Mr. Tredinnick's Class Site
  • Home
  • Geography Courses
    • AP GIS&T
    • AP Human Geography
    • Biogeography >
      • Biogeography Forum
    • Cartography
    • Ecological Biogeography >
      • Ecological Biogeography Forum
    • GEOG 1020 - Human Geography
    • GEOG 1030 - Physical Geography
    • GEOG 4100/8106 - Biogeography
    • GEOG 8040 - Seminar in Geography Education
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    • Global Studies >
      • Global Studies Forum
    • Human Geography (Rubenstein)
    • Human Geography (Tredinnick)
    • International Relations: World Environmentalism Focus >
      • International Relations: World Environmentalism Forum
    • World Geography
  • History Courses
    • AP European History >
      • AP Euro Forum
      • AP European History 2013-2014
    • AP World History
    • Art History
    • Minnesota History
    • United States History
    • World History (Fall Semester)
    • World History (Spring Semester)
    • World History Summer Session
  • Political Science Courses
    • AP Comparative Government >
      • AP Comparative Government Forum
    • AP U.S. Government >
      • AP U.S. Government Forum
    • Environmental Policy >
      • Environmental Policy Forum
    • International Relations
    • U.S. Government >
      • US Government Forum
  • Elective Courses
    • Behavioral Science >
      • Behavioral Science Forum
      • Social Science >
        • Social Science Forum
    • Economics
    • Psychology >
      • Psychology Forum
    • Sociology >
      • Sociology Forum
    • Zoo Operations: Conservation Geography
  • About

Welcome to Mr. Tredinnick's Environmental Policy Course!

Picture
Data Collection Link
This semester-long course examine the political landscape of the United States, through a specific emphasis of how the government develops and establishes policies regarding the environment. The course begins with an overview of the guiding principles of the formation of the government, before examining the role of different governmental and non-governmental agencies in formulating policies and legislation. Students will also examine how the policy of the United States contrasts to international frameworks on the environment. The varying levels of government will also be examined to see how policy is implemented at state, local, national, and international scales. 

Page Map
Unit I - Principles of Governmental Environmental Action
Unit II - Environmentalism at the Federal Level
Unit III - Influencers of Environmental Policy
Semester Project Part I
Semester Project Part II
Semester Project Part III

Unit I - Principles of Governmental Environmental Action

 
"We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors; We borrow it from our children" - Native American Proverb

Unit I Course Schedule

Week 1: Course Introduction
     (Aug 15-19)
Module 1.1: Conservationists 101
     Central Question: What is conservation and how         do different forms of government get involved? 
     Forum: Knowing the Ropes (1.1)
     Field Excursion: Getting to Know You (O&A)
​     - Arguing a Policy (Assignment)
     HW: Review Syllabus & Review Unit Paper
​Module 1.2: Governmental Ideology
     Central Question: What impact can governmental       philosophies have on conservation efforts? 
     Forum: Do what you love and you'll never                                work a day in your life (1.2)
     Field Excursion: Seeing Government (Bugs)
     Map Lab: Comparing Conservation Policies                                (Assignment)
​          + Freedom and Conservation (Map)
​          + Freedom in the World
          + Environmental Performance Index
Week 4: Role of Citizens 
     (Sept 5-9)
Labor Day - Sept 5-6th
Module 1.7: Power of the People
     Central Question: What actions can people take         to effect change within the government?                
     Forum: Forefront of Environmental                                           Protection (1.7)
     Field Lab: Land Worth Protecting Part II
     - Photos, Poetry, and Field Studies (Assignment)
     Writing Lab 1.2: Peer Review
Picture
Seneca Chief Red Jacket of the Iroquois League
Week 2: Basic Division of Power
     (Aug 22-26)
Module 1.3: Scale of Government
     Central Question: What are the different levels of       American government and what role can they             have in protecting the environment? 
     
