BHP DISCIPLINE CARDS

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Agriculture The practice of cultivating the land or raising Questions Evidence
livestock; the class of people engaged in growing How do we increase food production to Soil types/samples, weather forecasts,
food; the study of farming and food sciences feed our growing population? climate data, ecosystem health, crop
Jobs development, plant germination, irrigation
• Agriculturalist/agriculture scientist systems, genetic modification
• Agriculture mechanic (assembly technician, What role do certain plants and animals play Animal behavior, food chain data
automation technician) in our ecosystem?
• Agribusiness (farm production manager)
• Animal scientist (animal geneticist, artificial Is genetically modified food safe to Food research, biochemical experiments,
insemination tech) consume? data on genetic engineering, soil samples
• Food scientist (food chemist, food manufacturer)
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Anthropology The study of humankind as a whole: more specifically, Questions Evidence
the study of how, when, and why humans and What makes humans different from other Artifacts such as clothing remnants,
different cultures develop species? potsherds, arrowheads, leftover grains,
markings, art, written sources
Jobs
• Anthropologist How did the first humans live? Animal and human remains, fossils, artifacts
• Biological anthropologist How did environmental surroundings Climate, weather, and geographic data,
• Forensic anthropologist affect the way different human cultures genetic modification of plants/crops
• Ethnobotanist developed?
• Archaeologist How did the development of languages Progression and improvement of artifacts
• Cultural anthropologist; Cultural resource contribute to collective learning? such as improvements in tool-making
manager techniques, changes in human skull shape
and position of larynx
How does learning about present-day Ethnographic studies such as studying a
human cultures help us understand both the community through long-term interaction
past and the present (and even think about and communication
the future)?
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Archaeology The study of ancient people and their traditions, Questions Evidence
livelihoods, and the world that they lived in How did the first humans live? Artifacts such as clothing remnants,
Jobs potsherds, arrowheads, leftover grains,
• Archaeologist markings, art
• Historical archaeologist Where and why did the first cities and Remnants of structures: shelters or places
• Prehistoric archaeologist states appear? of worship, climate and geographic data
• Experimental archaeologist What makes human societies similar and Comparative analysis of early human
• Underwater archaeologist different? societies, artifacts, human remains
• Space archaeologist
Why do societies collapse? Crop development, soil samples, irrigation
• Zooarchaeologist
systems, climate data
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BHP DISCIPLINE CARDS
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Astronomy The branch of physics that studies natural bodies Questions Evidence
outside of the Earth’s atmosphere (such as the Moon Are we alone in the Universe? Observational data using the naked eye and
and the stars) and the Universe as a whole technology such as telescopes, computer
Jobs simulations and models of celestial objects
and/or occurrences, mathematical data,
• Astronomer • Cosmologist
physical laws, analysis of space debris
(theoretical or • Planetary astronomer
observational) • Radio astronomer
• Astrophysicist • Astronaut What is dark energy? Theoretical and experimental astronomical
(theoretical, • Aerospace engineer studies, observational data
observational, or
experimental) How do we know about the structure of the Observational data from telescopes, study of
Universe? light from the early Universe, CMBR data

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Astrophysics The study of properties and interactions of planets, Questions Evidence
stars, galaxies, and other astronomical objects What is the Universe made of? Rock samples from space (comets,
asteroids, Mars), observational data using
telescopes and satellites, studies using the
Jobs
laws of physics
• Astrophysicist
(theoretical, observational, or experimental)
• Astronaut Is there more than one dimension to the Experimental and theoretical studies,
• Astronautical engineer Universe? observational and mathematical data

What is dark matter? Theoretical studies, observational data on

the interaction between gravity and celestial
bodies

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Biology The study of living organisms and the characteristic Questions Evidence
processes of life How do organisms evolve? Genetic studies, fossil evidence
Jobs
• Biologist
• Biochemist How does a virus spread? Medical studies, genetic and physiological
• Doctor evidence
• Nurse
• Pharmacist How can living organisms cause an Fossil record, studies on the relationship
extinction event? between organisms

