WSST Conference 2017

Scientists are now referring to our current geological age as “The Anthropocene” to emphasize the impact that humans have had on the land, seas, climate and wildlife over the past 200 years. In fact, as our species’ population has grown from barely a billion to over 7 billion since the Industrial Revolution, human settlements and natural resource use have changed the planet’s physical geography and ecosystems. Teaching about the Anthropocene integrates life sciences with world history and geography, making for interdisciplinary lessons rich in content, real-world data and problem-solving challenges.

In this hands-on session, discover classroom activities and interactive online resources to help students explore different aspects of the Anthropocene including human population growth, climate change, changes in biodiversity and land use. The presented activities build knowledge and skills in life and social sciences, while applying learning to authentic problems. Activity formats include data analysis and interpretation, modeling and group problem-solving. The presenter will also engage the group with new online, interactive media that combines social science platforms (mapping and historical timelines) with environmental themes. Participants will receive lesson plans and background readings on CD-ROM and through online links.