BHP Discipline Cards
1BHP DISCIPLINE CARDSDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineAgricultureThe practice of cultivating the land or raising livestock; the class of people engaged in growing food; the study of farming and food sciencesQuestionsEvidenceHow do we increase food production to feed our growing population?Soil types/samples, weather forecasts, climate data, ecosystem health, crop development, plant germination, irrigation systems, genetic modificationJobs• Agriculturalist/agriculture scientist • Agriculture mechanic (assembly technician, automation technician) • Agribusiness (farm production manager) • Animal scientist (animal geneticist, artificial insemination tech) • Food scientist (food chemist, food manufacturer)What role do certain plants and animals play in our ecosystem?Animal behavior, food chain dataIs genetically modified food safe to consume?Food research, biochemical experiments, data on genetic engineering, soil samplesDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineAnthropologyThe study of humankind as a whole: more specifically, the study of how, when, and why humans and different cultures developQuestionsEvidenceWhat makes humans different from other species?Artifacts such as clothing remnants, potsherds, arrowheads, leftover grains, markings, art, written sourcesJobs• Anthropologist • Biological anthropologist • Forensic anthropologist • Ethnobotanist• Archaeologist • Cultural anthropologist; Cultural resource managerHow did the first humans live?Animal and human remains, fossils, artifactsHow did environmental surroundings affect the way different human cultures developed?Climate, weather, and geographic data, genetic modification of plants/cropsHow did the development of languages contribute to collective learning?Progression and improvement of artifacts such as improvements in tool-making techniques, changes in human skull shape and position of larynxHow does learning about present-day human cultures help us understand both the past and the present (and even think about the future)?Ethnographic studies such as studying a community through long-term interaction and communicationDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineArchaeologyThe study of ancient people and their traditions, livelihoods, and the world that they lived in QuestionsEvidenceHow did the first humans live?Artifacts such as clothing remnants, potsherds, arrowheads, leftover grains, markings, artJobs• Archaeologist• Historical archaeologist• Prehistoric archaeologist• Experimental archaeologist• Underwater archaeologist• Space archaeologist• ZooarchaeologistWhere and why did the first cities and states appear?Remnants of structures: shelters or places of worship, climate and geographic dataWhat makes human societies similar and different?Comparative analysis of early human societies, artifacts, human remainsWhy do societies collapse?Crop development, soil samples, irrigation systems, climate data
2BHP DISCIPLINE CARDSDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineAstronomyThe branch of physics that studies natural bodies outside of the Earth’s atmosphere (such as the Moon and the stars) and the Universe as a wholeQuestionsEvidenceAre we alone in the Universe? Observational data using the naked eye and technology such as telescopes, computer simulations and models of celestial objects and/or occurrences, mathematical data, physical laws, analysis of space debrisJobs• Astronomer (theoretical or observational) • Astrophysicist(theoretical, observational, or experimental) • Cosmologist • Planetary astronomer• Radio astronomer• Astronaut • Aerospace engineerWhat is dark energy?Theoretical and experimental astronomical studies, observational dataHow do we know about the structure of the Universe?Observational data from telescopes, study of light from the early Universe, CMBR dataDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineAstrophysicsThe study of properties and interactions of planets, stars, galaxies, and other astronomical objectsQuestionsEvidenceWhat is the Universe made of? Rock samples from space (comets, asteroids, Mars), observational data using telescopes and satellites, studies using the laws of physicsJobs• Astrophysicist (theoretical, observational, or experimental) • Astronaut • Astronautical engineerIs there more than one dimension to the Universe?Experimental and theoretical studies, observational and mathematical dataWhat is dark matter?Theoretical studies, observational data on the interaction between gravity and celestial bodiesDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineBiologyThe study of living organisms and the characteristic processes of lifeQuestionsEvidenceHow do organisms evolve?Genetic studies, fossil evidenceJobs• Biologist• Biochemist• Doctor• Nurse• PharmacistHow does a virus spread?Medical studies, genetic and physiological evidenceHow can living organisms cause an extinction event?Fossil record, studies on the relationship between organisms
