Environmental
Science
Essential Questions
Each project starts with an essential question.
Essential Questions are a way to wonder about this world ours. Essential
questions have the following characteristics:
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They are big questions
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They are researchable and answerable but they are not easily answered.
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Essential questions require smaller focus questions to guide research
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Focus questions are easier to answer than essential questions.
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Focus questions can be answered by doing good research.
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When all of the focus questions are answered, the essential question's
answer becomes obvious.
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Answers to essential questions require that you take a stand and are often
debatable
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Essential questions cannot be answered with simple lists or statements
of facts
Sample essential questions and focus questions:
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Why are whales endangered?
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What does endangered mean?
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What whales are endangered?
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What is the history behind the hunting of whales?
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What is the state of whale populations today?
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Why do maple trees produce sweet sap?
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What is sap?
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What is the natural cycle that produces the sap?
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How is the sap obtained?
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What chemical changes occur during processing?
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Is our wetland a vernal pool?
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What is the definition of a vernal pool?
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Why is a vernal pool special?
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What are the characteristics of our pool?
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Should vernal pools be protected?
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What are the benefits of vernal pools?
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What would be the impact of destroying a vernal pool?
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What is the social/economic gain from the destruction of vernal pools?
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What is the social/economic gain from the protection of vernal pools?
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How can I reduce energy use at my home?
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What types of energy sources are common in homes?
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What is energy? What is an energy source?
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What energy source is used in my home?
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What are the impacts of using different sources of energy?