TV on a Rolling Cart

How was basketball invented?

From Mystery Doug

How was basketball invented?
7 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScienceSocial Studies
access

Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "How was basketball invented?" -- and follows the clues. James Naismith invented basketball in 1891, nailing up peach baskets so his students could play a game indoors in winter. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
Common Sense Media — not yet ratedIMDb Parents Guide — not yet rated

Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.

Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "How was basketball invented?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about basketball, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: basketball, Naismith, invent.

Try it: Explain the answer to "How was basketball invented?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.