b'PRINT COPIES FOR CLASS: SMP.ORG/ASPIREVOL1Note: As your students get into fifth degree and higher levels of connection, they will eventually identify the earth and the sun as connected things. Our solar system was created from the stardust of earlier solar systems and galaxies, reaching all the way back to the Big Bang. As the well-known astronomer Carl Sagan famously said, We are all made of star stuff. If time allows, direct your students to investigate this concept using online search tools. A simple search using the phrase we are made of stardust will lead to several reputable science websites explaining this idea.When the time is over, invite groups to present their mind maps to the class, using STEP 4whatever method you typically use for this. After the groups have presented their maps, invite student reflection and discussion. Here are some possible discussion topics:Invite the students to share one insight they gained from the activity.Ask them to share what created things on their maps human beings have treated with dignity and respect, making the earth a healthy ecosystem, and which created things have human beings misused, perhaps making the earth less healthy for future generations.Invite them to reflect on the following questions: How does connecting our existence back to the stars and even the beginning of the universe make you feel? Do you feel more important or less important in the big picture of creation? Why? Repeat this sentence from the articles summary: In particular, Laudato si highlights the fact that humans have a special kinship with non-human nature and are responsible for its continuity for future generations. Ask, how did this exercise help you better understand our special kinshipour interconnectednesswith all creation?Note: If this is to be a graded project, consider making a simple rubric with criteria for levels of connection identified, accuracy of the connections, clarity and neatness, and presentation. You may also have them write and turn in a paragraph describing how this activity illustrates the thoughts of Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry from the article.CLASSROOM APPLICATION 25'