Finding out about 2040 (US)

In this lesson, students will be immersed in and connect with the documentary film 2040. Students begin by exploring and defining key concepts and challenges from the 2040 documentary. They then work in groups in a class jigsaw activity to analyse one particular challenge and then share their conclusions with the class. Working in the same groups, students will then participate in a brainstorm activity to generate solutions to their challenge, again sharing these with the class.

Students are provided with scaffolding to enhance their viewing and reflecting on the 2040 documentary film. 

• Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion, lead students in activities.

Learning intentions:

• 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.