Heirloom Herbs of Greece and Turkey: A Digital Archive
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as ethnobotanists and technologists, create a digital archive showcasing the cultural significance, health benefits, and sustainable cultivation of Greek and Turkish heirloom herbs, while using sensor data and AI to optimize their growth and address the impacts of climate change?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do environmental factors influence the cultivation and properties of heirloom herbs in Greece and Turkey?
- What is the role of heirloom herbs in preserving the cultural heritage and biodiversity of Greece and Turkey?
- How can technology be used to monitor and promote the sustainable cultivation of heirloom herbs?
- What are the health benefits and traditional uses of specific heirloom herbs from Greece and Turkey?
- How does climate change impact heirloom herb cultivation and what adaptation strategies can be employed?
- How can we use digital tools to create an accessible and engaging archive of knowledge about heirloom herbs?
- How can the study of heirloom herbs connect different subject areas such as math, science, history, and culture?
- How can we use data collected from sensors and AI to improve herb cultivation practices?
- How does the concept of collective memory relate to the preservation of heirloom herbs and their traditional knowledge?
- What are the ethical considerations surrounding the collection, use, and sharing of information about heirloom herbs?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will research and document the history, cultural significance, and traditional uses of selected Greek (for city Chalkida) and Turkish (for city Tarsus İÇEL) heirloom herbs.
- Students will analyze the environmental and climatic conditions affecting herb cultivation in Greece (for city Chalkida) and Turkey (for city Tarsus İÇEL).
- Students will apply sensor technology and data analysis to monitor and optimize herb growth parameters.
- Students will design and develop a digital archive to showcase their research findings, cultivation techniques, and the health benefits of heirloom herbs.
- Students will evaluate the impact of climate change on heirloom herb cultivation and propose sustainable adaptation strategies.
- Students will understand the biochemical properties and health benefits of the selected herbs.
- Students will learn about sustainable agriculture practices and apply them to herb cultivation.
- Students will gain proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for data collection, analysis, and presentation.
- Students will enhance their understanding of biodiversity and the importance of preserving heirloom plant varieties.
- Students will explore the ethical considerations related to documenting and sharing traditional knowledge about herbs.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMystery Seed Package
Students receive unmarked seed packages from Greece and Turkey, along with cryptic historical clues related to each herb. They must use their combined research skills to identify the herbs, trace their origins, and predict their potential uses, sparking curiosity about the project's scope.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Herb History Hunt
Students investigate the historical background and cultural significance of their assigned herb, focusing on its traditional uses and importance in Greek or Turkish culture.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 detailed historical profile of the herb, including its cultural significance and traditional uses.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goals related to researching and documenting the history and cultural significance of heirloom herbs.Climate Condition Chronicle
Students analyze the specific climate conditions (temperature, rainfall, sunlight) in Chalkida (Greece) or Tarsus (Turkey) that affect herb cultivation.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 climate analysis report outlining the ideal and actual growing conditions for the herb, including potential challenges.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goals related to analyzing the environmental and climatic conditions affecting herb cultivation.Sensor Setup & Data Dive
Students set up sensors (temperature, humidity, soil moisture) to monitor herb growth and collect data over time.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 functional sensor system that collects and displays real-time data on herb growth parameters.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goals related to applying sensor technology and data analysis to monitor and optimize herb growth parameters.Digital Archive Design
Students design a webpage for the digital archive, including sections for herb profiles, cultivation techniques, sensor data, and multimedia content.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 detailed website mockup for the digital archive, showcasing the planned content and layout.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goals related to designing and developing a digital archive.Sustainable Strategy Session
Students brainstorm and propose sustainable agriculture practices to optimize herb cultivation and mitigate the impact of climate change.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 detailed sustainability plan for herb cultivation, including specific practices and their potential impact.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goals related to sustainable agriculture practices and climate change adaptation.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioHeirloom Herb Digital Archive Rubric
Historical & Cultural Research
This category assesses the depth and accuracy of the historical and cultural research conducted on the assigned herb.Historical Accuracy
Accuracy and depth of the historical information presented.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents limited and/or inaccurate historical information about the herb.
