ESUMS follows a block schedule. Lessons described are intended for an 80-minute period, and may take 1-2 sessions to complete.
A Note on Sequence: Prior Knowledge
This is the second unit in a four-unit semester course. In the previous unit, students unpack the 20-minute documentary The Story of Stuff (2007) by Annie Leonard by recreating the packaging for everyday objects to show the hidden negative externalities that go into their production. Unit two builds off the knowledge gained during those activities. The Story of Stuff is the cornerstone text for this unit and course, as it interrogates our modern-day consumption habits and their sustainability. Although it is from 2007, it is still highly relevant to this day, and students even acknowledge that the situation is likely worse. (A potential side activity to explore is to have students update the content). In the film Annie Leonard guides the viewer through each stage of production (the economic sectors) and showcases the hidden social costs at each step. It is a lot of content all at once, that for many students has been eye opening and overwhelming. For this reason, unit one and unit two serve to break down the core ideas of the film, with unit one using an economic-historical lens and unit two delving into a more philosophical and abstract approach. The aim is to expose the students to the essential question: “What does it mean to be a consumer in the modern age?”
