Explore the Google Earth QUEST for The Control of Nature, by John McPhee.

Click here for the Google Earth file for The Control of Nature

Description from Farrar, Straus and Giroux, publishers of The Control of Nature:

The Control of Nature is John McPhee's bestselling account of places where people are locked in combat with nature. Taking us deep into these contested territories, McPhee details the strageties and tactics through which people attempt to control nature. Most striking is his depiction of the main contestants: nature in complex and awesome guises, and those attempting to wrest control from her - stubborn, sometimes foolhardy, more often ingenious, and always arresting characters.

The file included here contains questions for each chapter of the book.  The questions fall across different levels of Bloom's taxonomic scale.

In the classroom, these questions are also appropriate for a Gallery Walk exercise (learn more about this pedagogical technique).

PDF file of questions for student assignments, group discussion, or personal reflection.

The following file contains a list of vocabulary terms, geographic place names, and scientist and professional organization names for each chapter in the book.  It is suggested the reader review this information before viewing the Google Earth file and/or reading the book.

PDF file with a listing of terms, locations, and names from each chapter.

The following quotes from the book should serve as a foundation for some very engaging discussions and reflection.

PDF file with quotes from each chapter.

More information about The Control of Nature by John McPhee and his other publications can be found online (Link 1, Link 2).

Chapter One - Atchafalaya can be found on The New Yorker website.