The Anthropocene: Humanity's Impact on Earth
Lesson Description
Video Resource
The Anthropocene and the Near Future: Crash Course Big History #9
CrashCourse
Key Concepts
- Anthropocene: The current geological epoch defined by human impact on the Earth's systems.
- Collective Learning: The accumulation and transmission of knowledge across generations, driving innovation and complexity.
- Sustainability: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Learning Objectives
- Define the Anthropocene and explain its significance as a geological epoch.
- Analyze the pros and cons of human progress, considering environmental, social, and economic impacts.
- Evaluate potential future scenarios for humanity and discuss strategies for achieving a sustainable future.
Educator Instructions
- Introduction (5 mins)
Briefly introduce the concept of geological epochs and ask students what they know about human impact on the environment. Explain that the class will watch a video discussing the Anthropocene, a proposed epoch marked by significant human influence. - Video Viewing (13 mins)
Play the Crash Course Big History #9 video: 'The Anthropocene and the Near Future.' Instruct students to take notes on key concepts, examples of human impact, and the pros and cons discussed. - Discussion (15 mins)
Lead a class discussion based on the discussion questions below. Encourage students to share their thoughts and insights from the video. - Interactive Exercise (12 mins)
Have students participate in the interactive exercise (see below), working individually or in small groups.
Interactive Exercises
- Pros and Cons Chart
Divide students into groups. Have each group create a chart listing the pros and cons of the Anthropocene as presented in the video. Students should then rank the pros and cons in order of importance and justify their rankings. Each group should then suggest one action that individuals, communities, or governments could take to tip the balance towards the 'pro' side.
Discussion Questions
- What evidence supports the argument that we are living in a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene?
- What are some of the positive and negative consequences of increased collective learning and technological advancement?
- How has the gap between wealthy and impoverished countries changed over time, and what are the implications?
- What are the potential challenges and opportunities facing humanity in the 21st century?
- Which of the future scenarios presented in the video do you find most likely, and why?
Skills Developed
- Critical Thinking
- Data Analysis
- Problem-Solving
- Collaboration
- Communication
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1:
The Anthropocene is best described as:
Correct Answer: A geological epoch characterized by significant human impact on Earth's systems.
Question 2:
Which of the following is a major driver of the increased complexity and change during the Anthropocene?
Correct Answer: Increased collective learning.
Question 3:
According to the video, what is a significant environmental consequence of current modes of production?
Correct Answer: Accelerated rate of species extinction.
Question 4:
What is meant by the term '21st century bottleneck'?
Correct Answer: The critical challenges humanity faces in the 21st century that could determine its long-term survival.
Question 5:
What is one factor that contributes to the unequal wealth distribution in the Anthropocene?
Correct Answer: The historical legacy of colonialism and industrialization.
Question 6:
What is the potential impact of climate change on arable cropland?
Correct Answer: Climate change will reduce arable cropland by 10-25%
Question 7:
What is the relationship between economic development and family size in developed countries?
Correct Answer: Economic development decreases family sizes.
Question 8:
The video suggests a creative descent. What does the video mean by this?
Correct Answer: A gentle decline of complexity to more simple, subsistence living.
Question 9:
What do scientists like Stephen Hawking suggest in order to increase humanity's odds of survival?
Correct Answer: Colonization of the Solar System
Question 10:
In the video, how has the world's population changed since 1800?
Correct Answer: World population has increased exponentially since 1800.
Fill in the Blank Questions
Question 1:
The intensification of __________ learning and the rise of __________ have resulted in dramatic changes in the last century.
Correct Answer: collective, complexity
Question 2:
One potential solution to scarcity is to promote __________ of the solar system.
Correct Answer: colonization
Question 3:
The standard of living for the global aristocracy is better than what __________ had centuries ago.
Correct Answer: kings
Question 4:
The wealth inequality gap is getting wider and wider, even though standards of __________ are increasing on average.
Correct Answer: living
Question 5:
Current modes of __________ rely heavily on non-renewable resources that harm the environment.
Correct Answer: production
Question 6:
Overpopulation tends to spark more __________ .
Correct Answer: violence
Question 7:
Economic development can __________ population growth.
Correct Answer: slow
Question 8:
Humanity is heavily dependent on non-renewable __________ fuels.
Correct Answer: fossil
Question 9:
Three potential future scenarios are technological salvation, miserable collapse, or __________ descent.
Correct Answer: creative
Question 10:
If poverty decreases and education increases, we may see huge jumps in __________ potential.
Correct Answer: innovative
Educational Standards
Teaching Materials
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