This TED talk describes the need for humanity to think at least seven generations into the future when making decisions that affect our planet.
The speaker discusses the need to address injustices that future humans will face if we continue to act without regard for the home that will support those future generations.
Students will learn that being a good ancestor, or "time rebel," means loving our planet, restoring and taking care of our planet, and standing up for the billions of future humans who don't have a say in the decisions made today.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This resource provides students with a chance to think about how past generations have impacted their lives and how their actions can have lasting impacts in the future.
The video reinforces the value of stewardship and highlights current actions taken by people and organizations around the world to address this issue.
Additional Prerequisites
It might be helpful to introduce the terms colonial, colonization, injustice, and legacy.
Differentiation
Cross-curricular connections could be made with history, civics, ecology, and social studies lessons.
This video could introduce topics such as the rights of individuals, the rights of nature to exist, the tragedy of the commons, sustainability, the loss of nature, the Anthropocene, and Indigenous practices and beliefs.
Scientist Notes
Resource is suitable to teach sustainability science, climate and environmental justice. There is no contradiction in the content of the video. This resource is recommended.
Standards
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Civics
D2.Civ.10.6-8 Explain the relevance of personal interests and perspectives, civic virtues, and democratic principles when people address issues and problems in government and civil society.
D2.Civ.10.9-12 Analyze the impact and the appropriate roles of personal interests and perspectives on the application of civic virtues, democratic principles, constitutional rights, and human rights.
Dimension 4: Taking Informed Action
D4.6.9-12 Use disciplinary and interdisciplinary lenses to understand the characteristics and causes of local, regional, and global problems; instances of such problems in multiple contexts; and challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address these problems over time and place.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
