Lesson 24 – It will never happen

Warm up

1. Think of examples of inventions or scientific discoveries since your grandparents were young.
2. Which do you imagine your grandparents thought were more useful and most surprising?
3. Think of examples that have happened in their own lifetime.
4. Which do you think are more useful and most surprising?

Main Activity

1. You are going to read about inventions and discoveries that might happen in the future. Makes groups of four.

A Matter Transportation: every scientist’s Dream This is the technology that can transport people or things from one place to another instantly. Imagine something like a telephone box: you go in, dial the number of the place you want to go, and then you disappear and reappear in another box at your destination. Some scientists think we can even do it without boxes!	B Machines take over: robots rule the world Scientists are designing better robots and more intelligent computers every day. There is already a computer that can beat chess champions and programs that can learn for themselves. Many experts believe machines will be more intelligent than humans one day, and when they are they will not need us anymore. Goodbye, humans!
C Do you want to live forever? Scientists hope to find cures for all diseases and are making good progress. They are also trying to find out why people get old, and they are making progress on that too. Some scientists suggest that with better knowledge it will be possible to slow down ageing or stop it completely. We could live to hundreds of years old, or older!	D Space colonies: cities on other planets Space travel is expensive at the moment, but building spaceships in space at space stations would be cheaper. Scientists are developing engines that are faster and use energy from the sun. They suggest sending several families together to distant planets. Some journeys could take hundreds of years, with children born on the way!
E It is a dinosaur! Clones of extinct animals Scientists are making enormous advances in genetics. In addition to its value in health care, genetics might have other uses. Several projects at the moment are trying to bring back animals that are extinct, for example, the Tasmanian Tiger. Scientists hope to use dead animals in museums and copy their DNA to make living clones!	F Contact: Is there anybody out there? Scientists have been sending radio messages into space for years. They are hoping to get an answer one day from an alien civilization. They would probably be more advanced than us and would be able to teach us about their science and technology. With their help, we will solve every problem on the planet!

1. Read the paragraphs. underline any words you do not know and ask the other students in your group about them.
   
2. Think about the paragraphs on your own without talking to your partner. Decide which are more probable and write numbers 1 to 6 next to them. Number 1 is the most probable, number 2 is the next most probable, and so on; number 6 is the most probable,
3. Talk with the others in your group and compare the numbers you gave to each paragraph. You should explain your opinion and try to agree on who is right.

Follow up

• In your groups, brainstorm the technical advances described in the text and try to think of as many advantages and disadvantages for each as they can.
• Compare ideas around the class and see who has thought of most and which are the most interesting

Exercises

Read the text and answer the questions!

Advancements in Technology. In the future, we can anticipate unprecedented advancements in technology that will reshape various aspects of our lives. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to play a pivotal role, revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, transportation, and education. Smart cities, powered by interconnected devices and sensors, will enhance efficiency and sustainability. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of augmented reality and virtual reality may redefine how we interact with the world, blurring the lines between physical and digital realms.

Environmental Challenges and Solutions. Environmental challenges are likely to become even more pressing in the future. Climate change could intensify, leading to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions in ecosystems. However, a heightened global awareness is expected to drive innovative solutions. Sustainable practices, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly technologies will gain prominence, as societies work together to mitigate the impact of climate change. The future may witness a significant shift towards a more environmentally conscious and ecologically sustainable world.

Social Dynamics and Cultural Shifts. Social dynamics and cultural norms are poised for transformation in the future. The ongoing globalization and interconnectedness facilitated by technology will continue to foster cross-cultural exchanges. Societal attitudes toward issues such as gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity may evolve, reshaping the fabric of communities worldwide. Additionally, advancements in communication technology could lead to new forms of digital interaction, influencing how people build relationships and collaborate on a global scale.