Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What are the goals of environmentalism? What are some examples of things environmentalists work to protect?

Teaching Suggestion: Students will be more engaged with their reading of Flush if they can empathize with the protagonist’s goals. Some Americans think of environmental activism as a fringe activity that prevents others from exercising their economic rights. The framing of this question is intended to get students thinking about what the real goals of environmentalists are and how their achievements benefit society. The resources linked below can be used to deepen students’ understanding and spark their ideas on this topic.

• This 1-minute video by poet Jordan Sanchez shares her poem “Reimagine, Recreate, Restore” and her goals for the future of the environment all humans share.
• This brief explainer from James Madison University describes the scope of the term “environmental stewardship” and contains links to more in-depth information.

2. Even though environmental activists are trying to preserve a healthy planet for all of us to live on, do you think it is possible for them to go too far? What kinds of actions would you consider too extreme?