NSHS guides: Guns, Germs, and Steel: assignment

project

Determine if Jared Diamond's hypothesis about geography being the main determining factor in a nation's prosperity, power, and technological advancement.

Review how the plant or animal you are researching impacted U.S. advancement, and eventually helped the U.S. become a world power.

choose a plant or animal:

wheat

barley

rice

corn

sorghum

cattle

goats

sheep

pigs

horses

How did this plant/animal come to the U.S.?
How has this plant/animal had a positive impact on the U.S.?
What special conditions does this plant/animal require in order to thrive?
How did having this plant/animal help us gain wealth and power in the world?
What would/did happen if this plant/animal was no longer a resource ot the U.S.?
I what way have scientists used genetic engineering to change this plant/animal?
What role does the latitude and shape of the North American continent play in the success of cultivation this plant/animal?
Describe the growing/life cycle of this plant/animal and explain why our geography is important in this process.
In what ways did the cultivation of this plant/animal contribute to U.S. expansion and success as a world power? give examples.
Other interesting facts you learned about your plant/animal?

Guns, Germs, and Steel

project

Newton Central High School Library