Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Extractivism: Characteristics

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The goal-setting stage is crucial for establishing a clear direction for the lesson. At this stage, the focus is on ensuring that both the teacher and students have a precise understanding of what is expected to be achieved by the end of the session. By defining specific and measurable objectives, students can better direct their learning efforts and apply previous knowledge in the classroom, thus maximizing the effectiveness of teaching through the inverted classroom methodology.

Main Objectives:

1. Empower students to discuss and understand the concept of extractivism, identifying its characteristics and environmental impacts.

2. Develop the ability to evaluate and propose sustainable ways to extract raw materials from nature, valuing local and global impacts.

Side Objectives:

1. Encourage active participation of students in group discussions and problem-solving.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The introduction serves to engage students in the theme of the lesson, using problem situations that stimulate critical reflection on extractivism. Additionally, the historical and current contextualization of the topic helps establish the relevance of studying extractivism, connecting content with the reality of students and preparing the ground for the practical activities that will follow.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine that a large logging company is planning to expand its operations in the Amazon. What could be the impacts of increased extractivism in the region?

2. Consider a scenario where a local community, dependent on collecting nuts for their livelihood, faces the arrival of a bioprospecting company. How could they organize themselves to ensure the sustainability of their extractive practices?

Contextualization

Extractivism is an economic practice that dates back to the beginnings of humanity, where indigenous and traditional peoples collected natural resources for their subsistence. Today, extractivism faces significant challenges due to uncontrolled exploitation and the need for conservation. For example, palm oil, widely used in the food industry, is often produced unsustainably, resulting in deforestation and loss of biodiversity. These examples illustrate the importance of discussing extractivism in a sustainable manner.

Development

Duration: (70 - 75 minutes)

The Development stage is crucial for the practical application of sustainable extractivism concepts. Through interactive and dynamic activities, students have the opportunity to explore the topic in depth, applying prior knowledge creatively and collaboratively. This approach not only reinforces learning but also develops essential skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, preparing students to face real challenges related to extractivism in the future.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - The Forest at Play

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop argumentation, negotiation, and understanding of the complexities involved in sustainable extractivism.

- Description: In this activity, students will be divided into groups of up to 5 people and will assume the roles of different stakeholders (local community, bioprospecting company, government, environmental NGO) in a hypothetical scenario of expanding extractivism in the Amazon. Each group will receive specific information and must negotiate solutions that minimize environmental and social impacts while maximizing economic benefits.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Assign each group a stakeholder and provide a package of information about their motivations, resources, and objectives.

• Allow 30 minutes for each group to discuss their strategies internally.

• Conduct a roundtable simulation where each group presents their action proposals and negotiates with other groups.

• Conclude with a reflection on the proposed solutions and challenges encountered.

Activity 2 - Sustainable Extractivism Map

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Promote research and presentation of practical solutions for sustainable extractivism.

- Description: Students, in groups, will create an interactive map using various materials (colored paper, markers, magazine cutouts) to represent different regions of the world and the types of natural resources that are sustainably extracted. Each group must research a type of resource and present their map at the end of the activity.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of up to 5.

• Allocate each group a type of natural resource (e.g., rubber, nuts, fish).

• Provide materials to create the interactive map.

• Guide students to research about sustainable extraction of the designated resource.

• Allow 40 minutes for each group to create their map and prepare a brief presentation.

• Hold an exhibition of the maps and discuss the similarities and differences between the resources represented.

Activity 3 - Raw Materials Theater

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Stimulate creativity and effective communication about complex issues through an artistic approach.

- Description: In this playful activity, students in groups will create and present a short play that illustrates different aspects of extractivism, focusing on how it can be sustainable and beneficial for all involved. Each group will choose a natural resource and develop a story that involves its extraction and impacts.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group selects a natural resource to base their play on.

• Provide time for the groups to develop a script, create simple sets, and rehearse their presentations.

• Allow 30 minutes for rehearsals.

• Conduct presentations for the whole class.

• Conclude with a discussion about the messages conveyed in each play.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate the learning acquired during practical activities, allowing students to articulate and reflect on knowledge in a group context. This discussion helps reinforce understanding of sustainable extractivism concepts and their practical applications, as well as promoting communication and argumentation skills. By sharing their experiences, students can also learn from each other, further enriching the learning process.

Group Discussion

After carrying out the activities, gather all students for a group discussion. Start the conversation with a brief introduction, highlighting the importance of sharing experiences and learnings from each team. Encourage students to reflect on the proposed solutions and challenges faced during the simulations and creations. Use the following script to guide the discussion: 1. Ask each group to summarize the problem they faced and the solutions they found. 2. Ask how their view on extractivism changed after the activities. 3. Encourage discussion on how sustainable practices can be applied in daily life.

Key Questions

1. What were the main challenges you faced in trying to implement sustainable extractivism practices?

2. How can the solutions proposed in your simulations be applied in real life to improve extractivism?

3. What did you learn that was most surprising about the complexity of extractivism and its ramifications?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The purpose of the Conclusion stage is to consolidate learning, ensuring that students have understood key concepts and their applications. Additionally, it aims to reinforce the importance of sustainable extractivism and motivate students to apply the knowledge gained in real contexts. This final reflection helps to close the learning cycle, preparing students to continue exploring and adopting sustainable practices in their lives.

Summary

To conclude, the teacher should recap the main points discussed about extractivism, highlighting definitions, types of extractivism, and social and environmental impacts. It is important to summarize the sustainable solutions discussed and how they can be applied to minimize these impacts.

Theory Connection

During the lesson, students had the opportunity to connect theory with practice through interactive activities, such as simulations and the creation of maps and plays. This approach facilitated understanding of theoretical concepts, allowing students to visualize and discuss real-world applications of sustainable extractivism methods.

Closing

Finally, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of sustainable extractivism for the future of the planet and local communities. Discussing and implementing sustainable practices not only reduces environmental impacts but also promotes economic and social development. These lessons not only inform but also empower students to be agents of change in their communities.