3BHP DISCIPLINE CARDSDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineChemistryThe study of the properties and composition of substances as well as the transformations they undergoQuestionsEvidenceHow were chemical elements formed? Experimental and observational data such as using a telescope, satellite, and spectrometer to observe stars; computer modeling Jobs• Chemist (analytical or applied) • Biochemist • Chemical engineer • Pharmacologist • Materials scientist• Toxicologist• Forensic scientist • Geochemist • Hazardous waste chemist • Water chemistHow do different elements react with one another? Experimental and observational data of , elements using microscopes, spectrometers, x-rays How and why are chemical elements important to our world?Experimental and observational data related to how elements make up the air we breathe, the planet, the Universe, and ourselvesDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineComputer scienceThe study of computers and their uses QuestionsEvidenceHow can computers help us prevent natural disasters? Computer programs/software that model the impact of climate change; seismographic studies and modeling the effects of shifting plates; predictions and modeling the effects of rising sea levels/floods Jobs• Computer scientist • Computer programmer • Web developer • Software developer • Information analyst • Data scientist • Games developer • AnimatorIs artificial intelligence (AI) helpful or harmful? Development of computer programs to test and make predictions about AI What did extinct human species look like?Computer programs and imaging software to re-create facial/body features using fossils, artifacts, skeletal remainsDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineCosmologyThe study of the Universe and its originQuestionsEvidenceDid anything exist before the Big Bang? Theoretical studies, astronomical observations Jobs• Cosmologist • Astronaut • Astronomer (galactic, planetary, solar, stellar, or observational) • Astrophysicist• Atomic/molecular physicist • Nuclear physicist • Nuclear engineerWhat did the early Universe look like? CMBR data, speed of light, observations using telescopes and spectrometers, satellite imagery Why did the Big Bang happen?Theoretical studies, astronomical observations
4BHP DISCIPLINE CARDSDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineEconomicsThe study of the production, consumption, and management of goods and services; of or relating to the economyQuestionsEvidenceWhat economic systems are most beneficial for people? Statistics on the impact of different economic systems (socialism, communism, capitalism), data on GDP/GNP, data on quality of life/standard of living Jobs• Economist • Financial manager • Financial adviser • Market research analyst • Data analyst • Investment analyst • Actuary • AccountantWill there be another Great Depression? Historical data on economic patterns, mathematical projections, stock market data How does a nation raise its gross domestic production (GDP)?Economic reports, analysis of goods produced and distributed (exports and imports), law of supply and demand, statistics about companies, nations, trade agreementsDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineEngineeringThe use of scientific and technological principles to design and build structures and machines QuestionsEvidenceHow can we protect people from natural disasters? Simulations, models; computer programming/software; environmental impact and safety reports; testing new building materials to withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods Jobs• Civil engineer • Chemical engineer • Biomedical engineer • Mechanical engineer• Environmental engineer • Computer engineer • Nuclear engineer • Aerospace engineer • Electrical engineer • Materials engineerHow can we build structures with minimal environmental impact? Environmental impact studies, endangered species reports, new building technology and materials, computer modeling How could we live on another planet (Mars)?Soil samples from planets such as Mars (Mars rover), studies on atmospheric conditions on other planets, computer programs to develop structures to house humans on planets with large fluctuations in temperatures and little oxygenDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineEnvironmental scienceInterdisciplinary academic field that studies the physical, chemical, and biological components of nature; focuses on solving environmental issues caused by both natural and human-made eventsQuestionsEvidenceHow do we survive through the Anthropocene? Climate studies, environmental impact reports, studies on the effects of recycling and new technologies on the environment Jobs• Conservation scientist • Environmentalist • Environmental engineer • Hydrologist • Agricultural engineer• Environmental chemist • Ecologist • Marine biologist • Environmental lawyer • Water-quality scientistHow do we reduce greenhouse gases? Environmental impact reports, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions data, alternative fuel sources What are the effects of continued rising sea levels?Water samples, endangered species reports, experiments and computer modeling on changing temperatures and impact on ocean life/coral reefs
