
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a persuasive marketing campaign for a sustainable food product that addresses ethical production, consumer preferences, and the ongoing debate surrounding GMOs, as explored in Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can marketing campaigns promote sustainable food practices?
- What ethical considerations arise in food production and marketing?
- How can consumer needs and preferences be balanced with sustainability goals?
- What is the role of persuasive language in marketing a sustainable food product?
- What are the different perspectives on the safety of GMOs?
- How can evidence from The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan be used to support an argument on GMOs?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to develop a marketing campaign that effectively promotes a sustainable food product.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Blind Taste Test Challenge
**Hook:** Start with a blind taste test of two products: one conventionally produced, one sustainable. Discuss the differences beyond taste. **Core Question:** How do ethical considerations and environmental impact influence consumer choices in the food market? **Connection to Standards:** The Omnivore's Dilemma provides a basis for understanding food systems and consumer dilemmas, supporting arguments about GMO safety and ethical food production. **Engagement:** The taste test offers a sensory experience, making the abstract concept of sustainability more concrete. The ethical debate adds intrigue. **Investigation Pathways:** 1. Investigate the environmental impact of different food production methods. 2. Conduct market research on consumer awareness of ethical food choices.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Crafting the Core Claim
Students will craft a clear and concise claim about their sustainable food product, highlighting its benefits and ethical production.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 well-structured claim statement with at least three supporting reasons, forming the foundation of their marketing campaign.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.a, focusing on introducing a claim and providing supporting reasons.Evidence Explorer: The Omnivore's Dilemma
Students will gather and analyze evidence from Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma to support their claims about the benefits of their sustainable food product and the ethical concerns surrounding GMOs.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn evidence portfolio with relevant quotes and explanations from The Omnivore's Dilemma, directly supporting the claim and addressing the GMO debate.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFocuses on CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.b, emphasizing the use of evidence and reasoning to support the claim.Persuasive Pitch Perfect
Students will develop persuasive marketing copy for their product, incorporating their claim, evidence, and addressing consumer preferences.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityCompelling marketing copy that integrates the claim, evidence, and appeals to consumer preferences, effectively promoting the sustainable food product.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.4, focusing on clear and coherent writing tailored to a specific audience and purpose.Consumer Insights Investigator
Students will research consumer preferences and ethical considerations related to sustainable food products and GMOs.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 research report summarizing consumer preferences and ethical considerations related to sustainable food and GMOs, including an evaluation of source credibility.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7 and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.8, focusing on conducting research and evaluating source credibility.Sustainable Food Campaign Showcase
Students will integrate their previous work into a complete marketing campaign, including a presentation, marketing materials, and a reflection on their learning process.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 comprehensive marketing campaign showcasing the sustainable food product, including a presentation, marketing materials, and a reflective component.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCombines elements of CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1, W.7.4, W.7.7, and W.7.8, culminating in the creation of a comprehensive marketing campaign.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioSustainable Food Product Marketing Campaign Rubric
Argument Development
Assesses the clarity and persuasiveness of the student's claim statement regarding the sustainable food product.Claim Articulation
Measures the student's ability to clearly articulate a main claim about the food product, emphasizing its sustainability and ethical considerations.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents a sophisticated and clear claim that intricately links sustainability, ethical considerations, and consumer needs.
Proficient
3 PointsArticulates a clear and coherent main claim, effectively incorporating elements of sustainability and ethics.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a basic claim with some reference to sustainability and ethics but lacks depth and clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to articulate a clear claim, with minimal or unclear references to sustainability and ethics.
Support and Evidence
Evaluates the use of supporting reasons and evidence from The Omnivore's Dilemma to bolster the product claim.
Exemplary
4 PointsIntegrates comprehensive and compelling evidence from the text, showing deep connection to the claim and addressing various aspects of the GMO debate.
Proficient
3 PointsIncorporates relevant and clear evidence to support the claim, with some connection to the GMO debate.
Developing
2 PointsUses evidence inconsistently, with limited connection to the GMO debate or the claim's support.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to find or incorporate relevant evidence to support the claim, with vague connections to the topic.
Research and Exploration
Evaluates the student's research process, including the ability to gather, assess, and integrate information on consumer preferences and ethical food production.Research Quality
Measures the depth and breadth of research conducted on sustainable food practices, consumer preferences, and ethics.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates thorough and insightful research, effectively incorporating diverse sources and perspectives.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts detailed research using reputable sources, adequately covering consumer and ethical considerations.
Developing
2 PointsDisplays limited research scope, with basic sources and partial coverage of key considerations.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial attempts at research with minimal sources and superficial investigation.
Source Evaluation
Assesses the student's ability to evaluate source credibility and integrate information without plagiarism.
Exemplary
4 PointsCritically evaluates and synthesizes credible information with proper attribution, demonstrating academic integrity.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively evaluates and integrates information from credible sources, with occasional minor attribution errors.
Developing
2 PointsIntegrates information from credible sources with inconsistent evaluation or attribution.
Beginning
1 PointsUses information from sources with little evaluation of credibility and frequent attribution issues.
Writing and Communication
Assesses the student's ability to communicate their argument through clear, coherent, and persuasive writing targeted to a specific audience.Clarity and Coherence
Measures how clearly and logically the student presents their arguments and ideas in writing.
Exemplary
4 PointsCrafts well-organized and articulate writing, ensuring clarity and logical flow tailored to the target audience.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents clear and logical writing, with a cohesive argument suitable for the audience.
Developing
2 PointsWrites with basic clarity and some logical flow, though may struggle with coherence and audience engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsWrites with limited clarity and organization, often unclear or confusing to the reader.
Persuasive Techniques
Evaluates the use of persuasive language and techniques in marketing copy to appeal to consumer preferences.
Exemplary
4 PointsUtilizes advanced persuasive techniques, creatively appealing to ethos, pathos, and logos in marketing materials.
Proficient
3 PointsEmploys effective persuasive techniques, successfully engaging the target audience.
Developing
2 PointsUses basic persuasive techniques, with mixed success in audience engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsApplies limited or ineffective persuasive techniques, struggling to engage audience interests.
Reflection and Metacognition
Assesses the depth of the student's reflection on their learning process and insights gained from creating the project.Insightful Reflection
Evaluates the student's ability to reflect on their learning journey and articulate growth and insights.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a profound and introspective reflection, demonstrating significant understanding and personal growth.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers a thoughtful reflection, showing clear insights into strengths and areas for improvement.
Developing
2 PointsArticulates a basic reflection with some recognition of learning and areas for growth.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents a superficial reflection with limited insight into personal learning outcomes.