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Lesson 7.5 Vocab

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Anthropocene
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Definition

a new epoch, not formally accepted by geologists, during which our species has become the dominant force for change in the biosphere

Use In A Sentence

The Anthropocene marks the end of the Holocene epoch, about the time of the Industrial Revolution, 200 years ago.

fossil fuel
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Definition

Natural carbon-rich fuels that are formed over long periods of time and release greenhouse gases when burned.

Use In A Sentence

Since 1750, the burning of fossil fuels has added more and more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, rapidly warming the planet and causing climate change.

globalization
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Definition

the increasing interconnection of the world that began at about 1500 CE and has accelerated since 1800

Use In A Sentence

Globalization is the word that describes the whole process of big corporations moving around the world in search of new markets and cheaper labor.

population
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Definition

the group or number of inhabitants, human or otherwise, of a particular category in a place

Use In A Sentence

To feed the growing population of the world, food production must increase.

social
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Definition

relating to human society including how people form groups and interact with one another

Use In A Sentence

Social characteristics of ancient empires included people having different jobs and being organized into hierarchies based on wealth or power.

system
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Definition

group of interacting or interrelated elements that make up a whole

Use In A Sentence

An example of a human system is the interaction of people when they form communities.

Human Systems

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:

  1. Evaluate how changes in human social organization transform life on Earth.
  2. Explain how human systems might impact our future.
STEP 1

Opener: Human Systems

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.

STEP 2

How Will We Change the World?

Teaching Tools

This is the last Visions of the Future activity before students use their completed activities to predict what the next threshold might be in the next lesson.

Use audio and allow students to follow along with the article while listening. They can use a pencil or pen to help track the speaker, pause at ideas or words they aren’t sure of, rewind and relisten as necessary. Check out more reading tips on pages 3 and 4 of the Differentiation Guide External link .

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.

STEP 3

Closer: Human Systems