John Muir believed that we must exist in balance with nature and that it is our responsibility to preserve the natural beauty of the land for future generations. President Theodore Roosevelt believed he should be a "steward of the people" and take action whatever necessary for the "public good". John Muir convinced President Roosevelt that vigorous action was necessary if these natural resources all over America were to be saved for all the people. Through a series of historical circumstances they meet on Glacier Point in Yosemite Valley, California.

Directions:

As a team:

1. Read Resource Card B, Background Information on the Photograph at Glacier Point and Resource Card C, John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt biographical notes.

2. Complete an analysis of the photo on Resource Card A, Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir on Glacier Point, using the Document Analysis Worksheet.

3. Discuss the following questions with your group:
   1. What are some common social concerns that are shared by John Muir and President Roosevelt?

   2. What personal characteristics do you think President Roosevelt and John Muir have in common?

   3. How do you suppose Muir influenced Roosevelt's thinking about conservation?

   4. What additional clues about resilience does the photograph make you think about?

   5. Discuss how you think living in this sort of situation shows the resilience of individuals in the American West. What are the characteristics of these individuals that help them survive and thrive?

Group Task

Dialogue Create a conversation between John Muir and President Rooselvelt at Glacier Point in Yosemite. Present the conversation as if might have taken place incorporating factual information. Integrate the idea of resilience into each character into their dialogue. Options to Consider Imagine who else might have been present? Photographers, newspaper reporters, others? What role might they play as part of this dialogue?