Exploring the themes of 2040 (US)
In this lesson, students will be immersed in and connect with the documentary film 2040. Students begin by clarifying the key terms used in the 2040 documentary. They then work in groups to investigate some of the challenges we face as identified in the documentary (including energy, transport, and food production). They work in groups to brainstorm solutions to these challenges and are then are invited to watch and reflect on the 2040 documentary film.
United States
Fact sheet , Worksheet , Activity

Overview
In this lesson, students will be immersed in and connect with the documentary film 2040. Students begin by clarifying the key terms used in the 2040 documentary. They then work in groups to investigate some of the challenges for our future as identified in the documentary (including energy, transport, and food production).
Students undertake research into their assigned challenge and then share their findings with the class. They then work in groups to brainstorm solutions to their challenge. Finally, students are invited to watch and reflect on the 2040 documentary film.
Teaching Strategy: Medium – facilitate class discussion.
Learning objectives:
- Students will understand some of the key concepts and messages of the 2040 documentary film.
- Students will understand how a documentary film can engage, inform and inspire.
- Students will understand that solutions to global environmental and social challenges already exist.
Credits and acknowledgements:
Cool.org prepared the 2040 Curriculum Guide. Together Films adapted these lessons for US educators and will do an annual review of these resources to ensure they are still in line with the US Curriculum.
US Educator Note: Australian educational standards have been adapted and aligned by discipline, and when possible, to US standards.
Cool Australia, GoodThing Productions and Regen Studios would like to acknowledge the generous contributions of Good Pitch Australia, Shark Island Institute, Documentary Australia Foundation, The Caledonia Foundation, Global Health Film and our philanthropic partners in the development of these teaching resources.
Watching the film
Watch the full film with your class by filling in this form. If you have any questions, please contact the Together Films team at 2040@togetherfilms.org
The Schools Version of 2040 includes an educational licence and is for US elementary and secondary schools that wish to utilise the film as a learning tool or host on-site screenings for the school community.
Curriculum mapping
What you'll need
- Lesson materials.
- Student worksheets – one copy per student. Device capable of presenting a video to the class.
- Device capable of creating audiovisual recordings, such as an iPad or camera.
Lesson materials
More from this unit

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