Teacher Lesson Plans - Futurology
Introduction (5 minutes)
Explain that in history there was a man named Nostradamus, and that he was famous (but don’t say why). Next, write the given quotes (without the names) on the blackboard and ask the class to say who they refer to, by hinting that these were considered the three antichrists of history. Finally, you should reveal when Nostradamus’ was alive (1503-1566) and explain that we are going to discuss the topic of futurology.
Napoleon
An Emperor shall be born near Italy.
Who shall cost the Empire dear
Hitler
Out of the deepest part of the west of Europe,
His fame shall increase in the Eastern Kingdom.
The child of Germany observes no law.
The greater part of the battlefield will be against Hister.
Saddam Hussein
Out of the country of Greater Arabia
He will be the terror of mankind.
Never more horror.
In the year 1999 and seven months
The war will last seven and twenty years.
The sky will burn at forty-five degrees. (New York)
Fire approaches the great new city.
By fire he will destroy their city.
Discussion and preparation (15)
Ask the class to form groups of 4. Tell them that they must make a prediction about technology which will be available in 3, 10, 40 and 100 years. You need to allow them some thinking time, with the end result being each group choosing their favourite examples and presenting it to the class. The audience can vote on which one sounds most likely, most useful, most ridiculous, etc.
Group predictions for science or technology (30 minutes)
Listen to the presentations.
Paired discussion (50 minutes)
Give out the handouts (A and B) and the groups to reorder the pieces into the correct date period. These predictions were genuine and were created in a BT report written in 2005. Finally you should review the answers in class
Handout A - Prediction Dates
2006 – 2008
2008 – 2011
2011 – 2014
2014 – 2017
2017 – 2020
2020 – 2025
2025 – 2030
2030 – 2035
2035 – 2040
2040 – 2045
2045 – 2050
2050 +
Handout B - Predictions
A - Self-driving car
Cars will be able to steer themselves by using high-tech satellite navigation and sensors which stop them from getting too close to other cars. Mercedes has currently trialling a prototype.
B - Holographic TV
TV become three-dimensional, as it is projected into the middle of the room as a hologram.
C - Brain downloads
A computer will be able to upload all your thoughts, feelings and memories, which can be downloaded into another brain at any stage, thus enabling your to live consciously forrever.
D - Mars colony
There will exist a small settlement of scientists and explorers who can be entirely self-sufficient., by growing their food in large greenhouse-style areas.
E - Electronic medical prescriptions
Doctors will be able to enter their diagnosis into a computer, choose the correct treatment and send the information to a pharmacist via an SMS.
F - Active make-up
Although it seems normal, a small remote control will be able to change the colours in an instant.
G- Medicine delivered via fruit
Fruit will be grown with vitamins and even medicine already inside it, which will cross the gaps between natural and artificial treatment.
H - 3d Home Printers
Printers will move from creating flat planes of images, and move into the 3D world by building up layers until a solid model is formed.
I - Moon base
The Moon will hold a complete base which can be accessed by regular shuttle flights.
J - Space elevator
The Earth will be connected to space by a giant cable, running between a floating sea platform and a satellite. This will greatly lower the costs and energy needed to reach space.
K - Viewers play film roles
By using high-tech computers, the viewer will be able to enter their individual specifics into a digital copy of their favourite film and have their body and voice added in.
L - Biostasis in space travel
Travelling in space over large distance will be easier as technology will be available which slows down the body's metabolism to reduce ageing on space journeys lasting tens of years.
Answers: 1E 2G 3A 4F 5K 6B 7H 8L 9J 10I 11D 12C
