Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we throw a pizza party that explores the science behind our favorite pizza toppings?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- Where do common pizza ingredients come from?
- How do the ingredients become what they are on a pizza?
- What is the process of growing or producing each ingredient?
- What countries or regions are known for certain ingredients?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify the origins of common pizza ingredients.
- Students will be able to describe the processes involved in producing common pizza ingredients.
- Students will be able to locate on a map the regions or countries known for producing specific pizza ingredients.
- Students will be able to explain the scientific concepts related to ingredient transformation during cooking.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mystery Pizza Box
Imagine you receive a mysterious pizza box, but instead of pizza, it's filled with clues about the ingredients' origins! Can you unravel the mystery and discover where each ingredient comes from?Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Ingredient Detectives
Students become ingredient detectives, researching the origins of popular pizza toppings.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 completed detective notebook with ingredient profiles.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsStudents will be able to identify the origins of common pizza ingredients.From Farm to Pizza: An Ingredient's Journey
Students explore the journey of ingredients from farm to pizza.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 visual journey map for their chosen ingredient.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsStudents will be able to describe the processes involved in producing common pizza ingredients.Pizza Planet: Mapping Ingredient Origins
Students map the origins of various pizza ingredients, highlighting key regions and exploring the global connections of food.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 world map with labeled ingredient origins and descriptions of regional specialties.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsStudents will be able to locate on a map the regions or countries known for producing specific pizza ingredients.Cheese Melt-Down: Exploring How Temperature Affects Cheese
Students conduct experiments to observe how different types of cheese melt at varying temperatures. They will document the changes in the cheese's texture, appearance, and stretchability as it melts, applying their understanding of heat transfer and the properties of cheese.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 lab report detailing the experiment, including observations, analysis of the cheese melting process, and conclusions about how temperature affects different cheese types.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsStudents will be able to explain the scientific concepts related to ingredient transformation during cooking.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioPizza Party Science Investigation Rubric
Research Skills
Assess students' ability to effectively gather and evaluate information about pizza ingredients.Information Gathering
The thoroughness of research conducted to gather information about ingredient origins and production.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts thorough research, utilizing a wide range of sources to gather precise and detailed information.
Proficient
3 PointsGathers information from multiple sources, with most details adequately covered and accurate.
Developing
2 PointsGathers information from limited sources; some important details may be missing or vague.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal research conducted, with significant gaps in information and details.
Source Evaluation
Ability to discern the reliability and relevance of sources used during research.
Exemplary
4 PointsEffectively evaluates all sources for reliability and relevance, demonstrating excellent judgment.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately evaluates most sources for reliability and relevance, with few gaps.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to evaluate sources, but with inconsistent understanding of reliability and relevance.
Beginning
1 PointsShows little to no evaluation of source reliability or relevance.
Understanding of Ingredient Origins
Evaluates students' ability to identify and describe the origins and processes of pizza ingredients.Ingredient Origin Identification
Accuracy in identifying where specific pizza ingredients originate from geographically.
Exemplary
4 PointsCorrectly identifies and explains the origins of all selected ingredients with exceptional detail.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately identifies the origins of most ingredients with clear explanations.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies origins of some ingredients, but with limited detail.
Beginning
1 PointsIncorrectly identifies origins of ingredients with minimal explanation.
Production Process Explanation
Clarity and accuracy in describing how ingredients are produced or transformed before they become pizza toppings.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and accurate explanation of ingredient production processes with significant detail.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers clear and mostly accurate explanations of ingredient production processes.
Developing
2 PointsOffers partial or simplistic explanations of production processes.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited understanding of production processes with inaccurate or incomplete explanations.
Scientific Inquiry and Presentation
Assesses students' scientific exploration and presentation skills related to ingredient melting properties.Scientific Experimentation
Students' ability to design, conduct, and document experiments with cheese melting.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesigns and conducts experiment effectively, documents findings with precision and insight.
Proficient
3 PointsSuccessfully conducts experiment and documents findings with accuracy and clarity.
Developing
2 PointsConducts parts of experiment with some errors or omissions in documentation.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to conduct experiment; poor documentation of findings.
Presentation Skills
Ability to clearly and effectively present research findings to classmates.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents information clearly and engagingly, using visuals to enhance understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents findings in a clear manner, using some visuals to aid understanding.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation lacks clarity or engagement; visuals may be underutilized.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is unclear and difficult to follow, with minimal use of visuals.