How Long Will Human Impacts Last?

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.