In this video, Our Changing Climate explains what cryptocurrency is, the issues associated with it (specifically the huge amount of energy required to use it), the colonialism that may be a product of it, and possible solutions to make it more sustainable.
The video provides a number of specific examples, graphs of global data, and highlights the current use of fossil fuels to provide the majority of the energy required.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This video is well-researched and explains complicated concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
The video is divided into chapters, which allows the viewer to skip to relevant sections.
The graphics and animations help with comprehension.
Additional Prerequisites
Some cryptocurrency jargon is used, including terms such as proof-of-work, proof-of-stake, and mining.
Students should be familiar with Watt hours and the metric system.
There may be an ad before the video, and there is a sponsored ad at the end that can be skipped.
Differentiation
This video talks about crypto colonialism, which could be tied into lessons about modern or historic colonialism in social studies classes.
Cryptocurrency is decentralized, so this video could be included when talking about banking and modern-day money in an economics class.
Another possible activity could be a debate where some students argue for cryptocurrency and others argue against it, using the data provided in the video.
The resource introduces students to cryptocurrency and how it is increasing prospects for global inequality, fossil fuel consumption, and higher carbon footprints. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Civics
D2.Civ.1.9-12 Distinguish the powers and responsibilities of local, state, tribal, national, and international civic and political institutions.
Dimension 2: Economics
D2.Eco.15.9-12 Explain how current globalization trends and policies affect economic growth, labor markets, rights of citizens, the environment, and resource and income distribution in different nations.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.3 Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.