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BHP DISCIPLINE CARDS
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Chemistry The study of the properties and composition of Questions Evidence
substances as well as the transformations they How were chemical elements formed? Experimental and observational data
undergo such as using a telescope, satellite, and
Jobs spectrometer to observe stars; computer
• Chemist (analytical • Toxicologist modeling
or applied) • Forensic scientist
• Biochemist • Geochemist How do different elements react with one Experimental and observational data of ,
• Chemical engineer • Hazardous waste another? elements using microscopes, spectrometers,
• Pharmacologist chemist x-rays
• Materials scientist • Water chemist
How and why are chemical elements Experimental and observational data related
important to our world? to how elements make up the air we breathe,
the planet, the Universe, and ourselves

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Computer science The study of computers and their uses Questions Evidence
How can computers help us prevent natural Computer programs/software that model the
disasters? impact of climate change; seismographic
Jobs studies and modeling the effects of shifting
• Computer scientist • Information analyst plates; predictions and modeling the effects
• Computer programmer • Data scientist of rising sea levels/floods
• Web developer • Games developer
• Software developer • Animator Is artificial intelligence (AI) helpful or Development of computer programs to test
harmful? 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 remains

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Cosmology The study of the Universe and its origin Questions Evidence
Did anything exist before the Big Bang? Theoretical studies, astronomical
observations

Jobs What did the early Universe look like? CMBR data, speed of light, observations
• Cosmologist • Astrophysicist using telescopes and spectrometers,
• Astronaut • Atomic/molecular satellite imagery
• Astronomer physicist
(galactic, planetary, • Nuclear physicist
solar, stellar, or • Nuclear engineer Why did the Big Bang happen? Theoretical studies, astronomical
observational) observations

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BHP DISCIPLINE CARDS
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Economics The study of the production, consumption, and Questions Evidence
management of goods and services; of or relating to What economic systems are most beneficial Statistics on the impact of different
the economy for people? economic systems (socialism, communism,
Jobs capitalism), data on GDP/GNP, data on
• Economist • Data analyst quality of life/standard of living
• Financial manager • Investment analyst Will there be another Great Depression? Historical data on economic patterns,
• Financial adviser • Actuary mathematical projections, stock market data
• Market research • Accountant How does a nation raise its gross domestic Economic reports, analysis of goods
analyst production (GDP)? produced and distributed (exports and
imports), law of supply and demand, statistics
about companies, nations, trade agreements
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Engineering The use of scientific and technological principles to Questions Evidence
design and build structures and machines How can we protect people from natural Simulations, models; computer
disasters? programming/software; environmental
Jobs impact and safety reports; testing new
• Civil engineer • Computer engineer building materials to withstand earthquakes,
• Chemical engineer • Nuclear engineer hurricanes, or floods
• Biomedical engineer • Aerospace engineer How can we build structures with minimal Environmental impact studies, endangered
• Mechanical engineer • Electrical engineer environmental impact? species reports, new building technology
• Environmental • Materials engineer and materials, computer modeling
engineer How could we live on another planet Soil samples from planets such as Mars
(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 oxygen
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Environmental Interdisciplinary academic field that studies the Questions Evidence
science physical, chemical, and biological components of How do we survive through the Climate studies, environmental impact
nature; focuses on solving environmental issues Anthropocene? reports, studies on the effects of recycling
caused by both natural and human-made events and new technologies on the environment
Jobs How do we reduce greenhouse gases? Environmental impact reports, pollution and
• Conservation scientist • Environmental greenhouse gas emissions data, alternative
• Environmentalist chemist fuel sources
• Environmental • Ecologist What are the effects of continued rising sea Water samples, endangered species reports,
engineer • Marine biologist levels? experiments and computer modeling on
• Hydrologist • Environmental lawyer changing temperatures and impact on ocean
• Agricultural engineer • Water-quality scientist life/coral reefs
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BHP DISCIPLINE CARDS
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Genetics The branch of biology that studies heredity and Questions Evidence
variation in organisms How are organisms related to one another? DNA sequencing, fossils