Developing
2 PointsPresents some accurate historical information, but lacks depth and detail.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents accurate and detailed historical information about the herb's origins and evolution.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents exceptionally detailed and accurate historical information, including diverse perspectives and sources, demonstrating sophisticated understanding.
Cultural Significance
Exploration of the herb's role in Greek or Turkish culture, traditions, and rituals.
Beginning
1 PointsOffers minimal exploration of the herb's cultural significance.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some aspects of the herb's cultural significance, but lacks detail.
Proficient
3 PointsThoroughly explores the herb's cultural significance, including its uses in traditions and rituals.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an in-depth analysis of the herb's cultural significance, connecting it to broader historical and social contexts, showing innovative insight.
Environmental & Climate Analysis
This category evaluates the understanding and analysis of environmental factors affecting herb cultivation.Climate Data Analysis
Accuracy and thoroughness of the climate data analysis for Chalkida or Tarsus.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents incomplete or inaccurate climate data.
Developing
2 PointsPresents some climate data, but lacks analysis and connection to herb growth.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents accurate climate data and analyzes its impact on herb growth.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a sophisticated analysis of climate data, comparing ideal and actual growing conditions, and identifying potential challenges with innovative suggestions.
Environmental Impact
Assessment of how environmental conditions affect herb cultivation.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates minimal understanding of environmental impacts.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some environmental factors, but lacks detailed explanations.
Proficient
3 PointsThoroughly explains how environmental conditions affect herb growth and development.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an in-depth analysis of the complex interactions between environmental conditions and herb cultivation, offering innovative strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
Technology Integration & Data Collection
This category assesses the effective use of sensor technology and data analysis in monitoring herb growth.Sensor Setup & Functionality
Proper setup and functionality of Arduino/ESP32 sensors.
Beginning
1 PointsSensor setup is incomplete or non-functional.
Developing
2 PointsSensor setup is partially functional, with limited data collection.
Proficient
3 PointsSensor setup is fully functional and collects data accurately.
Exemplary
4 PointsSensor setup is innovative and demonstrates advanced technical skills, providing comprehensive and reliable data streams.
Data Analysis & Presentation
Analysis and presentation of the collected sensor data.
Beginning
1 PointsData analysis is minimal or absent.
Developing
2 PointsPresents some data, but lacks meaningful analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes data effectively and presents it clearly in a spreadsheet or online platform.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides insightful analysis of sensor data, drawing meaningful conclusions and presenting findings in a visually compelling and accessible manner, including predictive analysis.
Digital Archive Design & Content
This category assesses the quality and organization of the digital archive website.Website Design & Layout
Effectiveness of the website design and layout.
Beginning
1 PointsWebsite design is poorly organized and difficult to navigate.
Developing
2 PointsWebsite design is functional, but lacks visual appeal and organization.
Proficient
3 PointsWebsite design is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.
Exemplary
4 PointsWebsite design is innovative, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing, providing an engaging and immersive experience, showing advanced technical skills.
Content Integration
Integration of text, images, sensor data, and multimedia content.
Beginning
1 PointsContent integration is minimal or poorly executed.
Developing
2 PointsIntegrates some content, but lacks coherence and completeness.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively integrates text, images, sensor data, and multimedia content into the archive.
Exemplary
4 PointsSeamlessly integrates diverse content elements, creating a rich and interactive learning experience with innovative multimedia elements.
Sustainability & Climate Change Adaptation
This category assesses the understanding and application of sustainable agriculture practices and climate change adaptation strategies.Sustainability Plan
Development of a detailed sustainability plan for herb cultivation.
Beginning
1 PointsSustainability plan is minimal or absent.
Developing
2 PointsPresents some sustainable practices, but lacks detail and feasibility.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops a detailed sustainability plan with specific practices and their potential impact.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates an innovative and comprehensive sustainability plan that addresses multiple environmental challenges and promotes long-term resilience, going above and beyond and showing leadership qualities.
Climate Change Adaptation
Strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on herb cultivation.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates minimal understanding of climate change impacts.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some climate change impacts, but lacks specific adaptation strategies.
Proficient
3 PointsOutlines specific adaptation strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes innovative and comprehensive adaptation strategies that address the complex challenges of climate change and promote sustainable herb cultivation, showing future-thinking and leadership.