Overview
This 30-minute lesson will explore the topic of surviving an apocalypse from a scientific perspective. Students will learn about the various threats that may lead to an apocalypse and the scientific principles that can help them survive such an event.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define what an apocalypse is and identify common types
- Understand the scientific principles of survival in an apocalypse, including strategies for finding food, shelter, and resources
- Evaluate different survival scenarios and determine the best course of action
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with survival tips and strategies
- Computer with internet access for research activity
Lesson Outline
- Introduction to the concept of an apocalypse (5 minutes)
- What is an apocalypse?
- What are common types of apocalypses?
- Discussion of scientific principles of survival (10 minutes)
- Strategies for finding food and water
- How to build a shelter
- Tactics for staying safe from threats like predators or other survivors
- Research activity (10 minutes)
- Have students research a specific type of apocalypse (e.g. zombie outbreak, natural disaster) and determine the best course of action based on their scientific knowledge
- Homework assignment (5 minutes)
- Assign students to create a survival plan for their chosen apocalypse, incorporating the scientific principles discussed in class
Homework
For homework, students are to create a survival plan for their chosen apocalypse. Their plan should include:
- Steps for finding food and water
- Strategies for building a shelter
- Tactics for defending themselves from threats
- An explanation of how their plan is based on scientific principles
Assessment
Assessment will be based on the homework assignment, which will be graded based on:
- Quality of research and accuracy of claims
- Incorporation of scientific knowledge into survival plan
- Creativity and effectiveness of plan
Extension Activities
For advanced students or those who want to delve deeper into the topic, suggest the following extension activities:
- Create a detailed timeline of how an apocalypse might unfold
- Conduct a group discussion about ethical considerations in an apocalypse, such as resource allocation and survival hierarchy
- Write a persuasive essay arguing for the most effective survival strategy in a chosen apocalypse.