This inquiry provides students with an opportunity to learn about the New Deal in an interesting and provocative manner, through the lens of environmentalism. The inquiry establishes this context by opening with a supporting question about the environmental or conservation movement and actions in the first half of the 20th century. With this grounding, students then investigate the relationship between New Deal programs and the environment. Lastly, students focus on the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the economic and environmental reform role the CCC played.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Was the New Deal green?
Staging Question
Discuss an environmental policy or practice in the news today, such as the Green New Deal.
1
Supporting QuestionWhat did “green” look like in the early 20th century?
Formative TasksIdentify and list the different types of conservation.
SourcesSource A: Translation of Chief Seattle Speech
Source B: 19th Century Trends in American Conservation
Source C: Teddy Roosevelt on Deforestation
Source D: John Muir on Yosemite National Park
2
Supporting QuestionTo what extent did New Deal programs help the economy while also helping the environment?
Formative TasksConstruct a Venn diagram determining whether New Deal programs helped the economy, environment, or both.
SourcesSource A: The text of Roosevelt’s “fireside chat” in May 1933 outlining the New Deal
Source B: The Living New Deal: New Deal Programs
Source C: Khan Academy The New Deal
Source D: The Kennedy Center: The New Deal Roosevelt’s Recovery Plan
3
Supporting QuestionWas the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) an economic program or a conservation project?
Formative TasksMake a claim about whether the benefits of the CCC were primarily economic or environmental.
SourcesSource A: D. K. Major letter to Robert Fechner regarding funding for the Civilian Conservation Corps; 4/5/1933
Source B: FDR address to Congress creating the CCC
Source C: Civilian Conservation Corp was a Boon to Utah
Source D: African Americans and the CCC
Source E: Zion National Park CCC Projects Images (w/ then and now comparison)
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Was the New Deal Green? Construct an argument (e.g. detailed outline, poster, essay, etc.) that evaluates whether the New Deal was green. Using specific claims and relevant evidence from sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Students will analyze the Green New Deal and participate in a Socratic seminar about how essential economic considerations are to it as an environmental program.
Taking Informed Action
Understand:
Assess:
Act: Students will identify and research a local issue that pits economic interests against environmental interests and create a meme or political cartoon (awareness campaign) that illustrates that tension.