Big Miracle (2012) - Fun Educational Themes to Talk About

Being based on the true story of a landmark effort to rescue three trapped gray whales, Big Miracle is inherently educational. But, the movie has far more to it than the story of the whales alone. Not only will the movie take parents back on a nostalgic little journey to the 1980s, but it also provides several different threads of thought-provoking material parents can discuss with kids. Here are just ten of the many topics that kids may find interesting, and homeschoolers can also use the movie as a springboard to discuss historical and other topics.(The movie contains some language, so it's better suited for older, school-age kids.)

1. Gray Whales and the Ocean:
   Kids love learning about the ocean and ocean creatures. Kids who see this movie are old enough to have learned the basics, but the movie may spark an interest in learning more about gray whales in particular, or about the migration patterns of whales in general. Since the movie brings up off-shore drilling and other practices that effect the ocean, it can also spark some great discussions about the Ocean habitat and our responsibility to protect it and how that balances with human needs and desires for energy and food. Kids may also enjoy watching related movies such as Oceans and Dolphin Tale
2. Operation Breakthrough and other Collaborative Global Efforts:
   One of the main themes in the movie is that when humans work together for a good cause, we can do powerful things. To learn more about Operation Breakthrough (the effort to free the whales), kids can read news articles about the event written at the time. What other global efforts have people from many different places and walks of life worked together to accomplish?
3. Greenpeace, Activism and Fighting for a Cause:
   In the movie, the character Rachel is an activist who works for Greenpeace. But, this isn't the only cause that's close to this story. After her husband died, Bonnie Carroll (the White House executive assistant in charge of the whale rescue project, played by Vinessa Shaw in the movie) started the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), an organization that provides aid and comfort to the families of fallen military heroes. Why do people fight for causes such as these? How can we all get involved, and which causes should we choose to champion?
4. The Cold War and the Former Soviet Union:
   Many in the US did not want to ask for the aid of a Soviet ship in the rescuing of the whales, but in the end, the plight of the whales overcame prejudice and mistrust. The fact that two superpowers at odds with each other worked together was a significant point. The movie could be a great tool to introduce kids to Cold War history and what used to be the Soviet Union.
5. The Reagan Administration:
   In the movie there are several references to President Reagan. Kids may wonder, who was this president? and what did he do for our country? Once kids read a little more about President Reagan, they may want to learn about his presidency or some of the world events that happened during his time.
6. The Power and Influence of the Media:
   One of the main reasons so many came together to save the whales is that media coverage of their plight took off. In deciding what is news and what isn't, and what light to cast on news stories, the media can influence the thoughts and actions of many people. Some great points for kids to ponder are how has media changed since the 1980s? How does media influence us? and how can we be sure to get all sides of the story?
7. The Military and the National Guard:
   The structure of the military and national guard can be a confusing topic for those who are not part of the organizations. Introducing kids to the basics of the United States military can help them become more aware as citizens and better able to discuss important topics related to the military and its branches.
8. Music, Style and Culture - Both the Predominate Culture of the '80s and of the Unique Iñupiat people:
   Hello '80s! This movie will take you back, and it might be fun to share some old pictures with your kids and talk with them about what the style and culture was like back then. Also, the culture of the Iñupiat tribe portrayed in the movie contrasts with popular culture of the time. The people of the tribe were wary of outsiders, yet willing to work with them and share their own customs and values. The character of Nathan is one of the younger generation of the Iñupiat people, and he is influenced by popular culture even as he learns traditions and customs from his elders. The movie serves as a great commentary on culture on several levels.
9. Doing the Right Thing with the Wrong Intentions/Self-Serving Agendas:
   Many people come together to help the whales in the movie Big Miracle, but it's not all about the whales. As the movie shows it, the oil tycoon wants good PR, the reporters want to further their career, the de-icer inventors want to sell more of their product, and on and on. Sometimes, people have their own agenda, talking about different agendas and motivations can help kids think critically and learn to analyze situations from the perspectives of others.
10. Using Tragedies or Other Events to Make Money:
    In this movie, the character Nathan sells cardboard at a high price to reporters and others who are in town. Standing on cardboard helps the feet to stay dry. Often during events or emergencies, entrepreneurial souls capitalize on the situation, whether tragic or otherwise, to make money. And those people are often criticized for doing so. Where is the ethical line in situations like these? Often, people are in need of what someone is selling, and there may not be enough to go around.