Plan
| Phase |
Discover
Examine
|
|---|
| Activities |
| Deliverables |
| Preparation |
1. Arrange for a short documentary on soil degradation to be available for viewing.
2. Coordinate with a local farmer for a classroom visit and prepare questions for student inquiry. 3. Gather research materials and resources on soil degradation and drought patterns. 4. Provide students with journals or digital tools for documentation and reflection. 5. Create a framework for students to set goals and reflect on their learning. |
| Week 2 |
Day 6
|
Day 7
|
Day 8
|
Day 9
|
Day 10
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Examine
Engineer
|
||||
| Activities |
Interactive Farmer Interview Presentation - Present findings from interviews with local farmers, focusing on the impact of drought on soil health and management strategies. Discuss insights gained and how they inform the project's direction. (35 min)
|
Collaborative Drought Impact Analysis - Work in teams to analyze data on drought patterns in Sheffield, using resources from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Identify key trends and their implications for soil management. (35 min)
|
Introduction to Land Management Strategies - Discuss sustainable land management practices with a guest speaker from a local farming cooperative. Highlight methods to improve soil health and resilience against drought. (20 min)
Brainstorming Session - Begin drafting the Collaborative Land Management Blueprint by brainstorming potential strategies to implement on the local plot. (15 min)
|
Collaborative Land Management Blueprint Development - Finalize the blueprint with a focus on integrating sustainable practices. Ensure that each team member contributes to the plan and provides feedback on its feasibility. (35 min)
|
Peer Review and Refinement - Exchange blueprints with another team for peer review, providing constructive feedback. Refine the blueprint based on peer suggestions and expert input. (35 min)
|
| Deliverables |
Interactive Farmer Interview Presentation
Collaborative Drought Impact Analysis
|
No deliverables due
|
No deliverables due
|
Collaborative Land Management Blueprint
|
No deliverables due
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 3 |
Day 11
|
Day 12
|
Day 13
|
Day 14
|
Day 15
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Engineer
Do
|
||||
| Activities |
Design Workshop: Soil Improvement Techniques - Engage in a hands-on design workshop where teams sketch out detailed plans for implementing sustainable land management practices on the local plot. Focus on techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting to improve soil health. (20 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Present initial designs to peer teams for constructive feedback, focusing on feasibility and potential impact. Use provided criteria to guide feedback. (15 min)
|
Revising Land Management Plans - Using peer feedback, refine land management plans to enhance clarity and effectiveness. Ensure all team members have a role in the implementation process. (20 min)
Expert Consultation - Meet with a geoscientist from the University of Massachusetts Amherst to discuss revised plans and seek expert advice on improving drought resilience. (15 min)
|
Field Preparation and Resource Allocation - Visit the local plot to prepare the land for implementing the management strategies. Assign resources and responsibilities among team members, ensuring readiness for the fieldwork. (20 min)
Documentation and Reflection - Begin documenting the preparation process and reflect on how these actions align with the project goals. Record observations in project journals. (15 min)
|
Implementation of Land Management Strategies - Execute the planned sustainable practices on the local plot, such as planting cover crops or setting up compost stations. Collaborate with local farmers to ensure accuracy and effectiveness. (20 min)
Data Collection Setup - Establish systems for ongoing data collection to monitor the impact of the implemented strategies on soil health and drought resilience. (15 min)
|
Initial Observation and Data Recording - Begin initial observations and record data on the effects of the implemented strategies. Focus on soil texture, moisture levels, and plant growth. (20 min)
Team Reflection and Adjustment - Conduct a team reflection session to discuss initial findings and make any necessary adjustments to the management strategies. Document this reflective process. (15 min)
|
| Deliverables |
No deliverables due
|
No deliverables due
|
No deliverables due
|
No deliverables due
|
No deliverables due
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Phase |
Do
Share
|
|---|
| Activities |
| Deliverables |
| Preparation |