Forum: Who protects what? (1.3)
     - American Federalism and Public Lands (Notes)
     Writing Lab: Thesis Statement Draft
Module 1.4: Power of the People
     Central Question: In what ways is the U.S.                 Government of the people? by the people? and         for the people?
     
Forum: ​Land of the People (1.4)
     Field Excursion: Land Worth Protecting Part I                                        (Adventure Trails)
     - American Citizenship (Notes)
​     Writing Lab 1.1: Thesis Statement Drafts
   
  HW: Introduction and Outline (Due next Mod 1.5)
Week 5: The American Experiment
     (Sept 12-16)
No School - Friday Sept 16th
Module 1.8: The American Experiment
     Central Question: Where did the United States           get some of its ideas for how government should       operate? 
     Forum: American Exceptionalism (1.8) 
     - Beg, Borrow, Steal (Assignment)
          + We the People (Map)
​          + WordCloud Creator
     Writing Lab 1.3: Last Minute Edits
Module 1.9: Celebration of Knowledge
     Central Question: What are the core principles           behind the formation of the United State                     governmental system and how do those ideas           relate to environmentalism?
     Forum: Q/Q/C/C/CoO (1.9)
     Unit I Test: Principles of Environmental                       Protection
     Unit I Paper - Governmental Role in                           Environmental Protection Submission
​     HW: Kenyon: Chapters 1-8 (pages. 1-173)                         should be completed by October 31st
Week 3: American Citizenship
     (Aug 29-Sept 2)
Module 1.5: Getting Involved in the Process
     Central Question: How can American citizens             more directly get involved in the process of                 American Government and protecting the                   environment?
     
Forum: ​Why be Involved? (1.5)
     Field Excursion: Speak Your Piece (Africa)
     - Forms of Civic Participation (Notes)
          + ISideWith
     HW: Have Your Voice Heard (Assignment)
          + Nebraska Senator Lookup
     HW: Body Paragraphs drafted by 1.7
Module 1.6: Dividing Up Power
     Central Question: What are the advantages and         disadvantages of a three branch government?      
     Forum: Autocratic or Democratic? (1.6)
     - Restrictions on Power (Notes)
​     - The Antiquities Act (Assignment)
     HW: Body Paragraphs drafted by 1.7
Picture
Picture

Unit I Notes

American Federalism and Public Lands

American Citizenship
File Size: 842 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Forms of Civic Participation
File Size: 1011 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Restrictions on Power
File Size: 677 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Unit I Position Project & Unit Review

Governmental Role in Environmental Protection

Writing Lab 1.1: Functional Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement Draft

Unit I Assignments

Arguing A Policy
File Size: 99 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Arguing a Policy
​
(Module 1.1)

Beg, Borrow, Steal
File Size: 167 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Beg, Borrow, Steal
​(Module 1.9)​

Comparing Conservation Policies
File Size: 259 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Comparing Conservation Policies
​(Module 1.2)

Have Your Voice Heard
File Size: 68 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Have Your Voice Heard
​(Module 1.5)

Photos, Poetry, and Field Studies
File Size: 113 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Photos, Poetry, Field Studies
​(Module 1.7)

The Antiquities Act
File Size: 92 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

The Antiquities Act
​(Module 1.6)​

Unit I Resources

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

 

Unit II - Environmentalism at the Federal Level

 
"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." - President Franklin D. Rosevelt (D-NY, 1944)

