Golden Gate National Parks

Golden Gate National Parks

An Essential Question Sampler

How do the following questions meet the criteria for an essential question?

Lynn Fonfa and Roxi Farwell, NPS, 2007

Golden Gate National Parks

Recommended criteria for an essential question:

Golden Gate National Parks

• It is clear, concise and compelling.

Recommended criteria for an essential question:

Golden Gate National Parks

• It is clear, concise and compelling.

Recommended criteria for an essential question:

• It reflects the essence of what you will study or explore.

Golden Gate National Parks

• It is clear, concise and compelling.

Recommended criteria for an essential question:

• It reflects the essence of what you will study or explore.• “Process” questions may provoke more dialog (“how” questions, rather than “what” questions).

Golden Gate National Parks

• It is clear, concise and compelling.

Recommended criteria for an essential question:

• It reflects the essence of what you will study or explore.• “Process” questions may provoke more dialog (“how” questions, rather than “what” questions).• It applies to places beyond your program location.

Golden Gate National Parks

• It is clear, concise and compelling.

Recommended criteria for an essential question:

• It reflects the essence of what you will study or explore.• “Process” questions may provoke more dialog (“how” questions, rather than “what” questions).• It applies to places beyond your program location.

• All audiences can contribute to the dialog prompted by the essential question.

Golden Gate National Parks

• It is clear, concise and compelling.

Recommended criteria for an essential question:

• It reflects the essence of what you will study or explore.• “Process” questions may provoke more dialog (“how” questions, rather than “what” questions).• It applies to places beyond your program location.

• All audiences can contribute to the dialog prompted by the essential question.• It invites discussion that broadens your perspective.

How do I recognize geologic change in my environment?

1930s military road near Battery Townsley, Marin Headlands, GGNRA - 1998

How can we simultaneously prepare for war and peace?

Nike Missile Site – 88L, Marin Headlands, GGNRA

How does a culture measure the value of a landscape?

Crissy Field Restoration Project, Presidio, GGNRA - 2004

How do you experience natural places?

Muir Woods National Monument

How can you create a new vision for land use?

1965 handbill protesting the Marincello Master Plan, Marin Headlands

What is the meaning of freedom?

American Indian Occupation of Alcatraz Island, 1969-71

What do omissions in our historical record reveal?

Buffalo Soldiers, Presidio of San Francisco – 1900