Research & Biomimicry
What is biomimicry?
Using ideas from nature to inspire technology or inventions.
Who wrote The Great Gatsby?
F. Scott Fitzgerald
What does the green light symbolize?
Gatsby’s hopes, dreams, and desire for Daisy.
Who wrote Of Mice and Men?
John Steinbeck
What does Candy’s dog symbolize?
Society’s treatment of the weak, old, or vulnerable.
Why do scientists study nature when creating technology?
Nature has already developed effective solutions over time.
Why does Gatsby throw huge parties?
Hoping Daisy will attend and notice him.
What does the Valley of Ashes symbolize?
Moral decay and the negative effects of wealth.
Why is George and Lennie’s friendship unusual?
Most ranch workers are lonely and isolated, but they care for each other.
Why is the river important at both the beginning and end of Of Mice and Men?
It creates a full-circle structure and symbolizes peace/safety.
What makes a source credible?
Reliable author, evidence, expertise, trustworthy publication, accurate information.
Why does Daisy stay with Tom?
Security, wealth, status, comfort.
What criticism does Fitzgerald make about the American Dream?
It becomes corrupted by money, status, and materialism.
Why does Lennie kill the puppy?
He pets it too hard and does not understand his own strength.
How does loneliness affect characters in Of Mice and Men?
It makes characters desperate for connection and hope.
Why are commentary and evidence both important in research writing?
Evidence supports claims while commentary explains why the evidence matters.
Why is Nick considered an unreliable narrator?
He is biased and filters events through his personal opinions.
Why is Gatsby never fully accepted into East Egg society?
He is “New Money” and lacks the social background of Old Money families.
Why is Crooks isolated from the other workers?
Racism and segregation on the ranch.
What do both novels suggest about the American Dream?
Dreams can give hope, but society often makes them impossible to achieve.
What is confirmation bias, and why is it dangerous in research?
Only looking for evidence that supports your opinion; it leads to unfair or inaccurate conclusions.
How does Tom represent “Old Money”?
He was born wealthy, acts superior, and looks down on people like Gatsby.
How are Tom and Daisy described as careless?
They hurt others and avoid consequences because of their wealth.
Why does George retell the dream before killing Lennie?
To comfort Lennie and let him die thinking about hope and happiness.
How are Gatsby and George/Lennie similar as dreamers?
They all chase unrealistic dreams that ultimately fail.