Unit II Course Schedule

Week 6: Leading By Consensus 
     (Sept 19-23)
Module 2.1: The People's Branch
     Central Question: What is the function of the               Legislative Branch and how can it affect                     Environmental Conservation?
     Forum: Legislative Requirements (2.1)
     Discussion: Environmental Checks and                                           Balances
     - Role of the Legislative Branch (Notes)
​     - Bill to Law Flow Chart (Notes)
​          + Schoolhouse Rock: I'm Just a Bill
     HW: The Passage of the ESA (Assignment)
          + BallotPedia: History of the ESA
Module 2.2: ​The Will of the People 
     Central Question: How is decision making                   delegated to ensure best possible outcome?         
     Forum: Committees on the Environment (2.2)
     Discussion: The Passage of the ESA
     - Congressional Committees (Assignment)
          + Submission Form
     Discussion: Committee Qualifications Findings​
Picture
Week 9: Leading with Reason
     (Oct 10-14)
No School  October 13-14 (PT Conferences)
Module 2.7: Providing Insight
​     Central Question: How is the Judicial Branch             able to use its powers and oversight to influence         legislation and executive actions towards the             environment?
     Forum: Endangered Species Act (2.7)
     - A Wolf's Day in Court (Assignment)
          + Center for Biological Diversity: Minnesota                   Supreme Court Asked to Stop Killing of 400               Wolves
​          + Howling For Wolves v. Minnesota DNR
​
     - Role of the Judicial Branch (Notes)
​     HW: Dakota Access Pipeline (Assignment)
          + Dakota Pipeline (Overview of DAPL)
          + Indian Country: DAPL Illegal
          + Forbes: Let DAPL Remain Operational
Picture
Week 7: Leading By Example
     (Sept 26-30)
Module 2.3: Dictating the Pace of Change
     Central Question: How may the President use           the position of their office to influence action               towards the environment?
     Forum: Presidential Actions (2.3)
     - Role of the Executive Branch (Notes)
     - Commander in Green (Assignment)
          + How Trump is Changing the Environment
          + CNBC: Trump Paris Accord Exit is Good                     News for the Environment
          + Time: Is Obama Bad for the Environment
          + WP: Obama on Saving Energy
Module 2.4: Wielding the Force of the Presidency
     Central Question: Beyond their own powers, how       can the president use their environmental                   policies to mold their legacy? 
     Forum: Shared Responsibility (2.4)
     Discussion: For Better or Worse 
   - Presidential Environmentalists (Assignment)
          + Theodore Roosevelt and the National Parks
          + Theodore Roosevelt and Conservation
          + Executive Branch Reading Room
Picture
Picture
Week 10: Leading with Reason
     (Oct 17-21)
Module 2.8: The Rule of Laws
     Central Question: How can influential pieces of           Legislation from the past determine actions by           the Federal Government in the present and                 Future?
     Forum: Environmental Considerations (2.8)
     Discussion: The Dakota Access Pipeline    ​
     - National Environmental Policy Act (Notes)
     HW: Preparing for Field Excursion
          + NPS Volunteering and Internship                                 Opportunities
​          + NPS Artists-in-Residence Program
Field Trip Day - October 19th, 2022
Module 2.9: The People's Parks
     Central Question: How does the National Park           Service reflect the Federal Government's role to         protect the environment?
     Forum: The Reflection of Democracy (2.9)
     Field Excursion: NPS Career Fair                             Reflection (Assignment)
          + Virtual Career Fair
Week 8: Leading By Action
     (Oct 2-7)
Module 2.5: Environmental Oversight
     Central Question: Is the EPA a overburdensome         agency with too much control on regulations, or         is it necessary for executive oversight?
     Forum: Environmental Protector (2.5)
     - Gutting the EPA (Assignment)
          + The Environmental Protection Agency
          + Media Bias/Fact Check
     Discussion: The Environmental Protection                                       Agency
Module 2.6: Science and the Government's Role
     Central Question: How is scientific data collection       and analysis connected to the Federal                         Government's role of protecting citizen's                     fundamental rights of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of       Happiness? 
     Forum: For the Good of Science! (2.6) 
     - Federal Scientific Agencies (Assignment)
          + NASA
          + NOAA
          + USGS
     HW: Federal Scientific Agencies Thought                           Question
Picture
Week 11: Leading for All
     (Oct 24-28)
Module 2.10: Celebration of Knowledge
     Central Question: Why is the Federal                         Government such an influential element in the           fight to protect and preserve the natural                       environment?
     Forum: ​Q/Q/C/C/CoO (2.10)
     Unit II Test: Environmentalism at the Federal                             Level
     HW: Kenyon Chapters 9-15 (pgs.175-282)                         should be complete before December 7th
Picture

