Imagine a world where everyone, from the moment they’re born until their last day, has to wear a gas mask. This isn’t just a story—it’s a reality in this world. One day, all the oxygen on Earth became toxic, affecting not just our lungs but also entering our bodies through our eyes and ears. So, a simple mask covering your nose and mouth isn’t enough; you need a full head gas mask.
At first, wearing a gas mask was uncomfortable. It made your skin itchy, and you couldn’t breathe deeply. But people had no choice but to get used to it. You can’t take off your mask at home, while sleeping, or even while eating. The only safe places are vacuum rooms, but you can’t stay in them for long without air. The International Space Station is another option, but not everyone can go there.
Eating became a challenge because you can’t hold your breath and eat. Now, people use a special hose for food. You disconnect the oxygen filter from your mask, attach the hose, and it delivers food to your mouth while keeping oxygen out. Most food is now liquid, like what astronauts eat. Vacuum restaurants opened, where you could eat in a vacuum room for a short time, but they lost popularity. People preferred liquid food, which is better for teeth since dentist visits are unsafe.
Over time, people lost interest in tasty food because they couldn’t smell or taste much. To fix this, developers created oxygen filters with scents like cinnamon and barbecue. Gas masks also got lenses with augmented reality, so people could watch movies, play games, and even make phone calls without removing their masks. These masks became stylish, with features like cameras and voice changers, allowing people to change their voices and even listen to bedtime stories from an AI voice.
The world changed a lot. Makeup became unnecessary, and oral hygiene was done with a special liquid. Fashion focused on gas mask accessories. People became less sick from airborne viruses, but their immune systems weakened. Sports changed too, as people couldn’t breathe deeply during intense activities. While some could afford advanced masks, others used basic ones, leading to damaged vocal cords and reliance on sign language. Their senses of touch improved, but their skin suffered from dryness and irritation.
Eventually, scientists developed a serum that allowed people to breathe the toxic oxygen safely. Governments spent years and money on this vaccine. Not everyone wanted to remove their masks, especially those who grew up in this world. But adults who remembered life without masks were quick to embrace the change. As people removed their masks, they noticed their faces were pale, and their eyes were sensitive to light. The cosmetics industry revived, and people felt happier.
When you finally take off your mask, the fresh air feels amazing, even if it’s a bit overwhelming at first. You sneeze, but it’s just dust. The serum not only helps you breathe but also strengthens your immune system, protecting you from colds and flu. This new world, once dominated by gas masks, is now a place where people can breathe freely again.
Imagine you are living in a world where everyone must wear a gas mask. Design your own gas mask with features that would make life more comfortable and enjoyable. Consider adding elements like scent filters, augmented reality lenses, or voice changers. Present your design to the class and explain how it improves daily life.
With a partner, role-play a typical day in this world where gas masks are essential. Include activities like eating, communicating, and engaging in leisure activities. Discuss the challenges you face and how you adapt to them. Reflect on how these adaptations affect your lifestyle and relationships.
Participate in a class debate about whether people should continue wearing gas masks after the serum is available. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of both options. Use evidence from the article to support your arguments and listen to opposing views to develop a well-rounded perspective.
Write a diary entry from the perspective of someone experiencing the transition from a masked world to one where the serum allows for mask-free living. Describe your feelings, challenges, and hopes for the future. Share your entry with the class to explore different viewpoints and experiences.
Research the real-world science behind gas masks and how they protect against toxic substances. Create a presentation that explains how gas masks work, their history, and their applications in various fields. Share your findings with the class to enhance understanding of this critical technology.
Gas Masks – A protective mask used to cover a person’s face to filter out harmful gases and particles from the air. – During the science experiment, students learned how gas masks can protect people from inhaling toxic fumes.
Oxygen – A colorless, odorless gas that is essential for human respiration and is a major component of the Earth’s atmosphere. – Plants release oxygen into the air as a byproduct of photosynthesis, which is crucial for human survival.
Serum – A component of blood that is used in medical treatments and research, often containing antibodies. – The doctor explained how the serum was developed to help boost the patient’s immune response to the virus.
Immune – Having resistance to a particular infection or toxin due to the presence of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells. – After receiving the vaccine, the students learned how their bodies became immune to the disease.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry and everyday life. – The new technology in the hospital allows doctors to perform surgeries with greater precision and safety.
Health – The state of being free from illness or injury and maintaining physical and mental well-being. – Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for maintaining good health.
Food – Any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink to maintain life and growth. – In biology class, students discussed how different types of food provide energy and nutrients necessary for survival.
Society – A community of people living together and interacting with each other, often sharing common traditions and values. – Scientists study how society can influence public health through lifestyle choices and environmental factors.
Senses – The physiological capacities of organisms that provide data for perception, such as sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. – The biology teacher explained how our senses work together to help us understand the world around us.
Breathing – The process of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs, essential for life. – During the health class, students learned about the importance of proper breathing techniques for relaxation and stress reduction.
