How Long Will Human Impacts Last?
Provided by: TED-Ed|Published on: April 27, 2021
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: David Biello
Region: Global
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This resource unpacks the arguments for creating a unique, geological epoch called the Anthropocene based on many lines of evidence.
- The eye-catching video and brief article provides information about extinctions, geologic time periods, new human-made materials (that are likely to remain for millennia), and how humans have affected biodiversity and global habitats.
- An interactive self-check and discussion section are also included.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video is straightforward, short, filled with topics that can be extended (if so desired), and beautifully animated.
- Even while addressing some serious topics, this resource does not have a gloomy feel to it.
- In just over five minutes, the author does an impressive job of displaying the vastness of human impacts on the planet.
Additional Prerequisites
- Teachers and students must sign in to use the interactive self-check and discussion sections.
- For students to get the most from this video, it would be helpful for them to be familiar with these three facts:
- Biodiversity is key to ecological recovery after an environmental catastrophe.
- Geologic time is ordered by time divisions that are determined by the fossil record.
- Plutonium is an ingredient in nuclear bombs.
Differentiation
- This video works great as an introduction to geologic history, human impacts, biodiversity, and/or environmental resiliency.
- Before viewing the video, ask students to consider what signs of humanity might be evident 500,000 years from now and have them share. This can be done individually, with a partner, or in small groups.
- Invite students to research further how farming, fishing, and forest practices are contributing to our current extinction event.
- Have students investigate solutions to the loss of biodiversity and habitat across the planet. What can realistically be done? How can it be achieved? Who can do it?
- Assessments can range from reports to infographic roadmaps or individual action plans.
This resource underscores the human impacts on the natural environment. It presents geologic records and human activities. Recent activities of humans can accelerate extinctions of species, which are irreversible. This concept is insightful and recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
