Human Systems
Teacher Resources
Driving Question: How might human systems increase complexity?
Over time, humans have developed more complex human systems, or ways in which we interact with others. These human systems impact things like our communities, states, economies, and belief systems. But how will these systems impact our future?
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate how changes in human social organization transform life on Earth.
- Explain how human systems might impact our future.
Vocab Terms:
- Anthropocene
- fossil fuel
- globalization
- population
- social
- system
Opener: Human Systems
To teach this lesson step, refer to page X of the Lesson 7.5 Teaching Guide.
Over the past few lessons, we’ve worked to understand natural and technological systems. But to really get to any insight about our future, we have to understand ourselves.
How Will We Change the World?
To teach this lesson step, refer to page X of the Lesson 7.5 Teaching Guide.
Check out the blog “Human history and the environment” to learn about the relationship between human activity and the Earth.
Can we change the world? It should be clear by now that we already have, many times over. But can we change it for the better? This article and activity help you think through this serious question.
-
Guiding Questions
-
Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- How did Earth’s changing climate impact the Agricultural Revolution?
- What is the Holocene epoch?
- What causes climate change?
- What does decarbonization mean?
After you read
Respond to this question: What steps could you take to help combat climate change?
Closer: Human Systems
To teach this lesson step, refer to page X of the Lesson 7.5 Teaching Guide.
Our Writing Guide shares our approach to both formal and informal writing, including Unit Notebooks—check it out!
Unit Notebook time? Unit Notebook time.
