidden in an area filled with 'ice asteroids.' Explain the reasons behind it being hidden there as opposed to somewhere else.

Treasure Planet PG In updating the classic "Treasure Island", the only human on the ship is Jim. Do stereotypical characteristics seem like a good assessment of alien intent? (Compare the physical characteristics of the aliens to their good/evil relationship with Jim.)

War of the Worlds PG-13 Explain the dangers of contamination. Recall that it is a big concern for exploration.

Galaxy Quest PG Question given in special SI session. Cowboys and Aliens PG-13 The aliens in this film are intent on collecting gold

from our planet. What single resource of Earth would make it so valuable that interstellar theft would make sense? Explain.

Guardians of the Galaxy PG-13 Some scientists have implied that humans will need more “powers” of some kind to be successful in an interaction with aliens. Do you think that we have all the skills/powers/technology we need? If so, explain why. If not, explain what you think we still need.

Edge of Tomorrow PG-13 This movie shows a possible outcome of having human brains interact with alien “brains.” Do you think this form of communication with an alien life-form would be a benefit or disadvantage?