Unit II Notes

Bill to Law Flow Chart
File Size: 416 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

National Environmental Policy Act
File Size: 661 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Role of the Executive Branch
File Size: 1819 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Role of the Judicial Branch
File Size: 969 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Role of the Legislative Branch
File Size: 2080 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Unit II Review

Kenyon Reading Guide
File Size: 93 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Unit II Assignments

Congressional Committees
File Size: 90 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Submission Form
(Module 2.2)
Passage of the ESA
File Size: 93 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

The Passage of the ESA
​(Module 2.1)
Commander in Green
File Size: 198 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Commander in Green
(Module 2.3)
Dakota Access Pipeline
File Size: 343 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Federal Scientific Agencies
File Size: 505 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Gutting the EPA
File Size: 255 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Gutting the EPA
(Module 2.5)
Presidential Environmentalists
File Size: 375 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Presidential Environmentalist
(Module 2.4)

Unit II Resources

H.O.R: Agriculture

H.O.R: Energy and Commerce

H.O.R: Natural Resources

H.O.R: Science, Space, and Technology

H.O.R: Transportation and Infrastructure

US Senate: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

US Senate: Commerce, Science, and Transportation

US Senate: Energy & Natural Resources

US Senate: Environment and Public Works

NPS: Artists-in-Residence Program
NPS: Volunteering and Internship Opportunities
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Semester Project - Collecting Scientific Data for Informed Governmental Action

“The environment is so fundamental to our continued existence that it must transcend politics and become a central value of all members of society.” - Dr. David Suzuki (1997 The Sacred Balance)
Week 11: Field Data Collection
     (Oct 24-28) 
Module 4.1: Geography of Water Quality
     Central Question: How is science important to             government, and government important to                   science? 
     Forum: Establishing Knowledge on                                         Watersheds (1a)
     Field Lab: Waste Data Collection (Activity)
          + Marine Debris Tracker
​
​​     HW: Collect 1 gallon of water from a local water                 system (remember where from)
Module 4.2: Examining a Community's Water                             Supply
     Central Question: What resources are already           available to monitor water quality?
     Forum: Basics of Streamflow (1b) 
​     - Water Flow in Local Waterways (Activity)
​     - Healthy WaterWays (Activity)
​     - Determining Drinking Water Safety (Activity)
​​     HW: Collect Water Sample by next class
Week 12: Organizing Data
     (Oct 31-Nov 4)
No school Oct 31 & Nov 1
Module 4.3: Field Data Collection in Water Quality
​     Central Question: How does water quality differ                                      across the metro area?
     Forum: Water Quality Metrics (1c)
     - Community Water Sample Testing (Activity) 
          + Debrief
Module 4.4: Pushing for Change
     Central Question: Once you have collected data,       how can that data be used to make                             recommendations for informed governmental             action?
     Forum: Science and Government (4.4)
     - Civic Action Development (Activity)
​          + Water Quality Metrics
          + Examples of Action Plans
          + Raw Data
​
          + Find Your Senator
​     - Action Plan Submission   
Picture
Picture
 

Unit III: Influencers of Environmental Policy

 
"We simply must do everything we can in our power to slow down global warming before it is too late. We can save our planet and also boost our economy at the same time." - Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA, 2006)

