Guiding Thought Question: What types of things may change scientific studies to the point that they should not be considered when informing politicians? Why should true scientific findings be helpful when establishing policies regarding the environment?

Today's Learning Objective: Students will analyze how academic institutions like think tanks and universities are able to influence governmental policy (foreign and domestic) with the contribution of good science to inform the decision making of politicians.

Central Question: How can academic institutions help sway governmental opinions regarding environmental policy? (1.1.h, 1.2.a, 1.2.c)

Guiding Thought Question: What are ways to pick out fake news while reading online or on social media? What are some good general rules to follow to find credible information?

Today's Learning Objectives: Students will examine the role that the Media has as a linkage institution and as a means for the government to promote their agenda by taking notes. Students will then look at how organizations can use Mass Media to get information out to voters regarding their representatives.

Central Question: What role does the Media have in linking the actions of the United States Government and the People? Why is a "Free Media" so important in a Democracy? (1.2.a, 1.2.e, 1.2.f)

Guiding Thought Question: Look up a US Politician on Opensecrets.org and list their name, political affiliation, and what state they come from. List their top three contributors as listed on Open Secret. How might these contributors affect the politicians views on issues related to their contributors?

​Today's Learning Objective: Students will be able to explain the contributions of NGOs, Interest Groups, and Lobbyists to the political process here in the United States. (1.2.a, 1.2.c)
 
Central Question: How are groups able to work with and influence the government?

Guiding Thought Question: What are the positives and negatives to political parties making the environment central pieces to their platforms (What they stand for)?

Today's Learning Objective: Students will examine what political parties do, and how they are able to influence environmental policy. They will examine a number or issues to see how affiliation in a political party can affect views on a certain issue. (1.1.g, 1.2.a, 1.2.e)

Central Question: What are the values of political parties in the efforts to preserve the environment?

Guiding Thought Question: Read the quote by Nelson Mandela in the picture to the right and connect that idea to the responsibility for Individuals to act in bettering their communities. 

Today's Learning Objective: Students will be examining how individual actions can use their political voices to help address community challenges on a number of scales by communicating their perspectives, and then examining examples of initiatives by individuals on a number of scales. (1.2.a, 1.2.c)

Central Question: How are everyday citizens able to affect the political process, and why should they care?

Guiding Thought Question: Why is it a disservice to only talk about the native peoples of the Americas in a historical context? Why is it important to incorporate the current perspectives of American Indians? Why is the input of Native Americans important in making decisions that impact the environment?

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Central Question: How does the role of Tribal Governance differ and how do their views on Environmental conservation compare to those of the State and Federal governments?(HS.1.1.d, HS.1.2.a, HS.1.2.d)