This film, made by WWF, follows a chimpanzee who was sent into space during the 1960s space programme as part of an experiment.
65 years later, the chimp returns and views Earth – now drastically changed – through the eyes of a stranger.
Learning Opportunities
- Describe the sleeping chimpanzee.
- Write a description of Earth from space (pause at 2:57).
- Use 'show not tell' to describe the astronaut, only revealing that he is a chimp at the end.
- Discuss and write what the chimpanzee might be feeling and thinking about throughout the film.
- Use 'show not tell' to describe his sadness at the end of the film.
- Describe the concrete jungle he arrives in at 3:45. Perhaps end with the line: "...and then a tear trickled down his face."
- Research the use of animals in space trials. Write a discussion piece.
- Write a persuasive piece about animals being used for scientific testing.
- Write a description of Earth, imagining you've left and returned 65 years later.
Cross-Curricular Ideas
- Explore the history of space travel.
- Investigate the use of animals in other jobs (e.g. service animals, bomb detection).
- Design a campaign to protect the planet.