Jobs How does a virus mutate? DNA sequencing, experiments using

• Geneticist • Independent clinical computer modeling/software to predict
• Doctor researcher mutation patterns
• Genetic counselor • Speech-language
• Bioinformatician pathologist
• Audiologist When did humans develop language DNA sequencing, examination of fossils,
abilities? computer modeling, medical scans (CAT
scans, MRIs)

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Geology The study of the history of the Earth and the changes Questions Evidence
it has undergone as recorded in rocks What drives plate movement? Soil/rock samples, satellite images, maps,
sonar technology

Jobs What elements/matter compose the core of Seismic waves, observations and data
• Geoscientist • Geological engineer the Earth? on the Earth’s magnetic field, rock core
• Geochemist • Drilling engineer samples
• Geophysicist • Soil scientist
• Environmental • Seismologist
What caused the extinction of the Ice/rock core samples, chemical analysis of
scientist
dinosaurs? rocks and minerals, spectrometers, electron
microscopes, fossil evidence

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Geography The study of Earth’s physical features Questions Evidence
How have cities and states changed Maps, artifacts, written sources
Jobs throughout history?
• Cartographer • Geopolitical
• Environmental consultant How is climate change affecting different Climate data, satellite images, environmental
consultant • Park ranger regions of the world? impact reports, atmospheric data
• Air/water quality • Natural resources
control manager manager
• Climatologist • Urban/regional How can the Earth support a population of Computer modeling, maps, agricultural and
• Facilities planner planner 10 billion? environmental data, population studies
• Forestry technician

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BHP DISCIPLINE CARDS
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
History The study of past events, particularly those involving Questions Evidence
human beings Why do societies collapse? Primary and secondary sources such as
first-hand accounts (journals, letters, public
Jobs records), artifacts, environmental/climate data
• Historian • Paralegal/legal
• Librarian assistant How were the first cities and states Primary and secondary sources, artifacts,
• Archivist • Lawyer formed? maps, geological and environmental data
• Curator • Historical author/
• Teacher writer How has globalization affected different Population, economic, and environmental
regions of the world? data; primary and secondary sources;
interviews; maps; visual materials

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Mathematics The science of numbers and their operations Questions Evidence
How many people can the Earth support? Population statistics, computer programs/
modeling, agricultural and environmental
Jobs data
• Mathematician • Financial analyst/
• Statistician adviser How far away is the Sun? Astronomical data, geometry, physics,
• Actuary • Accountant mathematical equations
• Software developer • Economist
• Computer programmer How do viruses spread throughout Population statistics; health statistics, data,
populations? and reporting; mathematical modeling

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Oceanography The study of the physical and biological properties of Questions Evidence
the sea How do processes in the ocean impact the Water/soil samples, satellites, data from
rest of the Earth? moors/buoys, sonar technology, computer
Jobs tracking programs that record currents and
• Oceanographer • Marine biologist sea rise, sea floor mapping and sampling,
• Marine archaeologist • Conservation salinity measurements
• Ocean engineer specialist
• Climate researcher • Environmental How do species adapt to changes in the Fossils, animal sensors/tags, salinity
• Naval researcher specialist ocean? measurements, water samples
• Ocean driller
How do waves, storms, tides, and currents Satellite imagery, data from moors/buoys,
affect human movement around the globe? computer programs that model changes
in population density, sea rise, the impact
of storms, historical data on the impact of
storms and currents

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BHP DISCIPLINE CARDS
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Paleontology The study of prehistoric life on Earth through fossils Questions Evidence
What did dinosaurs eat and where were Fossils, soil samples, DNA sequencing,
they located? carbon dating

