Disclosure Day: Spielberg on Aliens and Secrets – ESL Lesson Plan

Are we alone in the universe? Steven Spielberg doesn’t think so.

This engaging 90-minute lesson plan for B2 students is inspired by the official trailer for Spielberg’s new film Disclosure Day and a revealing CBS Mornings news report titled Steven Spielberg talks “Disclosure Day” and says aliens “have been here and they are here”.

Students watch the real interview where the Oscar-winning director makes a bold claim about extraterrestrial life, shares where he wrote the entire script (the notes app on his iPad), and admits he has never had a paranormal sighting – despite being an “ambassador” for aliens.

Skills students will develop:

• Listening comprehension through watching an authentic CBS Mornings interview with Steven Spielberg
• Vocabulary building through learning and matching authentic film-related collocations such as science fiction, cynical audience, ensemble movie, and circumstantial evidence
• Expressing personal opinions through two rounds of small group discussion – first responding to film themes, then using new vocabulary in personal contexts
• Research and critical thinking through an extension task where students choose and analyze a science fiction film about aliens

Perfect for teachers who want to bring authentic film interviews, alien-themed discussion, and meaningful vocabulary work into their upper-intermediate classroom.