When you’re a high-schooler, being asked to think about your future is nothing new. But the topic took a philosophical twist when 10th graders at SMA Unggul Del started class with the question: Would you rather live forever or live a normal length of time? ETA Emilie Tomas and co-teacher Rohana Gultom asked students to write the reason for their choice on a sticky note, then post it under their respective choice to see which option got the most votes.

The activity was an engaging and low-risk way for each student to express their opinion. Emilie read the answers out loud as students listened closely – laughing at the funny answers and cheering on the points they found convincing. After a lesson on time conjunctions, the students rearranged into groups and were given brief articles with sited research about how to help people live longer which they summarized for the larger class. Next, they worked with their groups to develop inventions for the future, which they then presented to the class.

As always, the students relished the opportunity to break out their markers and Emilie loved seeing how motivated they were by designing something they were proud of. Their creations were impressive – methods of eating healthier, a pen to help you stay awake in class, and even a 2-in-1 washing machine and portal.

Emilie Tomas is currently teaching at SMA Unggul Del in Laguboti, North Sumatra.