5BHP DISCIPLINE CARDSDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineGeneticsThe branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organismsQuestionsEvidenceHow are organisms related to one another? DNA sequencing, fossils Jobs• Geneticist • Doctor • Genetic counselor • Bioinformatician• Independent clinical researcher • Speech-language pathologist • AudiologistHow does a virus mutate? DNA sequencing, experiments using computer modeling/software to predict mutation patterns When did humans develop language abilities?DNA sequencing, examination of fossils, computer modeling, medical scans (CAT scans, MRIs)DisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineGeologyThe study of the history of the Earth and the changes it has undergone as recorded in rocksQuestionsEvidenceWhat drives plate movement? Soil/rock samples, satellite images, maps, sonar technology Jobs• Geoscientist • Geochemist • Geophysicist • Environmental scientist • Geological engineer • Drilling engineer • Soil scientist • SeismologistWhat elements/matter compose the core of the Earth? Seismic waves, observations and data on the Earth’s magnetic field, rock core samples What caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?Ice/rock core samples, chemical analysis of rocks and minerals, spectrometers, electron microscopes, fossil evidenceDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineGeographyThe study of Earth’s physical featuresQuestionsEvidenceHow have cities and states changed throughout history? Maps, artifacts, written sources Jobs• Cartographer • Environmental consultant • Air/water quality control manager • Climatologist • Facilities planner• Forestry technician• Geopolitical consultant • Park ranger • Natural resources manager • Urban/regional plannerHow is climate change affecting different regions of the world? Climate data, satellite images, environmental impact reports, atmospheric dataHow can the Earth support a population of 10 billion?Computer modeling, maps, agricultural and environmental data, population studies
6BHP DISCIPLINE CARDSDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineHistoryThe study of past events, particularly those involving human beingsQuestionsEvidenceWhy do societies collapse? Primary and secondary sources such as first-hand accounts (journals, letters, public records), artifacts, environmental/climate data Jobs• Historian • Librarian • Archivist • Curator• Teacher• Paralegal/legal assistant• Lawyer • Historical author/writerHow were the first cities and states formed? Primary and secondary sources, artifacts, maps, geological and environmental data How has globalization affected different regions of the world?Population, economic, and environmental data; primary and secondary sources; interviews; maps; visual materialsDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineMathematicsThe science of numbers and their operationsQuestionsEvidenceHow many people can the Earth support? Population statistics, computer programs/modeling, agricultural and environmental data Jobs• Mathematician • Statistician • Actuary • Software developer• Computer programmer • Financial analyst/adviser • Accountant• EconomistHow far away is the Sun? Astronomical data, geometry, physics, mathematical equations How do viruses spread throughout populations? Population statistics; health statistics, data, and reporting; mathematical modelingDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineOceanographyThe study of the physical and biological properties of the sea QuestionsEvidenceHow do processes in the ocean impact the rest of the Earth? Water/soil samples, satellites, data from moors/buoys, sonar technology, computer tracking programs that record currents and sea rise, sea floor mapping and sampling, salinity measurements Jobs• Oceanographer • Marine archaeologist • Ocean engineer • Climate researcher • Naval researcher• Ocean driller• Marine biologist • Conservation specialist • Environmental specialistHow do species adapt to changes in the ocean? Fossils, animal sensors/tags, salinity measurements, water samples How do waves, storms, tides, and currents affect human movement around the globe?Satellite imagery, data from moors/buoys, computer programs that model changes in population density, sea rise, the impact of storms, historical data on the impact of storms and currents
