DIY Irrigation: Exploring Agriculture and History
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an effective irrigation system to increase agricultural productivity, drawing lessons from historical events like the Dust Bowl and considering modern technological advancements and sustainability?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does an irrigation system work and why is it important for agricultural productivity?
- What factors led to the Dust Bowl, and how did the lack of irrigation contribute to this event?
- How can understanding past agricultural practices and environmental challenges inform our current and future farming methods?
- What are the social, economic, and environmental impacts of irrigation systems on communities?
- How does water management affect agricultural success and the sustainability of ecosystems?
- What innovations in irrigation technology have emerged over time and how do they address issues faced by farmers historically and today?
- How do natural and human-made factors influence soil and water conservation in farming?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand the importance and functioning of irrigation systems in increasing agricultural productivity.
- Students will analyze the factors that led to the Dust Bowl, focusing on the role of irrigation and agricultural practices.
- Students will apply knowledge from historical agricultural events to design a modern and sustainable irrigation system.
- Students will examine the environmental, social, and economic impacts of irrigation from a historical and modern perspective.
NGSS
Social Studies
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsDesign Challenge Kick-off
Present a challenge where students have to design an irrigation system for a miniature indoor garden. Introduce them to the constraints faced by farmers during the Dust Bowl era, encouraging them to think about overcoming these issues today.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Irrigation Blueprint Brainstorm
Students will dig into the world of irrigation systems, exploring various types and their historical development. They will brainstorm and sketch their initial ideas for an effective irrigation design for a miniature indoor garden.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of initial sketches of a proposed irrigation system, informed by historical and current designs.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS 5-ESS2-1 (Modeling interactions of Earth systems) and Social Studies 5.4.2 (Analyzing historical events like the Dust Bowl).Modern Irrigation Innovators
Students will use their understanding of past and present irrigation systems to design a sustainable model for a modern irrigation system. This model should address challenges identified in historical events like the Dust Bowl, using both manual and digital design tools.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA digital blueprint and a physical model of a modern, sustainable irrigation system.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS 5-ESS3-1 (Using science to protect Earth's resources) and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.7 (Information gathering and synthesis).Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioIrrigation System Design and Analysis Rubric
Research and Historical Context
Assesses students' skills in researching irrigation systems and understanding their historical impact, especially during the Dust Bowl.Understanding of Irrigation Systems
Evaluates the student's knowledge of how irrigation systems work and their impact on agriculture.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of various irrigation systems and clearly explains their historical and modern impact on agriculture.
Proficient
3 PointsShows a thorough understanding of main irrigation systems and their significance to agricultural productivity.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates a basic understanding of irrigation systems with some details on their historical importance.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited understanding of irrigation systems and struggles to identify their historical roles.
Historical Analysis: Dust Bowl
Evaluates understanding of the Dust Bowl and its association with irrigation challenges.
Exemplary
4 PointsOffers comprehensive analysis of the Dust Bowl, showing clear connections to irrigation and other contributory factors.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear analysis of the Dust Bowl with relevant links to irrigation issues.
Developing
2 PointsDescribes key aspects of the Dust Bowl with some reference to irrigation concerns.
Beginning
1 PointsContains limited analysis of the Dust Bowl and minimal connections to irrigation problems.
Design and Innovation
Assesses students' ability to incorporate historical lessons and modern technology in designing irrigation systems.Innovative Design Solutions
Measures creativity and functionality in irrigation design informed by historical and modern practices.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes innovative and functional designs that effectively integrate historical lessons and modern technology.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops creative and functional designs influenced by past experiences and current technologies.
Developing
2 PointsGenerates basic design solutions with limited integration of historical and current practices.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces simplistic designs with minimal integration of past or present innovations.
Sustainability Considerations
Assesses understanding of sustainability in irrigation design.
Exemplary
4 PointsThoroughly incorporates sustainability principles, demonstrating a high level of environmental awareness in design.
Proficient
3 PointsConsistently applies basic sustainability principles to irrigation design.
Developing
2 PointsPartially applies sustainability principles, with room for improvement in environmental impact awareness.
Beginning
1 PointsRarely considers sustainability in design processes, showing limited environmental awareness.
Collaboration and Communication
Evaluates teamwork and communication skills throughout the project.Engagement in Group Work
Assesses active participation and contribution to group activities.
Exemplary
4 PointsActively leads group discussions, provides constructive feedback, and facilitates collaboration.
Proficient
3 PointsParticipates actively, offering valuable ideas and helping maintain group focus.
Developing
2 PointsContributes occasionally to group work and discussions, with potential for more active engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsReluctant to participate or contribute to group efforts, requiring significant encouragement.
Clarity of Communication
Evaluates the ability to communicate ideas and designs clearly to peers and teachers.
Exemplary
4 PointsArticulates ideas and designs with clarity and precision, tailored to the audience’s understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsExplains designs and ideas clearly, with minor ambiguity.
Developing
2 PointsCommunicates ideas and designs with some clarity but often unclear or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to convey ideas effectively, leading to frequent misunderstandings.