Activity Introduction
Quick summary: This Changes Everything includes a book by Naomi Klein and film by Avi Lewis. The texts join the dots between climate change, economic systems and the power of community action. In this lesson students will begin by reading extracts from the book and work independently and in groups to create definitions for the concepts of ‘extractivism’ and ‘regeneration’ based on the extracts. In addition they will research, describe and evaluate both historical and modern-day examples of extractivism and regeneration and determine how extractivism and regeneration differ in the ways that each places value on people and the planet’s resources. Finally, students will work independently to create posters that visually capture the idea of extractivism or regeneration, using stories from their research for inspiration.
Learning Objectives:
- Students understand the meaning of the terms ‘extractivism’ and ‘regeneration’, and understand how these can be applied in both modern-day and historical contexts.
- Students identify some of the complexity behind human behaviour and our relationship with the environment.
- Students recognise the different ways people view the benefits and costs of economic growth and capitalism.
- Students consider whether it is possible to have economic growth that values both people and the environment.
21st century skills:
Advice for teachers: This unit is designed to help year 9 and 10 students to look critically at the idea of how our economic system’s push for continual growth impacts both the environment and quality of life for all people. Excerpts from the This Changes Everything book and documentary film are used as starting points throughout the lessons to spark discussion, and to put a human face on complex issues through case studies and in-depth analysis. Parts of this unit is suitable for the following learning areas: Geography, Economics and Business, Civics and Citizenship, English and Environmental Science. These lessons can be used to integrate the Cross-curricular priority of Sustainability into your learning area. Each lesson is designed to stand on its own; you can easily pick and choose what learning activities best meet your curricular goals.
Australian Curriculum content descriptions:
Year 9 Geography
- The effects of the production and consumption of goods on places and environments throughout the world and including a country from North-East Asia (ACHGK068)
Year 9 Economics and Business
- Why and how people manage financial risks and rewards in the current Australian and global financial landscape (ACHEK040)
Year 9 English
- Present an argument about a literary text based on initial impressions and subsequent analysis of the whole text (ACELT1771)
- Create imaginative, informative and persuasive texts that present a point of view and advance or illustrate arguments, including texts that integrate visual, print and/or audio features (ACELY1746)
Year 10 Geography
- Human-induced environmental changes that challenge sustainability (ACHGK070)
Year 10 Economics and Business
- The ways businesses respond to changing economic conditions and improve productivity through organisational management and workforce management (ACHEK054)
Year 10 English
- Reflect on, extend, endorse or refute others’ interpretations of and responses to literature (ACELT1640)
- Create sustained texts, including texts that combine specific digital or media content, for imaginative, informative, or persuasive purposes that reflect upon challenging and complex issues (ACELY1756)
Syllabus outcomes: GE4-2, GE4-3, GE4-4, GE4-5, GE5-2, GE5-3, C5.2, C5.3, C5.4, EN5-1A, EN5-5C.
General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Intercultural Understanding.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.1, OI.6, OI.8.
Relevant parts of Year 9 Geography achievement standards: Students analyse interconnections between people, places and environments and explain how these interconnections influence people, and change places and environments.
Relevant parts of Year 9 Economics and Business achievement standards: Students explain the importance of managing financial risks and rewards and analyse the different strategies that may be used.
Relevant parts of Year 9 English achievement standards: Students evaluate and integrate ideas and information from texts to form their own interpretations. They create texts that respond to issues, interpreting and integrating ideas from other texts.
Relevant parts of Year 10 Geography achievement standards: Students identify, analyse and explain significant interconnections between people, places and environments and explain changes that result from these interconnections and their consequences.
Relevant parts of Year 10 Economics and Business achievement standards: Students explain how businesses respond to changing economic conditions and improve productivity.
Relevant parts of Year 10 English achievement standards: Students develop and justify their own interpretations of texts. They create a wide range of texts to articulate complex ideas.
Topic: Climate Change, Sustainability, This Changes Everything.
Unit of work: This Changes Everything.
Time required: 60 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee activity and guide discussions.
Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet, workbooks, A3 poster paper and markers. Film clip: Short-term Projects v. Long-term Damage. This Changes Everything book excerpts: Extractivism and Regeneration. Access to Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth and Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (Take it Further/Extension).
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Keywords: Extractivism, regeneration, social justice, nature, environment, global economy, growth, This Changes Everything,
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher preparation