We Need to Change How We Bury the Dead

• This video outlines the high financial, environmental, and material costs of modern American burial practices. 
• The video describes four alternative methods for dealing with human remains: cremation, promession, alkaline hydrolysis, and natural burial. 

Positives

• This video is great in exposing the environmental damage of modern American burials. It includes several eye-opening statistics, including numbers on toxic chemicals, concrete use, and land use.

Additional Prerequisites

• You may have to watch an ad before the video.
• Be mindful of approaching the subject of death with your students. Be sensitive to students who may have lost a loved one recently.

Differentiation

• English or science students could watch this video and write a paragraph outlining how they would like their bodies handled after they are deceased.
• Social studies or geography students could use Google Maps to see how much space cemeteries take up in their neighborhoods. One discussion question to ask: "What else could the space be used for if it weren't used as a cemetery?"
• Students could also watch this video on biodegradable mushroom fiber coffins.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.