Class Activity - Futures Literacy

Activity Outline (for application in person)

1. Introduction to Scenario Analysis (5 minutes)
• Explain what scenario analysis is and its importance.
• Discuss how scenario analysis can help in planning for sustainable food systems.

2. Setting the Context (5 minutes)

• Present a brief overview of the current food system, including its challenges and opportunities.
• Provide background information on factors influencing food systems, such as climate change, population growth, technological advancements, and policy changes.

3. Scenario Development (15 minutes)

• Divide participants into small groups.
• Each group will develop two contrasting scenarios for the future of food systems (e.g., a best-case scenario and a worst-case scenario).
• Provide guiding questions to help structure the scenarios:
• What are the key drivers of change affecting food systems?
• How might these drivers influence food production, distribution, consumption, and disposal?
• What are the potential impacts on health, environment, and society?

4. Scenario Presentation (15 minutes)

• Each group presents their scenarios to the larger group.
• Encourage participants to discuss the feasibility and implications of each scenario.

5. Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)

• Facilitate a group discussion on the scenarios presented.
• Reflect on the importance of futures literacy in planning for sustainable food systems.
• Discuss how these scenarios can inform teaching practices and inspire students to think critically about the future.

Here is an interesting website to explore different future scenarios.