Here is a carefully curated list of middle school robot movies for kids that your students will love… and you will, too! As educators, we know the challenge of finding engaging content that truly supports our curriculum. These robotics movie selections do exactly that.
Everyone looks forward to a good movie day, but they are even better when the film captivates your students and ties into course content!
Read on to learn about top robot movies for kids that are an awesome addition to any middle school STEM or robotics class. Each film comes with comprehensive teaching materials to maximize learning potential.
1. Spare Parts (2015)
This awesome robotics movie is based on the true story of an unlikely high school robotics team that competes and wins big at MIT’s annual underwater robotics competition.
Your students will love rooting for the underdogs and thinking about the importance of teamwork and perseverance.
The film showcases real-world engineering challenges as students overcome obstacles, both technical and personal.
The accompanying movie guide transforms this inspiring story into a powerful learning tool with:
- 3 thought-provoking pre-viewing discussion questions
- 15 carefully crafted comprehension questions focused on the design process and engineering skills
- 3 hands-on extension activities
- Multiple formats: printable PDF, Google, and Easel versions
- Comprehensive answer key for educators
Note: This film is rated PG-13 and includes some strong language and violence. Be sure to research or preview the film to ensure it is a good fit for you and your students.
2. NOVA Rise of the Robots (2016)
In this engaging robotics documentary, students learn about robots in the real world and their impacts on society.
They will follow contestants in the US Department of Defense’s DARPA Challenge as they build rescue robots and experience highs and lows throughout the competition.
This film brings cutting-edge robotics technology right into your classroom.
The comprehensive movie guide includes:
- 12 focused questions about robotics engineering and societal impacts
- 3 pre-viewing activities to activate prior knowledge
- 3 post-viewing tasks that extend learning
- Digital and print-ready formats
- Detailed answer key
Note: This film briefly mentions adult topics at the 27:10 and 29:49 minute marks, during which you may want to fast forward. Research or preview the movie to ensure it is a good fit for you and your students.
3. Good Night Oppy (2022)
In this fantastic robot movie for kids, students will learn the story of a Mars rover named Opportunity and meet the engineers and scientists involved in Oppy’s journey.
They will discover some of the many marvels of space exploration and real-world STEM applications.
This heartwarming documentary shows how robots can inspire human connection and innovation.
The comprehensive guide includes:
- 17 targeted questions about space exploration, robotics, and engineering
- 3 engaging pre-viewing discussion prompts
- 3 extension activities that bring space science down to earth
- Multiple format options for flexible implementation
- Complete answer key
4. AlphaGo (2017)
This award-winning robotics documentary will teach students about artificial intelligence.
They will learn about the game of Go, why games are often used to develop AI systems, and the impacts of AI on humanity.
The film perfectly balances technical concepts with human stories.
The movie guide features:
- 14 comprehension questions focused on AI and computer science
- 3 preliminary discussion questions
- 3 follow-up activities
- Multiple format options
- Detailed answer key
Save Big on All Movie Guides!
Special Offer: Save 20% when you purchase five technology-themed STEM movie guides together!
All STEM in the Middle movie guides include before, during, and after questions to keep your students engaged and learning throughout the entire “movie day.” This means you can:
- Catch up on grades
- Hold important student conferences
- Connect with your class in new ways
- Take a much-needed sick day
- Know your students are actively learning, not just watching
Each guide comes in multiple formats (PDF, Google, and Easel) to fit your teaching style and classroom needs. Every activity is designed to maintain student engagement while reinforcing key STEM concepts.
2 Responses
Thank you for creating this list! I used the Spare Parts film for my lego robotics course with 7th and 8th graders. Could you please update your description to include that there is a short scene with strong language that teachers may need to skip over (slang for a woman’s body part). It is rated pg-13, so some schools may require parent consent to watch. Great film! Students loved it.
Thanks for your comment! I will add a note about the strong language. Glad to hear your students enjoyed it!