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Anthropocene

Driving Question: How has human activity changed our planet?

Data from the last 250 years suggests that the biosphere is changing, and humans are the ones causing that change. In response, some scientists believe we are living in a new geological epoch—the Anthropocene.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the key features of the Anthropocene.
  2. Evaluate the impact of humans on our climate and planet.
  3. Explain the causes and impacts of climate change.

Vocab Terms:

  • Anthropocene
  • climate
  • environment
  • globalization
  • population
  • technology
STEP 1

Opener: Anthropocene

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page X of the Lesson 6.6 Teaching Guide Locked .

Our Openers and Closers Guide will provide more information about these short, but important, activities at the beginning and end of each lesson.

STEP 2

What Is the Anthropocene?

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page X of the Lesson 6.6 Teaching Guide Locked .

It might seem impossible that humans could change the weather of the vast planet we live on. But, as this slideshow and activity show, even the smallest actions can have big consequences down the line.

STEP 3

Our Changing World

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page X of the Lesson 6.6 Teaching Guide Locked .

Did you hear that? Here is a blog post External link about using audio versions of articles as a literacy support for students.

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. But it’s not a lost battle. Let’s explore how it’s happening, and what we can do about it.

STEP 4

Feeding the World

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page X of the Lesson 6.6 Teaching Guide Locked .

The blog “Engaging students with video External link ” provides four steps in engaging students with videos.

Check out the OER Project Activities Guide for a review of the various activities that help students engage with Big History

The first question complex societies had to answer to become more stable and prosperous was how to reliably grow food. It might also be the most important question we’ll need to answer if we’re going to survive the Anthropocene.

Solving the Maize: A Big History of Food Complexity External link

How might one plant sustain us in the future? Journey through the Big History of maize to find out.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 5

Closer: Anthropocene

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page X of the Lesson 6.6 Teaching Guide Locked .

Our Writing Guide shares our approach to both formal and informal writing, including Unit Notebooks—check it out!