The kids have been busy wrapping up our studies of the future, and we have recently begun work on our final project.
The project will have the kids writing their own Scenario Forecasts, a futurist tool we recently explored in class. Scenario Forecasts are used to articulate future probabilities/possibilities about a central issue. Many science-fiction stories can be considered Scenario Forecasts, as can more deliberate examples, each of which we took a look at in class. Issues explored by futurists with their forecasts include education, transportation, technology, work, leisure, and countless others.
The kids will use the future invention they have spent time studying as their central issue. They are to imagine a future in which this invention has become commonplace. They are to include a healthy dose of the “probable” in their forecasts, with splashes of “possible” thrown in for fun. They can take any approach they want, from humorous to more earnest looks at the future they envision.
We’ll keep you informed as we go about how they are coming along. Right now, the kids have a first draft due to me by Wednesday, January 26th. We will soon be talking about how we want to share these when they are done, and will be looking at some creative ways of doing so. We want our audience to be more than just those kids with whom we come to ELP.
The creative floodgates have been thrown wide, and I am excited to see where these forecasts go. Check back for updates!
