The Story of Stuff/ Life Cycle of Electronics

 

 

 

 

1. What is the main message of "The Story of Stuff" documentary?
2. How does the documentary describe the process of production and consumption?
3. What are some of the negative environmental impacts mentioned in the film?
4. How does consumerism affect our planet and society?
5. What role do corporations play in the production and distribution of goods?
6. According to the documentary, what happens to products after consumers throw them away?
7. How are developing countries affected by the global production chain?
8. What is planned obsolescence, and how does it influence consumer behavior?
9. How does the film suggest we can reduce our environmental footprint?
10. What are some ways individuals can make a difference in reducing waste?
11. How does the documentary explain the concept of "external costs" in manufacturing?
12. Why is it important to consider the lifecycle of a product?
13. What alternative consumption ideas are presented in the film?
14. How can policies and regulations help improve the situation described in the documentary?
15. In your opinion, what is the most surprising or shocking part of "The Story of Stuff"? Why?

 

Discussion 

• How has consumerism changed in your lifetime, and what are its effects?
• What are some challenges in reducing waste at an individual level?
• How can schools and communities promote more sustainable practices?
• Can you think of products that are designed to last longer or be repaired? How does that impact the environment?
• What are some policies governments can implement to reduce environmental damage caused by production and disposal?

 

Halloween

 

Halloween in Austria:

1. Are people in Austria celebrated Halloween? If yes, how do they celebrate?
2. What are some traditional Halloween costumes in Austria?
3. Are there any special Halloween events or festivals in Austria?
4. What kinds of decorations are used during Halloween in Austria?
5. Do children in Austria go trick-or-treating? How is it different from America?
6. Are there any unique Austrian Halloween foods or treats?
7. How do families celebrate Halloween together in Austria?
8. Are there any traditional stories or legends associated with Halloween in Austria?
9. What costumes do adults usually wear during Halloween celebrations?
10. How is Halloween different in Austria compared to the United States?

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Other Austrian traditions:

1. What are some common traditional Austrian festivals?
2. How do Austrians celebrate New Year’s Eve?
3. Are there special customs for Easter in Austria?
4. What traditional Austrian foods are served during holidays?
5. How do Austrian people celebrate Christmas?
6. Are there any unique folk dances or music in Austria?
7. What traditional clothes are worn during Austrian festivals, such as Dirndls or Lederhosen?
8. How do families in Austria celebrate their national holiday or "Nationalfeiertag"?
9. Are there any special customs or traditions for birthdays in Austria?
10. What outdoor activities or sports are popular in Austria?
    
    
    
    

Schools and Politics USA/Austria

 

1. How are schools in Austria and the US funded differently?
2. Who decides what students learn in Austria compared to the US?
3. Do students in Austria and the US have to pay for college? How much?
4. How does education affect job chances and social status in both countries?
5. Are students in Austria or the US more likely to come from wealthy families? Why?
6. How do the government’s rules about schools change what students experience and learn?
7. Do the school systems help or stop poor students from doing well?
8. How might student loans or debts affect people’s lives in the US compared to Austria?
9. Do schools in both countries separate students into groups based on their skills? How does this affect society?
10. What can Austria learn from the US or vice versa to make schools better for everyone?

Group activity: 

 

1. School Funding Differences
   Activity: Students create a simple infographic comparing how schools are funded in Austria and the US. They can include government funding, private funding, and student fees.
   Discussion Tip: Ask, “How does funding affect the quality of schools and what opportunities students have?”

2. Who Makes School Decisions?
   Activity: Role-play a school board meeting where students act as teachers, students, parents, and government officials deciding on school policies.
   Discussion Tip: Encourage students to reflect on whose interests should be prioritized and why.

3. College Costs and Debts
   Activity: Make a comparison chart of college costs in Austria and the US. Have students write short personal reflections on how student debt could affect future life choices.
   Discussion Tip: Ask, “Should college be free? Why or why not?”

4. Education’s Role in Jobs and Society
   Activity: Students list common jobs in Austria and the US and discuss what kind of education or training is needed for each.
   Discussion Tip: Explore how education impacts social mobility and access to opportunities.

5. Family Income and Education
   Activity: Use real-life stories or case studies showing how family wealth influences education access. Students can write their thoughts on fairness and equality.
   Discussion Tip: Ask, “How can society ensure everyone has a fair chance regardless of their background?”

6. School Rules and Cultural Values
   Activity: Make a list of common rules in Austrian and US schools. Students discuss why these rules exist and what cultural values they reflect.
   Discussion Tip: Encourage thinking about the purpose of rules and if they are fair.

7. Supporting Low-Income Students
   Activity: Research and present current programs in Austria and the US designed to help students from low-income families succeed.
   Discussion Tip: Talk about ways schools can offer equal opportunities and the importance of social support.

8. Impact of Student Debt
   Activity: Share stories of people with student debts. Have students write about how debt might influence their future plans, like choosing a job or lifestyle.
   Discussion Tip: Discuss whether education should be a right or a privilege, and how debt affects social equality.

9. School Tracks and Social Segregation
   Activity: Debate if tracking students into different groups (like academic or vocational tracks) is fair. Students can share arguments for and against.
   Discussion Tip: Consider how tracking might help or hurt social cohesion and equal opportunity.

10. Ideas for Better Schools
    Activity: Students work in groups to come up with one idea for how Austria and the US can learn from each other to improve education for all students. Present their ideas to the class.
    Discussion Tip: Focus on practical solutions that promote fairness, access, and quality.