To be the protector of a magical forest, where you can communicate with the trees and animals

Living Ecosystems

You’ve chosen to imagine a world in a distant future, with magical ecosystems where people can talk to trees, animals, and even rivers to help protect the planet. You might want to learn more about how scientists study ecosystems—how every living thing, from tiny insects to giant trees, works together to keep the Earth healthy. Just remember: if the trees start giving you advice, they might expect you to follow it!

Fun Facts:

In real rainforests, trees “talk” through underground fungal networks called the wood wide web that share nutrients and warnings.
Indigenous communities around the world have long used stories and traditions to teach respect for animals, forests, and water systems.
In 2022, scientists in Australia created an AI tool that translates whale sounds to learn how they communicate!

Living Ecosystems

LISTEN

We’ve chosen to explore living ecosystems—the idea that every creature, plant, and microorganism depends on one another. Around the world, scientists and Indigenous communities are working together to restore forests, protect wildlife, and learn how nature keeps itself balanced. When we study interdependence, we see how care for one part of the system helps the whole. Just remember: if the trees start giving you advice, they might expect you to follow it!

Fun Facts:

The “wood wide web” was discovered by Canadian scientist Suzanne Simard, showing that trees send carbon and signals to each other underground.
The Haudenosaunee and many Indigenous nations teach about “seven generations thinking,” making decisions that protect the future.
Singapore’s “Gardens by the Bay” uses technology to mimic the cooling power of trees in its giant vertical gardens.
NASA satellites help track forest health from space to study how ecosystems respond to climate change.
Ancient farmers in the Amazon created rich “terra preta” soils that still support plant life hundreds of years later.

Discussion Question:

If nature could talk, what do you think it would ask us to change first?

LISTEN

Physical Build:

Collect cardboard tubes, paper, and string to create your own “forest network.” Connect pretend tree trunks and label each line with messages like “water,” “warning,” or “thank you.” You’ll see how everything in nature stays linked together.‍

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Digital Build:

With an adult, ask ChatGPT:

“What would a tree say if it could talk to a mushroom underground?”

Then write or draw a short comic showing their funny or helpful conversation about keeping the forest healthy.

or captain of a starship, with a crew of aliens and robots ready for any adventure?

Starship Commander

Collaborative Intelligence

LISTEN

You’ve chosen to imagine leading a crew of humans, robots, and aliens on a mission to rescue an intergalactic puppy. You might want to learn more about collaborative intelligence—how different kinds of minds can solve problems together. Just make sure your robot and alien teammates agree on who gets to walk the space dog!

Fun Facts:

NASA’s “Astrobee” robot helps astronauts clean, carry items, and take photos aboard the International Space Station.
Scientists study how ants and bees cooperate in swarms to inspire robots that can work together.
The show Star Trek imagined diverse alien crews long before space agencies began hiring international teams.

Collaborative Intelligence

LISTEN

We’ve chosen to lead an intergalactic crew of intelligent beings. This diverse crew teaches us about collaborative intelligence—the ways people, machines, and even imagined species might work together. Researchers explore how empathy, problem-solving, and creativity can be shared across humans and technology. By thinking about teamwork that includes everyone, we open new ideas for fairness and cooperation—on Earth and beyond. Just make sure your robot and alien teammates agree on who gets to walk the space dog!

Fun Facts:

NASA’s “Robonaut” assists astronauts with maintenance tasks in zero gravity.
Harvard’s “RoboBees” are tiny flying robots modeled after real bees.
The European Space Agency studies how culture and communication shape future space crews.
Animal cooperation—like dolphins herding fish together—inspires AI teamwork models.
Star Trek’s multicultural bridge crew inspired real engineers to imagine inclusive exploration.

Discussion Question:

What makes a great team when everyone—human, robot, or alien—thinks in their own way?

LISTEN

Physical Build:

Use cardboard boxes and bottle caps to create your own starship station with tiny crew members. Give each member a role—robot engineer, alien navigator, or captain—and invent a way they solve a problem together.