Guiding Thought Question: Why is science important in the making of political decisions?

Today's Learning Objective: Students will begin the process of understanding the use of field data collection for informed government action by learning about field data collection techniques and planning a data collection on their own to make recommendations for governmental action in their own community.
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Central Question: How is science important to government, and government important to science? (HS.1.2.a, HS.1.2.c)

Guiding Thought Question: If America did not invent a lot of the philosophies of governance, what makes the American system of government so unique? 

Today's Learning Objective: Students will examine the philosophical origins of the ideas that were incorporated into the creation of the United States government by completing a geoinquiry style webquest.

Central Question: Where did the United States get some of its ideas for how government should operate?  (1.1.a)

Guiding Thought Question: What is the most effective way for citizens to have their opinions heard by the government? Explain your thinking.

Today's Learning Objective: Students will learn about the different methods through which citizens can participate in the American political process, and then practice by contacting a representative regarding an issue the feel is important.

Central Question: How can American citizens more directly get involved in the process of American Government and protecting the environment? (1.1.b, 1.2.a)

Guiding Thought Question: Do an internet search of one of the following people to find out more information about them and write up an explanation of why people should know about them in the context of the modern environmentalism movement. In your explanation include their background, what type of work did they do/how did they effect the environmental movement, and a theory on why they are not as well known in the environmentalism discussion.
     - Mardy Murie - Biologist
     - Anna Lee Rain Yellowhammer - Activist
​     - David Archumbault II - Activist
     - George Washington Carter - Agricultural Scientist
     - Majora Carter - Urban Revitalizationist 
     - George Masa - Photographer

Today's Learning Objective: Students will examine how the actions of non-politicians can have an effect on the development of governmental policy by examining the work of past and present conservationists. 

Central Question: What actions can people take to effect change within the government? (1.2.b)

Guiding Thought Question: Is it better to have a government that is autocratic that involves less people but is more efficient, or involves more people but is less efficient? Explain your answer

Today's Learning Objective: Students will examine the ideas of Separation of Power and Check and Balances by discussion each of their merits in class discussion and then seeing how each of the concepts apply in the interpretation of presidental powers regarding the Antiquities Act. 

Central Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a three branch government? (1.1.b)

Guiding Thought Question: Do a quick search regarding one of the following careers and come up with an explanation of how an understanding of animal sciences and governmental policy would be helpful.
     - Fisheries and Wildlife Game Warden
     - Wildlife Biologist
     - Environmental Lawyer
     - Park Ranger
​     - Career of your choice

Today's Learning Objective: Students will examine different ways that government can influence conservation efforts by examining the ways in which governments can be involved in organizations like the zoo, and then compare the United States to other countries.

​Central Question: What impact can governmental philosophies impact conservation? (1.1.b)

Guiding Thought Question: When dealing with protecting natural spaces is it more beneficial to leave that to local government bodies or to the Federal Government in Washington D.C.? Explain your reasoning and provide an example to support.

Today's Learning Objective: Students will learn about the different divisions of government and how power in the United States is divided between local, state, and federal offices. Students will discuss merits of the system, and then examine how powers are divided related to land protections in the United States.

Central Question: What are the different levels of American government and what role can they have in protecting the environment? (1.1.b)