COWSPIRACY Facts
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Animals United Movement
What it is
- This resource is a collection of video clips from the COWSPIRACY documentary, a downloadable infographic, and a number of factual statements with citations explaining the major impacts of animal agriculture on the environment.
- Students will learn how livestock production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, wildlife extinctions, deforestation, and other impacts.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The video clips are both informative and compelling, making viewers want to know more.
- These clips are short, making them an excellent avenue for getting some of the key points without having time for an entire documentary.
Prerequisites
- Videos start on mute, so teachers and students will need to unmute each video before watching.
- Students should be familiar with climate change and other human activities such as deforestation and pollution.
Differentiation & Implementation
- After watching, teachers can open the infographic, focusing on the "What Can We Do About It" section, then have them brainstorm positive actions they can take.
- Students can use this video as inspiration and supporting evidence for starting a Meatless Mondays campaign at their school.
- Food sciences teachers can use this resource as a hook for a unit on plant-based cooking and meal planning.
- This resource can be connected to many of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 13, Climate Action, Goal 14, Life Below Water, and Goal 15, Life on Land.
From the scientist review
This resource presents the climatic and environmental impacts of animal agriculture through six short videos, an infographic, and an extensive, well-sourced fact list. Both the infographic and the fact-list cite peer-reviewed sources as well as numerous trusted US and international environmental agencies. The only small issue is that most sources are over ten years old. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on cowspiracy.com
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