Jobs Are we experiencing normal levels of Data on biodiversity and extinction of

• Paleontologist • Field researcher extinction, or are we experiencing a mass species in the past, computer modeling
• Paleoclimatologist • Museum curator extinction? that estimates the number of species
• Ichnologist • Prospector currently on Earth with future predictions,
• Paleobotanist • Park ranger mathematical calculations based on
• Paleoecologist • Science writer fieldwork to count species, fossils

How have mass extinction events helped Data from fossils of plants and animals,
push evolution forward? geologic evidence, DNA sequencing

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Physics The study of the properties of matter and energy Questions Evidence
How does gravity affect the Earth? Astronomical observations, mathematical
Jobs models, satellite imagery
• Physicist • Materials scientist
(experimental or • Design engineer What is dark matter/dark energy? Theoretical studies; astronomical
theoretical) • Laser engineer observations; particle colliders; satellite,
• Astrophysicist • Optical engineer x-ray, and infrared imagery
• Nuclear physicist • Aerospace systems
• Astronomer engineer Can we ever travel back in time? Theoretical studies, particle colliders; laws
• Research associate • Technical specialist of physics; studies on space-time, gravity,
and other astrophysical properties

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Political science The study of and analysis of systems of government Questions Evidence
and political behavior How does resource distribution impact Data on natural resources; historical studies
power? on political, industrial, and economic power;
Jobs primary and secondary sources such as
• Lawyer • Policy analyst laws, economic policies, political decisions
• Politician • Speech writer
• Pollster • Political consultan How do power relations among countries Primary and secondary sources on foreign
• Public relations create tension in the world? and diplomatic relations between nations;
specialist data and historical sources on causes of
global conflict

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BHP DISCIPLINE CARDS
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Psychology The study of human behavior and development Questions Evidence
throughout the lifespan What are the cultural norms of different Observations, primary and secondary
societies? sources, interviews, surveys
Jobs
• Psychologist • Therapist
(experimental, • Social worker Why do people remember events Lab experiments, personality/behavioral
forensic, sports, • Case manager differently? tests, interviews, surveys, anatomical/
or industrial- • Human resources medical studies of the brain, scans (CAT
organizational) manager scans, MRIs)
• Psychiatric technician • Police officer
• Counselor • Parole officer

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Sociology The study of human behavior, development, and Questions Evidence
interaction across a civilization or community How do societies view gender and class Primary and secondary historical sources,
differences? interviews, surveys, socioeconomic data,
Jobs legal documents
• Sociologist • Public relations
• Social worker specialist
What are the causes of big social changes Primary and secondary sources such
• Case manager • Police officer
such as abolition of slavery, women’s as interviews, legal documents/court
• Paralegal • Human resources
suffrage, and equality in marriage? proceedings, and newspapers; surveys
• Lawyer representative
• Parole officer

Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Theology The study of religion and religious beliefs Questions Evidence
What happens to people when they die? Sacred books (such as the Bible,
Qur’an, Vedas), observations of religious
Jobs ceremonies and rituals, oral storytelling and
• Priest • Youth minister traditions
• Minister • Social worker
• Clergy member • Ethicist Why do societies have different origin Sacred books, observations of religious
• Counselor • Historian stories? ceremonies and rituals, sacred sites,
• Religious ministries • Writer influence of geography/environment on
director 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
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BHP DISCIPLINE CARDS
Discipline Definition Big History questions and evidence used by this discipline
Zoology The study of the evolution, classification, behavior, Questions Evidence
and biology of animals How many species are on Earth? Fieldwork (nets, stun spray, counting),
observations, mathematical calculations
Jobs
• Zoologist • Animal trainer How do you classify organisms? DNA sequencing, observations, fossils
• Veterinarian • Wildlife rehabilitator
• Park naturalist • Aquarist
• Zoo educator • Marine biologist What is the relationship between DNA sequencing, fossils, observations
organisms?