AN EARTH VISION FILM PRODUCTION in association with EARTH VISION INSTITUTE

We humans are a force of nature. At the same time human activities alter the basic elements of life – earth, air, water, and fire – those elements change human life.

In an arresting new documentary from the producers of RACING EXTINCTION, THE COVE and CHASING ICE, environmental photographer James Balog captures the lives of everyday Americans on the front lines of climate change. With rare compassion and heart, THE HUMAN ELEMENT inspires us to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world.

LESSON PLANS AND FILM CLIPS FOR EDUCATORS

Free lesson plans to complement THE HUMAN ELEMENT in your classroom

Clips of the film and accompanying lesson plans for middle and high school students are available to educators free of charge. This dynamic curriculum engages students and teachers in forward-looking dialogue and thoughtful discussions around climate change and its impacts on their communities and daily lives. Through compelling scientific and visual evidence, students will learn how the Anthropocene—the current epoch of systemic human change in the environment—is affecting four foundational elements: earth, air, water, and fire.

The curriculum, a mixture of art and science mirroring the film, can be used in either humanities or science classes. All lessons are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

EACH LESSON INCLUDES:

• • Background information
  • Discussion guides and project suggestions
  • Links to partners working in relevant fields
  • Additional resources
  • Extension activities for more advanced learning

THE LESSON PLANS:

• • Full film lesson: For educators who screen the full film for their students, this lesson focuses on the broad concepts introduced in THE HUMAN ELEMENT, includes some media literacy prompts, and can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as an introduction to the full series of lessons.
  • Four film chapter lessons: Each of the four elements in the film – earth, air, water and fire – has its own separate lesson plan and accompanying film clip, ideal for fitting into class periods. These chapters can be used a stand-alone lessons, or as part of a series.
    
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  • Culminating lesson: This lesson can be taught at the end of the elemental series for students to compile their insights and art projects to share as a classroom or larger community exhibit.