Activity: Life Out of Balance - Viewing the Film “Koyaanisqatsi", by Jason Albert

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Overview and learning goals

Students will view the film “Koyaanisqatsi”, which means “life out of balance” in Hopi. The film is a study in contrast. Images of nature are contrasted with images of people living fast-paced “modern” lives. It links nicely to the unit, in that it depicts how people have decided where and how to live. You can use it to explore values about treating and interacting with the natural environment.

Tell students that the film has no dialogue, deals with subleties, and is probably unlike any other film they have seen. They should be patient for the themes to manifest themselves. The film will definitely make them think!

Intended grade level

8 - 12

Time involved

Preparation: View the film (87 minutes) beforehand since it has no dialogue and is atypical of what most students perceive a film to be. 30 minutes to create questions - less if you use the question guide included with the film.

Student time: 87 minutes for viewing the film plus time for discussion. Students should complete a homework assignment about the film and be given a forty-minute period to discuss the film.

Alignment to standards (for entire unit)

Boulder Valley School District standard 5: Students know and evaluate interrelationships among science, technology, and human activity and how they can affect the world.

Materials

The film may be difficult to rent or find. You may want to try your local independent video store or visit amazon.com. They sell the DVD for less than $20.

Preparation

Preparation: 87 minutes to preview video. 30 minutes to copy or create questions for the video.

Procedure

1. Hand out the film questions beforehand. Discuss the name of the movie and how it reveals a bit of the director's values. This is a great opportunity to discuss the film's intended audience.
2. Have students view the film (87 minutes).
3. Have them respond to the questions for homework. Encourage them to take notes during the film for later reference.
4. During the next class, have the students respond to the film questions orally. Discuss what they liked and didn't like about the film.

Reflecting on the activity/ideas for assessment

Answers to the film questions and participation in the class discussion after the film.

• Written responses to the film may be assessed for a grade and understanding
• Classroom discussion following the film may be assessed for understanding

Extensions and applications

If available, students could create mini-documentaries that explore an aspect of how science and values relate.

Adaptations for special needs

The questions for the film can be easily modified to accommodate a diverse group of learners. The lack of dialogue should make English language learners feel comfortable.

Related Activities

Go to koyaanisqatsi.org for more information about the film. In addition, the website provides a link to npr.org where students can listen to an interview of director Godfrey Reggio and soundtrack composer Philip Glass.

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