The Control of Nature

The Control of Nature Cover by John McPhee.
(1990, Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
ISBN Number: 978-0374522599

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.

(from Farrar, Straus and Giroux, publishers of The Control of Nature)

Question File

  • 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).

Terms, Locations, and Names File

  • 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. 

Quotes File

  • The following quotes from the book should serve as a foundation for some very engaging discussions and reflection.
Supporting Materials: 
AttachmentSize
File Google Earth File19.77 KB
PDF icon Questions21.11 KB
PDF icon Terms, Locations and Names13.75 KB
PDF icon Quotes17.7 KB
Category: 
Recommended Grade: 
High School