2 minute read
Viewing Activities
KNOW / WANT TO KNOW CHART
Directions:
The film you are about to watch is all about the element of carbon. You might already know a few things about carbon, or have at least heard some related terms, such as “carbon emissions” or “carbon footprint.” Fill out this chart to activate your prior knowledge before watching the film, first listing the things you know in the left column, then listing things you want to know in the right column.
KNOW
WANT TO KNOW
CARBON NOTECATCHER
Directions:
This film is full of information about carbon ‘s role in the universe and how it impacts our lives as humans. Use this notecatcher to record important facts about carbon in the four categories identified in each box.
FEATURES AND “PERSONALITY TRAITS”
What are some internal characteristics of carbon? When scientists describe carbon as a person, what personality traits do they use to describe it?
FUNCTIONS AND PROCESSES
What bonds does carbon form with other elements? What do these bonds do? What other natural processes is carbon a part of?
CARBON NOTECATCHER
CHANGES
How has the presence or levels of carbon changed over time? What changes in the environment are related to processes connected to carbon?
CARBON IN THE FUTURE
What will happen to carbon in the future? How is carbon likely to impact life on Earth in the future??
RESPONSE QUESTIONS
Directions:
Respond to each question, referring to specific scenes, events, and dialogue from the film as evidence for your interpretation.
1. What were the most important characteristics of carbon or processes related to carbon that you learned?
2. Why do you think the filmmakers chose to depict carbon as a human? Why do you think they assigned carbon a female gender identity?
3. The filmmakers interviewed a variety of types of experts: geologists, astrophysicists, climate scientists, biologists, indigenous land stewards, and more. Why do you think so many perspectives were included?
What does this tell you about carbon?
4. Do you think the film predicts a mostly positive or mostly negative future for humanity and for the planet? ________________________________________________________________________________________________
FOUR C’S
Directions:
Respond to each prompt in complete sentences, citing specific scenes, events, and dialogue from the film as evidence for your response.
CONNECTIONS
What connections do you draw between the film and your own life or your other learning?
CHALLENGE
What ideas, positions, or assumptions do you want to challenge or debate in the film?
CONCEPTS
What key concepts or ideas do you think are important and worth holding on to from the film?
CHANGES
What changes in attitudes, thinking, or action are suggested by the film, either for you or others?
Adapted from Harvard Project Zero’s Thinking Routine Toolbox:
http://www.pz.harvard.edu/resources/the-4-cs
