A set of flexible classroom resources that inspires students as they learn & design for a hope-filled future
Instead of messages of doom, FutureMakers provides students in grades 4 to 7 with the knowledge to design a thriving sustainable future. The decision-making power is put into students’ hands to inspire hope for their future and give them space to feel creative, resilient, and capable.
Why hope-based environmental education?
Research has shown that many of our youth don’t even have the tools to imagine anything but an apocalyptic future for themselves and the importance of hope, grounded in truth, in presenting complex environmental topics. Instead of starting with all of the shocking statistics, depressing facts, and stories of despair, FutureMakers helps students dream of a safe, clean, and thriving future, a future they are happy to see themselves as a part of. As psychologist Renee Lertzman argues, there is a delicate balance that must be considered between holding our conflicted feelings about the state of the future.
The FutureMakers program showcases new technology and inspiring solutions that lead the way to a sustainable future. The decision-making power is put into students’ hands to inspire hope for their future, and give them space to feel creative, resilient and capable.
What is included?
- Video lessons – Lessons start with inspiring, informative videos that introduce 5 sustainable community design topics (food, waste, water, transportation, energy). Videos also showcase examples of new technology and inspiring solutions that lead the way to a sustainable future.
- Extension buffet – If you would like to take the learning a little deeper and have time to reinforce the concepts there is a “buffet” of easy-to-use extension activities, including hands-on activities, games, and outdoor learning opportunities.
- Student planning booklet – After each video lesson, teachers give students time to record their ideas in their planning booklet, and discuss. The booklet helps guiide students through the process of designing a sustainable community of the future, with room for student notes, drawings, and reflection.
- Build time – Students design, build, and then share. Students use the ideas from their planning booklet and build connections between each topic to plan and create their whole community design. Teachers define how students will build and present their project, which can be tailored to specific classroom resources and goals. Past teachers have had success using cardboard, Lego, Minecraft Education, or posters.
- Teacher Forum – At the bottom of each lesson page, check out the Teacher Forum where you can share your experiences, read feedback and connect with other teachers in the program.
Wildsight Education has instilled a sense of stewardship and love for nature in students across the Columbia Basin for almost 25 years. FutureMakers provides engaging, environmental education resources for teachers beyond our physical boundaries. Proceeds from this social enterprise project will go towards expanding in-person environmental education in Canada’s Columbia and Rocky Mountain regions.