Overview
The Immortality Game involves giving groups of students a scenario in which they are a secret committee that is charged with deciding whether or not to release a new drug--a drug that can eliminate the aging process for one year in any person who takes the drug.
Global Citizenship Objectives Addressed (K=knowledge; S=skill; A=attitude)
K6. Explain the interdependence of events and systems.
S3. Think critically about problems and issues.
S4. Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
A1. Be open to new ideas and perspectives.
A7. Feel a sense of responsibility and efficacy to take action based on ethical analysis and empathy.
Global Challenges addressed*
Technology (computation, biotechnology, nanotechnology, transhumanism)
Population (growth, aging, urbanization, migration)
Resources (food, water, energy, climate change)
Information (data growth, access, social networking, information Integrity, knowledge)
Economies (interconnections, emerging players, debt, poverty)
Conflict (causes of conflict, nature of conflict, conflict resolution)
Governance (state actors, international organizations, multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations)
*Technology is the primary challenge addressed; all other challenges are affected by the introduction of a single new technology.
Description of Teaching and Learning Activity
This activity involves groups in class (or possibly online) reviewing a scenario in which a new technology (an immortality drug) becomes available. Each group is asked to identify the advantages and disadvantages of releasing the drug. The group is then asked to decide whether or not to release the drug. If they decide to release the drug, they are asked to decide what restrictions they might put in place; if they decide not to release the drug, they are asked to decide what to do with the present information. Background information on this activity and a technique (the futures wheel) to examine the many implications of this drug and its possible release.
Related Handouts
The Immortality Game (doc) (pdf)