The Fifth Element

	The Fifth Element (1997)

	Concept featured in clip:Characteristics of life needed on earth
	Location of clip:
	DVD: 0:04:48-0:05:06 Play Flickclip Here (Quicktime)

Summary of clip: A scientist is studying ancient symbols in Egypt and attempting to translate them. Upon completion he discovers the symbols stand for the four elements of life – earth, fire, wind and water.

Connection of flickclip to the concept:

The movie says the four elements of life are earth, fire, water and wind. While phrased in these words one may not consider these the elements of life, however, they can easily be adapted by applying earth to the environment, fire to climate, wind to oxygen and water being left as is. Once these connections are made the teacher can talk about what organisms on earth need to survive.

Suggestions to teachers:

Suggested questions for students when viewing the clip:

*Teachers can use this to talk about why earth’s environment can sustain life versus atmospheres on other planets.

*What are the specific components of each “element” discussed in the movie that make them useful to humans?
-Why do humans need oxygen and water?

*Ask students what steps need to be made to sustain life on other planets.
-Have students do projects about building life on other planets. This will require them to study the make-up of other planets and compare it to the make-up of Earth.