Inclusivity in Instruction

Example Activity
Colonization in The Outer Worlds - Exploration of...

Introduction

In a YouTube series, Because Space, Dr. Moogega Cooper discusses the feasibility of colonization outside the earth for humans. Using the action-role playing game, The Outer Worlds, she applies scientific principles for exploration and colonization of other “outer” worlds. Using the video, How to Colonize The Outer Worlds, as the basis for activities, we are introduced to Dr. Cooper and various topics and terminology. While the topic is scientific, faculty in other disciplines can explore topics from sociology, history, education and technology.

Background on Dr., Cooper, the game, as well as Dr. Cooper’s Because Science video should be completed prior to developing this activity for the classroom. It should also be a component of the activity introduction for students.

As a guest speaker in September 2021, faculty who desire to prepare an activity such as this, will garner enthusiasm and momentum for engagement with Dr. Cooper’s presentation.

Topic: Colonization of Outer World - Exploration of...

Keywords: Colonization, Ethics, Gaming, The Outer Worlds, Science, Terraforming, Breathable Air, Moxie Instrument, Nuclear Explosion, Global Warming, Sustainability

Class Mode: Online, Hybrid (Note: Any mode will work with adaptation)

Participants: Faculty member, students

Disciplines (if necessary): Biology, Physics, Sociology, History, Education

Length of Time: 30 - 45 (review of content, participate in discussion)

Duration: 1 week

Online / Offline:

Areas of Concern / Areas of Care: Preparing them for what might come up

Be careful to introduce the topics, speaker and preparatory materials well. This topic depending on the discipline, and subject chosen may have more emotive elements.

Mindfulness Moment(s):

There is an incredible opportunity to talk about the Dr. Cooper, womyn of color in STEM, womyn of color in Higher Education, exposure to seeing individuals students may personally identify regardless of identity but specifically because of identity.

Learning Outcomes

• Define science terminology related to terraforming an outer world

• Discuss implications of colonization

• Distinguish the positive outcomes from negative implication of colonization

Guidelines

Instructions

Students will review the video and content materials

Prior to Class Preparation

In an announcement to the class, inform students of the upcoming activity and need to prepare by watching multimedia and reading content provided.

Module / Lesson Materials

Provide to students:

• How to Colonize The Outer Worlds

• The Outer Worlds (Wikipedia)

• The Outer Worlds Wiki - Fandom (The Outer World Wiki)

Discussion Prompt

Before getting started, make sure to review the content related to the topic for this discussion.

In the video, How to Colonize The Outer Worlds, Dr. Cooper talks about the variety considerations with terraforming and colonization of the outer world. Provide a definition for each, and in your own words, are they the same or different? And why?

Then, let’s look at the different considerations, which were you familiar with, which were you not? Tell us, what you learn and what you already know.

And let’s talk a little bit more about what are the implications of colonizations? Are there any? Are there concerns from a scientific point of view? Is there anything we have learned in history that concerns us? What is your personal perspective?

During the Class

• Intentional Reflection - List questions faculty could interject in a conversation with students.

Post Class

• After the class discussion, faculty should summarize the conversations with either a closing discussion post, post-activity vide or announcement

• Utilize activity as reference for other topics

Evaluation

Based on the learning outcomes, and assessment criteria desired, provide students with a short 5 question survey about the activity.

Additional Instructions / Announcements

For students for further information and for faculty about how to get resources

Citations / Resource List

Facilitation Strategies

Facilitating student learning can occur in countless ways. Faculty are encouraged to strengthen their relationships with students by using a variety of tools and approaches. Facilitation that encourages and motivates students to learn and absorb information in ways that are meaningful and relevant to them.

1. Choice: Offer students multiple options when assigning projects or discussions topics.

2. Variation: Vary class activities so students have options in trying different learning approaches and avenues to show their comprehension.

3. Connection: Offer context for each lesson, topic, unit, and show how it relates to other things your students might be learning or experiencing. Tie material into other lessons, classes, subjects, current events, or real-life examples. Promote discussions to explore how and why the lesson or topic is relevant to their lives and why it matters.

4. Conversation: Give students time to problem-solve, reflect, talk through a problem in pairs, small groups or as a class. Conversations promote communication skills, socialization, and cooperation.

5. Resources: Teach students how to assess the quality and validity of the information you offer or they find. Provide a variety of resources from diverse cultural backgrounds. Use examples that speak across gender, work across cultures, and are relatable to people from various socioeconomic statuses, ages, and religions.

Learning Theories

Theories of behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism that are considered to underpin the theory and practice of inclusive education.

1. Behaviorism: focuses on how students learn.

2. Cognitivism: focuses on the processes involved in learning rather than on the observed behavior.

3. Constructivism: focuses on how the learner interprets new information & applies their own reality

What is Your Teaching Style? 5 Effective Teaching Methods for Your Classroom

Prompt for Class Discussion

This article focuses on Native American People's colonization What does it mean to heal from historical trauma?

Native American peoples’ health is impacted by structural legacies of settler colonialism, including land dispossession, racism, and poverty. Responding with care to individuals and communities experiencing past and present traumatic stress from genocide and deeply entrenched structural violence means navigating ongoing grief, restoring self-community and human-ecological relationships, and generating cultural vibrancy.