OLES1602 “The Apocalypse in Science and Culture” ran for the first time in Semester 2, 2021. This six-credit point OLE teaches science, and the social impacts of science, through the lens of apocalyptic scenarios – and also aims to be so fun and interesting that students want to participate! The unit attracted 1051 students from FASS, Science, and Business, who worked together in groups to create 220 videos about the end of the world. We describe the multiple approaches taken in the unit to achieve engagement and build relationships among students and with staff – including use of SRES, low-stakes assessments with students sharing ideas and experiences, weekly seminars in which students could participate as commentators, and peer viewing and assessment of videos.
Teaching@Sydney