| SP.1 | SP.1 – Time Capsule: Stories for the Future | |
| Partner organization (who designed it) | Partner organization: YOMN | |
| Overall description(Tell us the story of this activity) | This activity brings together young people and older adults to share memories and experiences about nature and how the environment has changed in the past years. Together, they will create a ‘Time Capsule’ filled with drawings, objects, messages and free creations that reflect their shared thoughts and hopes for the future of our planet. The goal is to connect generations and inspire care for nature through storytelling, creativity, and dialogue. | |
| Total Duration: | 3 hours | |
| Group size: | 10–20 participants (young people and older adults mixed) | |
| List of materials:(from pens to papers to Wi-Fi to an elephant) | Colour markers, large papers, a recycled box, glue, decorations, natural items (leaves, seeds), phones for audio, sticky notes, soft music. | |
| Activity’s objectives:(what do you want to achieve by delivering this activity) | – Help different generations talk and share memories about nature – Learn from each other about how the environment has changed in the past years- Create something together that represents everyone’s ideas and hopes. – Encourage young people and older adults to work together and respect each other | |
| memory archive timeline: information, picture and link. e.g. short story. | Global Education Week’s “Time Capsule: Education 2040” Event:Photo: free image- pexels | |
| Step-by-Step Description | ||
| Time:(mins) | Activity Description: Include all the steps needed, Include notes for the facilitation. | |
| 20 mins | STEP 1.A Welcome & Warm-UpArrange the group in a circle where they sit comfortably. Ensure that young people and older adults sit alternately to encourage diversity in connections.Introduction: We are going to share experiences and learn from each other about our connection with nature, and how we face today’s climate crisis and its challenges. Sharing Round: give the same time to think about these 3 questions. Or in groups of 3. Each participant says:Their nameSomething they love about nature (a place, an element, or an experience)Why it matters to them (what feelings or memories are linked to it)In in plenary at the end: How their life would change if it disappeared (e.g., “If the river where I played as a child disappeared, I would lose part of my story.”)__________________________________________________________________________________________STEP 1.B – Walking Encounters: “Feelings About the Climate Crisis” (12–15 min)Now I invite you all to stand up and walk freely around the room. Connect them to their body sensations, to the present moment, to explore with their senses, the room and the people around them.Brief random encounters, from pairs to small groups.in pairs: ‘How do I feel about the climate crisis?’Walking in the room. Look for a movement that expresses how you feel.in groups of three: ‘What worries me most about the future?’Walking in the room. Look for a movement that expresses how you feel.back in pairs: ‘What gives you hope?’Walking in the room.Look for a movement that expresses how you feel.Make one choreography with those 3 movements. In pairs, share it with your partners. Walking in the room. Reflective questions. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 2. : Memory CirclesPair a young and an older person together, ask them to share a memory about nature that reflects one of the problems regarding climate change in your country. For example: floods happening in Europe, etcSelect a problem regarding climate change together. Have some time to reflect about it together. Some reflective questions: (print for each pair) – What do you remember about these problems in the past?- What has changed since then? – What good habits did people have in the past that helped with this problem?- As citizens, what can you do to reduce its impact?- How does this situation make you feel?- How could you actively do something about it? Even if it’s a very small thing. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 3: Object StoriesCreate pairs between young and adults and tell them to create together something that represents HOPE to this problem. It can be anything, the creative process is open; it can be a drawing, a poem, a song, a small theater representation, a short video, etc. Give each pair time to make this creation together. They will have to think about a “story of hope that is behind the creation” that will help to present their creation to the rest of the group. Every pair (young and adult) will present the creation and the short story and what they have created together. | |
| 40 mins | STEP 4: Make the Time CapsuleGive the group a box that will represent the time capsule that will travel in time to 50 years in the future. Tell them pair by pair, to put their creations inside this time capsule and tell to the rest of the group their “story of hope” for the future.This time capsule will represent what they care and hope for, in the future generations. – How do you think people in the future would react to this time capsule? | |
| 30 mins | STEP 5: Decoration (can be skipped)Let everyone decorate the box with colors, stickers, messages, or natural items. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 6: STEP 6: Group Reflection Sit in a circle and introduce powerful questions to invite self reflection: – How do you feel at this moment?- Share a meaningful moment you had during the activity. What do you take from it?- did you gain awareness about climate change or about yourself towards this topic?- do you feel you can do something about it?- a small commitment you can have to help the climate crisis? You can also give out sticky notes so people can write their ideas and post them on a wall. | |
| Extra information we need to take into account. Notes for facilitation etc (in case needed) | Create a safe space in the group, where everyone can be heard and seen. Help shy people speak and respect when people don’t feel like sharing. Youth can help elders with drawing, writing, or recording. | |
| Preparations for the activity:(what do you need to do, who needs to do it, etc.) | – Invite youth and older adults from your community – Ask people to bring small objects or memories – Prepare guiding questions and materials (paper, colors, tape) – Set up a table or space to decorate the time capsule | |
| Evaluation of the activity:(Describe how you will explore what worked, what did not, what should be changed, what as the impact, was the objective achieved and to what extent…) | – Ask participants what they enjoyed and learned – Use a group talk or a feedback wall – Watch how people interact and support each other | |
| Expected Outcomes: What are the expected learning outcomes, social outcomes, or other benefits. Describe how it contributes to collecting and sharing socio-ecological memories. | People will feel closer across generations and more aware of how nature has changed. The time capsule helps them remember and share important lessons and dreams. It encourages respect, care for the environment, and teamwork between young and old. | |
| Appendices(If relevant – handouts, internet links, etc.) | ||
Time Capsule: Stories for the Future #6
