Students will launch the inquiry by noticing patterns in text, images, objects, and personal experiences; generate and refine investigable questions about identity, belonging, and environment; and begin an evidence-based journal that will anchor later research, collaboration, and creative products.

Students will refine investigable questions about identity, belonging, and human relationships with the natural world; analyze evidence from texts, images, and observations; and build a peer-reviewed inquiry plan that prepares their groups to create evidence-based posters, collages, and poem-animation ideas in the next phase.

Students will present their Roots and Ripples Expo exhibits, defend their evidence-based thinking about identity and human relationships with the natural world, respond to audience and peer questions, and record a brief final journal reflection through voice notes or sketches.