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All grades  Project 4 weeks

Cucumber Quest: Selective Breeding Bonanza!

Nathan H
12.7.CE.4
5.1.NE.5
K-ESS3-1
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to immerse students in the real-world application of natural selection and selective breeding principles through hands-on learning at urban farms. By engaging directly with local farming practices, students will develop a deeper understanding of how these scientific concepts can enhance agricultural yield and sustainability. The experience fosters critical thinking, self-directed learning, and community involvement, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to discussions on food supply and nutrition.

Learning goals

Students will understand and apply the principles of natural selection and selective breeding to enhance cucumber growth in urban farming settings. They will gain hands-on experience with planting and cultivating cucumbers, while exploring the impact of farming practices on food supply and nutrition. Through reflection and peer critique, students will develop self-directed learning skills and critical thinking abilities, fostering a sense of identity and belonging within their community.
Standards
  • [Massachusetts] 12.7.CE.4 - Participate in projects to help make positive change in a community (e.g., volunteering, service learning, service project). [HPE; SE]
  • [Massachusetts] 5.1.NE.5 - Describe how cultivation, trade routes, and regions affect food supply, and how food production affects nutrition-related decisions. [HE]
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] K-ESS3-1 - Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a model of an ideal urban farm layout, integrating principles of natural selection and selective breeding to optimize cucumber growth. Throughout the project, students will maintain reflection journals documenting their observations and strategies, culminating in a 'Cucumber Chronicles' exhibition. Additionally, students will present their cultivated cucumber plants and share their breeding techniques and outcomes at the 'Cucumber Fair.'

Launch

Begin the project with a visit to a local urban farm for 'Cucumber Quest Day,' where students engage in hands-on planting activities and learn about the cucumber growth cycle through interactive storytelling led by farmers. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and set the stage for exploring natural selection and selective breeding. Students will also participate in a scavenger hunt to identify different plant needs and habitats, fostering an understanding of the relationship between plants and their environment.

Exhibition

The 'Cucumber Chronicles' exhibition will feature students presenting their reflection journals and sharing stories of their learning journey in the school auditorium. Students will showcase their cucumber plants and models of ideal urban farm layouts, explaining the selective breeding techniques used. The event will include a panel discussion with urban farm partners and students, focusing on the impact of selective breeding on food supply and nutrition.