Unit III Course Schedule

Week 14: Local Governance
     (Nov 7-11)
Module 3.1: ​The Power of an Individual
     Central Question: How are everyday citizens able       to affect the political process, and why should             they care?
     Forum: ​A Single Grain of Rice (3.1)
     Discussion: Gaining Perspective
     Map Lab: Environmental Injustice                                                (Assignment)
          + EPA: Environmental Justice Screen​
          + NRDC: The Environmental Justice                               Movement
​     - Citizen Created Change (Assignment)
          + Atlantic: Why March for Science?
          + Nat Geo: Climate Change 101
​          + UN: Leonardo DiCaprio Message
Week 17: Information and Exposure
     (Dec 5-9)
Module 3.6: Keeping the People Informed
     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? 
     Forum: Who Should You Trust Online? (3.6)
     Discussion: Importance of Free Media
​     - The Influence of Media (Notes)
     - Holding Our Representatives Accountable                 (Assignment)
​          + League of Conservation Voters
Module 3.7: Academia and the Ivory Tower
     Central Question: How can academic institutions       help sway governmental opinions regarding               environmental policy?
     Forum: ​The Bias of Science (3.7)
​​​     - The Ivory Towers (Assignment)
          + Top Environmental Science Schools
     - Elizabeth Warren Rips Think Tanks
  HW: End of Unit Test Module 3.8, and End of                  Book test on Module 3.9
Week 15: Philosophical Leaders
     (Nov
14-18)
Module 3.2: State and Local Government
     
Central Question: How do state and local                   governments operate and how can they be                 influential in the processes of environmental               policy?
     Forum: Its a State Issue (3.2)
     Discussion: Gaining Perspective (pt. II)
          + Reflection (Assignment)
     - Local Government (Notes)
     Discussion: Environmental Justice
     - State Environmentalists (Assignment)
Module 3.3: Tribal Governance and Conservation
     Central Question: What factors influence the               relationship between Tribal Governments and the       US Federal Government and how can that affect       their ability to work together to protect the                   environment?
     Forum: Stuck in the Past (3.3) ​
     Discussion: The Importance of Sovereignty
     Map Lab: From Whence it Came (Assignment)
          + Native Lands
          + Cessions of Nebraska
          + Indigenous Tribes Index
​     HW: Historic Roots, Modern Issues (Assignment)
          + Smithsonian Institute - Treaties Still Matter
Picture
Week 18: Finish Unit III
     (Dec 12-16)

Module 3.8: Celebration of Knowledge
     Central Question: How can people and groups           not connected directly to the Federal government       still have an impact on how the country is run?
     Forum: Q/Q/C/C/CoO (3.8)
     Unit III Test: State and Non-Governmental                                      Environmentalists
          - Kenyon Reading Test Rubric
​          - Kenyon Submission Form
          - Course Survey
Picture
Week 16: Contributions of NGOs
     (Nov
21-25)
Thanksgiving Break - Nov 23-25
Module 3.4: Party Politics
     
Central Question: What are the values of political       parties in the efforts to preserve the environment?
     Forum: Playing Politics with the Environment (3.4)
     - Purpose of Political Parties (Notes)
​​          + 
Open Secrets
​
     - The Political Machine (Notes)
     - Researching a Position (Assignment)
     HW: Make a Plea (Assignment)
Picture
Picture

Unit III Notes

Interest Groups and Lobbyists
File Size: 497 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Local Government
File Size: 815 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Purpose of Political Parties
File Size: 866 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Sub-Federal Levels of Government
File Size: 1206 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

The Influence of Media
File Size: 495 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

The Political Machine
File Size: 524 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Unit III Review

Unit III Assignments

Citizen Created Change
File Size: 380 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Examining An ENGO
File Size: 421 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Lobbying for Zoos
File Size: 209 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Research an Issue
File Size: 207 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

State Environmentalists
File Size: 206 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

The Ivory Towers
File Size: 362 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Unit III Resources

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
EPA: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool
NRDC: The Environmental Justice Movement
United States Election Project

Unit IV Assignments

Government RSP (For OPS Students)
File Size: 665 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Researching Environmental Legislation
File Size: 428 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Unit IV Resources

Congress.gov - Environment Search

Cornell - Environmental Law

EPA - Laws and Regulations

USA.gov - Environmental Laws and Regulations


Environmental Policy Course Resources

Environmental Policy Syllabus (Fall 2019)
File Size: 147 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Letter of Introduction
File Size: 193 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Socratic Seminar Guidelines
File Size: 203 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Writing Guide
File Size: 210 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Class Forum

Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.