Explore the ways in which non-human creatures react to the world around them, and then reflect on how humans react (or should react) in similar situations. Find empathy for and understanding of other beings who share our world, and dig deeper into what makes a human being think and act the way they do.

Investigate local habitats, plants, or animals that are endangered or have been singled out for protection by people or organizations in the community. Think critically about whether they should be protected, and research what can and should be done in protection efforts.

Create a web of connections between humans and other creatures/elements in the natural world. Brainstorm, organize, and connect living and non-living things according to the way they interact and depend on each other. Create a visual representation of these connections and reflect on the experience.

Write a letter of advice to future generations on how to treat and interact with the natural world. Think critically about the way that people in the past used the natural world in their daily lives, and how it is used now. Form an opinion about parts of this relationship that need to change, and parts that should stay the same.

Think critically about things that exist in the world in which we live. Create a list of criteria to identify things that are alive, and things that are not. Discuss and debate the importance of living things and express an opinion about the importance of humans in relation to other living things.

Create a “living” list of questions about the environment, to be answered throughout the course of study. Assess questions for depth and complexity, and sort them accordingly on a Question Tree. Use the Question Tree to brainstorm, gather, and document questions as they are raised and addressed.

Investigate different ways that humans have used and manipulated resources from the natural world to meet their community’s needs. Develop a definition of what it means for something to be “natural” or “made by humans.” Create a mobile that illustrates some of the ways that humans affect and use a particular natural resource (plant or animal) within a specific habitat and/or community.