Learning Objectives

• I can understand the purpose and functions of the United Nations at an introductory level.
• I can collaborate with peers to brainstorm solutions that consider multiple perspectives. 
• I can confidently convey my ideas to others.
• I can argue for and against multiple perspectives with respect and curiosity.

Starting Activity

Blow Up the Balloon:

In a circle, a student makes a factual statement (i.e. “More and more people are playing pickleball”). You can either ask students to volunteer a statement, or introduce one yourself. The next person adds on by saying “which leads to…”, and so on until each student has gone. Each result should be increasingly more impactful to “blow up the balloon”. 

Simulation Topic

“Should scientists develop a way for everyone to live forever?”

Simulation Guiding Questions

How would the ability to live forever influence a person’s pursuit of personal goals?

How could unequal access to immortality-related technologies and treatments increase existing social inequalities?

What potential mental health effects must scientists consider? Boredom? Existential angst? Sense of purpose?

What are the consequences of long human lifespans on the planet’s environmental resources, including water, energy, and land?

How can countries either work together to support or to prevent scientists researching immortality?

Perspectives by SDG

While these do not need be explained to students at the start of the simulation, these perspectives can be used to support any struggling students to engage in conversation!

Sustainable Development Goal	Perspective to Consider
#1: No Poverty	Would people of all wealth have access to immortality technology?
#2: Zero Hunger	Could immortality influence basic human needs? Would it eliminate hunger?
#3: Good Health & Well-Being	Could immortality mean immunity from deadly diseases?
#4: Quality Education	Would immortal individuals still be motivated to educate themselves? What educational programs should be developed about immortality before technology was released?
#5: Gender Equality	Can we guarantee equal representation for women and men in immortality research studies? How?
#6: Clean Water & Sanitation	Would immortal humans drain water resources? How could be protect and preserve clean water?
#7: Affordable and Clean Energy	How might the quest for immortality drive innovation in clean energy technologies?
#8: Decent Work & Economic Growth	If immortality was achieved, what new work opportunities would arise?
#9: Industry, Innovation, & Infrastructure	What new technologies and treatments might scientists need to develop to support immortal human lives?
#10: Reduced Inequalities	Would immortal individuals feel more or less ethical responsibility to treat others fairly?
#11: Sustainable Cities & Communities	Should all humans become immortal, how should we combat overpopulation?
#12: Responsible Consumption & Production	How could governments regulate and support the consumption of goods demanded by an immortal population?
#13: Climate Action	Would immortal life give individuals greater motivation to take climate action?
#14: Life Below Water	How would immortal humans interact with the ocean ecosystem?
#15: Life on Land	How would immortal humans interact with the land ecosystem?
#16: Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions	How would punishment for criminals be changed by immortal life? Should life sentences be legal?
#17: Partnership for the Goals	How can countries collaborate to form a joint response to scientific immortality research?