7BHP DISCIPLINE CARDSDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplinePaleontologyThe study of prehistoric life on Earth through fossilsQuestionsEvidenceWhat did dinosaurs eat and where were they located? Fossils, soil samples, DNA sequencing, carbon dating Jobs• Paleontologist • Paleoclimatologist • Ichnologist • Paleobotanist • Paleoecologist• Field researcher • Museum curator • Prospector • Park ranger • Science writerAre we experiencing normal levels of extinction, or are we experiencing a mass extinction? Data on biodiversity and extinction of species in the past, computer modeling that estimates the number of species currently on Earth with future predictions, mathematical calculations based on fieldwork to count species, fossils How have mass extinction events helped push evolution forward?Data from fossils of plants and animals, geologic evidence, DNA sequencingDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplinePhysicsThe study of the properties of matter and energy QuestionsEvidenceHow does gravity affect the Earth? Astronomical observations, mathematical models, satellite imagery Jobs• Physicist (experimental or theoretical) • Astrophysicist • Nuclear physicist • Astronomer • Research associate • Materials scientist• Design engineer • Laser engineer • Optical engineer • Aerospace systems engineer • Technical specialistWhat is dark matter/dark energy? Theoretical studies; astronomical observations; particle colliders; satellite, x-ray, and infrared imagery Can we ever travel back in time?Theoretical studies, particle colliders; laws of physics; studies on space-time, gravity, and other astrophysical propertiesDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplinePolitical scienceThe study of and analysis of systems of government and political behaviorQuestionsEvidenceHow does resource distribution impact power? Data on natural resources; historical studies on political, industrial, and economic power; primary and secondary sources such as laws, economic policies, political decisions Jobs• Lawyer • Politician • Pollster • Public relations specialist• Policy analyst • Speech writer • Political consultanHow do power relations among countries create tension in the world?Primary and secondary sources on foreign and diplomatic relations between nations; data and historical sources on causes of global conflict
8BHP DISCIPLINE CARDSDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplinePsychologyThe study of human behavior and development throughout the lifespan QuestionsEvidenceWhat are the cultural norms of different societies? Observations, primary and secondary sources, interviews, surveys Jobs• Psychologist (experimental, forensic, sports, or industrial-organizational) • Psychiatric technician • Counselor • Therapist• Social worker • Case manager • Human resources manager • Police officer • Parole officerWhy do people remember events differently?Lab experiments, personality/behavioral tests, interviews, surveys, anatomical/medical studies of the brain, scans (CAT scans, MRIs)DisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineSociologyThe study of human behavior, development, and interaction across a civilization or communityQuestionsEvidenceHow do societies view gender and class differences? Primary and secondary historical sources, interviews, surveys, socioeconomic data, legal documents Jobs• Sociologist • Social worker • Case manager • Paralegal • Lawyer• Parole officer• Public relations specialist • Police officer • Human resources representativeWhat are the causes of big social changes such as abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and equality in marriage?Primary and secondary sources such as interviews, legal documents/court proceedings, and newspapers; surveysDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineTheologyThe study of religion and religious beliefsQuestionsEvidenceWhat happens to people when they die? Sacred books (such as the Bible, Qur’an, Vedas), observations of religious ceremonies and rituals, oral storytelling and traditions Jobs• Priest • Minister • Clergy member • Counselor• Religious ministries director • Youth minister • Social worker • Ethicist • Historian • WriterWhy do societies have different origin stories? Sacred books, observations of religious ceremonies and rituals, sacred sites, influence of geography/environment on a society/culture, oral storytelling and traditions What is the meaning of life?Sacred books, observations of religious ceremonies and rituals, artifacts, sacred sites, philosophy of religion, oral storytelling and traditions
9BHP DISCIPLINE CARDSDisciplineDefinitionBig History questions and evidence used by this disciplineZoologyThe study of the evolution, classification, behavior, and biology of animalsQuestionsEvidenceHow many species are on Earth?Fieldwork (nets, stun spray, counting), observations, mathematical calculations Jobs• Zoologist • Veterinarian • Park naturalist • Zoo educator • Animal trainer • Wildlife rehabilitator • Aquarist • Marine biologistHow do you classify organisms? DNA sequencing, observations, fossils What is the relationship between organisms?DNA sequencing, fossils, observations