Definition:

to be amazed at and/or curious about something that is pleasantly unexpected, beautiful, or  mysterious.

In short:

Curiosity sparks endless discovery.

Summary:
Rachel Carson’s childhood in the beautiful countryside of Pennsylvania sparked a lifetime dedication in pursuit of defending our natural world. She was gifted with the ability to express her concerns in interviews, articles, and several transformative books she authored. Rachel courageously attacked the powerful pesticide industry in her book “Silent Spring,” and because of her groundbreaking work, improvements were made to protect nature from harmful chemicals. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students will be moved to a greater awareness of environmental issues and hopefully that will be an incentive to action. 
2. This story can be linked to studies in environmental science. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. What does the title “Preserving a Sense of Wonder” mean to you? 
2. How did Rachel learn about the natural world around her? 
3. What was Rachael’s first book about? 
4. When Rachel returned to her hometown in Pennsylvania, what changes did she notice? 
5. What is the book “Silent Spring” about? 
6. Why did the chemical companies that made pesticides oppose Rachel’s activism? 
7. Have you ever been to the ocean? If so, share about what you see, hear, touch, smell and feel there. 
8. Is there a place in nature that you like to visit? Share about what you see, hear, touch, smell and feel there. 
9. Rachel loved to write about her passion for nature. What is your favorite way to express your thoughts and feelings  - writing, speaking, drawing, singing, or acting it out? 
10. Draw a picture of your favorite place or part of nature (animals, plants, mountains, rivers, gardens) with lots of details.