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.

Research what life was like for a philosopher who accomplished something that was unexpected in the time and place in which he or she lived. Understand that not all great thinkers lived in a time or place in which their ideas or actions were considered acceptable or important. Learn about how philosophers overcame these obstacles in order to accomplish great things. Make connections between the accomplishments of this philosopher and personal goals for intellectual achievement.

Go out into the local community to find beautiful things in your local environment. Look for beautiful things that exist in nature and beautiful things that are human-made. Consider what makes them beautiful and write an ode to an object.

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.