Class: American Literature

Date Due:

Academic Challenge: observing nature

Student Expectation:

Students will actively engage themselves in the learning process.

Students will personally challenge themselves.

Students will write and speak in a clear, organized manner.

Students will access, process and apply information effectively.

Students will demonstrate critical and creative thinking.

NHEIAP Standard:

Students will use reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing to gather and organize information, communicate effectively, and succeed in educational, occupational, civic, social, and everyday settings.

The Question:	How can we discover universal truths from natural facts?
The Challenge:	In order to test Emerson’s theories about the effect of nature on the human condition, find a place in a secluded spot in the woods to make observations of nature. Dress appropriately, and go alone. Plan on spending at least one hour making the observations. 90 minutes to two hours is optimal. Take a notebook and writing utensils and make clear and specific observations of what you see and hear. Be very specific. Describe things in detail. You should fill at least four pages on your notebook with writing. Prefer close, detailed observations instead of observing things far away. Do not attempt to place any significance on your observations—that will be assigned at a later date.
Minimum Product Standards:	The writing is clear and detailed. The observations are about what you see and hear. The observations are of nature. The observations reflect at least an hour’s work.