The Anthropocene
Lesson Plans
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10Biology, History, English Language Arts
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by OER Project
What it is
- This interactive online course discusses the reasons why many geoligists think we are now in a new epoch, called the Anthropocene, due to the overwhelming effects humanity has had on the biosphere.
- It includes a video, a vocabulary worksheet, articles, reading guides, a graph interpretation worksheet, a writing assignment, and an assessment.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This resource does a great job of summarizing information, activating prior knowledge, helping students think critically, and allowing students to work on their reading and writing skills.
- Students can test their knowledge at the end with the interactive assessment.
Additional Prerequisites
- The PDF worksheets are available for download to print off for students.
- Students will need access to a computer and Internet connection to use the online features.
Differentiation
- Middle school students will benefit from the vocabulary worksheet, summaries, and guided reading sheets.
- High school students could have discussions about the topics covered to gain additional understanding and insights.
- Math classes could use the graph and worksheet presented as an example of plotting data over time and calculating slope.
- As an extension, have students use this interactive data resource to investigate the drivers of climate change for the world or for specific countries.
- Biology classes can connect this lesson to biodiversity loss, the sixth mass extinction event, and habitat loss.
- Social studies classes can expand on the connections to education and equality.
From the scientist review
This resource outlines the rising complexity in the Anthropocene and compares this with the Holocene epoch. Students can gain deep insights by comparing these geologic periods, including their benefits. Recommended for teaching.
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