Parmigiano Reggiano: A B2 English Project for Agrarian Students
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How does Parmigiano Reggiano's unique heritage, production, and impact shape its identity and future in a global context?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the origins and history of Parmigiano Reggiano?
- What are the unique characteristics of Parmigiano Reggiano that distinguish it from other cheeses?
- What is the production process of Parmigiano Reggiano, and what are the key steps involved?
- How does the aging process affect the flavor and texture of Parmigiano Reggiano?
- What are the regulations and quality control measures that ensure the authenticity of Parmigiano Reggiano?
- How can Parmigiano Reggiano be used in various culinary applications?
- What are the nutritional benefits of consuming Parmigiano Reggiano?
- How does the production of Parmigiano Reggiano impact the local economy and environment?
- What are the challenges and opportunities facing the Parmigiano Reggiano industry today?
- How does Parmigiano Reggiano contribute to the cultural heritage of its region of origin?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to discuss the history, production, and cultural significance of Parmigiano Reggiano in English at a B2 level.
- Students will enhance their English vocabulary related to food production, agriculture, and cultural heritage.
- Students will analyze the impact of Parmigiano Reggiano on the local economy and environment.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mystery of the Cheese
A renowned chef presents a mystery box containing ingredients, tools, and a recipe (in English) that vaguely alludes to Parmigiano Reggiano. Students must collaboratively deduce the connection, sparking curiosity about its production.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Parmigiano Lexicon: A Visual Glossary
Students create a visual glossary of key terms related to Parmigiano Reggiano production, history, and cultural significance. This activity enhances vocabulary retention through visual association and contextual understanding.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 visual glossary (digital or physical) containing at least 20 key terms related to Parmigiano Reggiano, with definitions, images, and example sentences in English.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFocuses on enhancing English vocabulary related to food production (dairy), agriculture, and Italian cultural heritage, aligning with the learning goal of vocabulary expansion and cultural understanding.Parmigiano Stakeholders: Industry Conference
Students role-play as stakeholders in the Parmigiano Reggiano industry (e.g., farmers, cheesemakers, exporters, chefs, consumers). They will research their assigned role and participate in a mock industry conference, discussing the cheese's history, production, challenges, and future in English.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 recorded mock industry conference (audio or video) featuring different stakeholder perspectives on Parmigiano Reggiano, demonstrating understanding of its history, production, and economic impact.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of discussing the history, production, and cultural significance of Parmigiano Reggiano at a B2 level in English and analyzing its impact on the local economy.Parmigiano Footprint: Economic & Environmental Impact Analysis
Students investigate the environmental and economic impact of Parmigiano Reggiano production on its region of origin. They research sustainable practices, economic benefits, and potential drawbacks, presenting their findings in an informative report.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 report (written or multimedia) detailing the environmental and economic impact of Parmigiano Reggiano production, including data, analysis, and potential solutions for sustainability.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly supports the learning goal of analyzing the impact of Parmigiano Reggiano on the local economy and environment. It also reinforces the ability to discuss these aspects in English at a B2 level.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioParmigiano Reggiano B2 English Class Rubric
Vocabulary and Lexicon Development
Assesses students' ability to identify, define, and use key terminology related to Parmigiano Reggiano in context.Term Selection and Definitions
Quality and thoroughness of selected terms and their definitions related to Parmigiano Reggiano.
Exemplary
4 PointsSelects comprehensive and relevant terms with precise and insightful definitions that show a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Proficient
3 PointsSelects relevant terms with accurate definitions demonstrating a solid understanding of the subject matter.
Developing
2 PointsSelects some relevant terms with mostly correct definitions showing partial understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsSelects few relevant terms with inaccurate or incomplete definitions showing limited understanding.
Contextual Application
Use of terms in context, demonstrating understanding and correct application in sentences.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses all terms fluently and accurately in complex sentences, demonstrating a high level of comprehension and context application.
Proficient
3 PointsUses most terms correctly in appropriate sentences, showing clear understanding of context.
Developing
2 PointsUses some terms correctly, with simple sentences that partially convey meaning.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to use terms correctly within sentences, with frequent errors and lack of clarity.
Stakeholder Perspective Presentation
Evaluates students' ability to research, prepare, and present a stakeholder perspective on Parmigiano Reggiano.Research and Content Quality
Depth and relevance of the research conducted to prepare the stakeholder presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts comprehensive research, presenting highly relevant and original insights directly linked to the stakeholder's perspective and context.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts thorough research with relevant insights into the stakeholder's perspective, demonstrating clarity and accuracy.
Developing
2 PointsConducts basic research with some relevant information, but lacks depth or originality.
Beginning
1 PointsConducts minimal research with limited insights and relevance to the stakeholder perspective.
Presentation Skills
Effectiveness and clarity in presenting the stakeholder perspective in the mock industry conference.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional presentation skills, with clear articulation, engaging delivery, and relevant use of visuals or audio support.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates competent presentation skills, clearly articulating points and using some relevant visual or audio aids.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates basic presentation skills, but lacks engagement or clarity; uses limited or no visual/audio support.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with presentation skills, lacks clarity, engagement, and supportive materials.
Analysis of Economic and Environmental Impacts
Assesses students' ability to analyze and report on the economic and environmental impacts of Parmigiano Reggiano.Data Analysis and Application
Quality of data gathered, analysis accuracy, and practical application in identifying challenges and opportunities.
Exemplary
4 PointsAnalyzes data thoroughly, with accurate and innovative insights into challenges and opportunities, showing complex understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes data accurately, identifying clear challenges and opportunities, demonstrating strong understanding.
Developing
2 PointsAnalyzes data with some accuracy, identifying basic challenges and opportunities with limited insight.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to analyze data effectively, with incomplete or inaccurate conclusions.
Solution Proposal
Effectiveness of proposed solutions for sustainability and economic enhancement.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes innovative and feasible solutions that are well-supported and demonstrate deep understanding of sustainability and economic principles.
Proficient
3 PointsProposes feasible solutions that are supported and show good understanding of relevant principles.
Developing
2 PointsProposes basic solutions with limited support and understanding of sustainability principles.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to propose effective solutions, with limited support and understanding.