BogdanFieldFilmNotes1


 * Powering the Top of the World**

//Argument/Argument-// The overarching argument of Powering the Top of the World is that even with so much potential with clean energy and the abundance of natural resources available- many citizens must take their energy needs into their own hands without relying on the government to make widespread changes. Many citizens of Nepal struggled to handle everyday tasks without power. Although they place a large emphasis on the lack of power lines throughout the country, they also emphasize individual efforts in extremely small communities to utilize natural resources. While these individual efforts often include makeshift turbines or hydropower plants that only work during certain times of year, they are extremely sustainable. The

//How to increase the educational value-// To increase the educational value of this film, I would have added a part that explained the process on how the sustainable structures were built and maintained throughout their lifetime. It’s important to understand how a turbine works or how a hydropower plant generates power in order to show others how to make a difference on their own.

//Ideas based on film//- It’s important for students to understand the government influence over sustainable practices on several scales. Could give students fake money and have them vote on where they want their money to go- whether they want it to go to sustainable practices or to other things that benefit the community or to an option that will benefit them short-term. For example, would you want to spend half of your money on wind turbines for the community or an ice cream party for the community? Ask them before and after you educate them about the benefits of sustainability and use that to explain environmental education and its benefits.

//Extensions to literacy goals-// Adding a literacy goal on the understanding government roles in respect to sustainability and the environment. The film emphasized that frequent changes in leadership roles and corruption led to an unstable foundation for the future of sustainable energy planning.


 * Powering the Planet**

//Argument/Argument-// Many parts of the world are still relying on 19th century technologies (especially the USA) but it’s possible to turn to alternatives with a long term plan. Many countries like Brazil and Denmark have made decisions at the national level to create an energy infrastructure that will exist long-term. Emphasis on long-term political change.

//How to increase the educational value-// To increase the educational value of the film. After watching the film, I do not know how to really make a change in my country because all problems were portrayed as though they can only be permanently solved through national change.

//Ideas based on film-// I thought this film really emphasized potential for change, alternative ways of doing things and organizing society using cross-cultural examples. An idea for a lesson is have the students pick a type of environment out of a bag (ex. desert, wetland, waterway) and brainstorm different ideas on what kind of energy they could create based on the environment they’ve received. It could have them look at things they are not used to.

//Extensions to literacy goals-// It is important to understand short-term and long-term change. Explain the differences and the importance of simultaneously achieving both.


 * The Future of Energy**

//Argument/Argument-// The film was geared towards a younger generation that have the ability to influence the science and technology innovations of the future. It focuses on the idea that many of time, resources are widely abundant; however, social and political barriers are often in the way. Towards the end, the film focuses more on how the younger generation needs to take a “trans local” approach on sustainability. Focuses on small successes around the world.

//How to increase the educational value-// Could have focused more on the transition that Greensburg, Kansas went through. More information on how they went from a town that was destroyed by a tornado to one of the most sustainable towns in the country in only a few years.

//Ideas based on film-// Introduce the students to local groups who work to better the environment and show them that they can be part of a bigger organization that makes a difference.