Plant-Based Medicine: Horticulture Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we ethically and effectively harness the power of plants to revolutionize medical treatments, while respecting traditional knowledge and weighing the benefits and drawbacks compared to synthetic alternatives?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can plants be used to develop new medicines?
- What are the ethical considerations of using plants for medical treatment?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of plant-derived medicines compared to synthetic drugs?
- How do people identify plants that are edible?
- What is the role of traditional medicine in using plants for healing?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to evaluate the ethical considerations of using plants for medical treatment.
- Students will be able to compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of plant-derived medicines compared to synthetic drugs.
- Students will be able to describe the role of traditional medicine in using plants for healing.
- Students will be able to design a plan to ethically and effectively harness plants to revolutionize medical treatments, while respecting traditional knowledge.
- Students will be able to communicate scientific findings through an oral presentation.
- Students will be able to collaborate effectively to design solutions.
- Students will be able to research and synthesize information from different sources.
- Students will be able to develop critical thinking skills to analyze data and draw conclusions.
- Students will be able to connect scientific knowledge to real-world problems and solutions.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Plant-Based Pharma Challenge
The class is transformed into a mock pharmaceutical company tasked with developing a new plant-derived drug. Students participate in a simulated product pitch competition, where they must present their chosen plant, its medicinal properties, and a plan for ethical sourcing and sustainable production.The Great Medicinal Plant Debate
Students participate in a debate centered around a fictional scenario: a corporation wants to synthesize a traditional plant-based medicine, potentially disrupting the indigenous community that relies on it. Students take on different roles (corporate representatives, indigenous leaders, scientists) and argue for their positions, prompting deep ethical considerations.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Medicinal Plant Explorer
Students will explore various plants known for their medicinal properties. Each student will select a plant to focus on, researching its traditional uses, chemical compounds, and potential medical applications.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 research report on a chosen medicinal plant, including its history, chemical properties, and uses.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to research and synthesize information from different sources.Plant vs. Synthetic Medicine: A Comparative Study
Students will compare a plant-derived medicine and a synthetic drug used to treat the same condition. They will analyze their effectiveness, side effects, cost, and accessibility.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 comparative analysis chart and a short presentation that highlights the pros and cons of each treatment option.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of plant-derived medicines compared to synthetic drugs.Plant-Based Pharma Pitch Competition
Students will create a mock product pitch for a new plant-derived drug. The pitch should highlight the drug's benefits, potential market, and ethical sourcing practices.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 persuasive product pitch, including a presentation and marketing materials.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goals: Students will be able to communicate scientific findings through an oral presentation; Students will be able to connect scientific knowledge to real-world problems and solutions.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioPlant-Based Medicine Portfolio Rubric
Research and Analysis
Assesses the student's ability to research, organize, and synthesize information about a chosen medicinal plant.Research Depth and Accuracy
Depth of research into the chosen medicinal plant, including traditional uses, chemical compounds, and potential applications.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates comprehensive and insightful research, going beyond basic information to explore complex aspects of the plant's medicinal properties and uses. Includes detailed information on traditional uses, chemical compounds, and potential applications, showcasing a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough research, covering traditional uses, chemical compounds, and potential applications of the plant. Information is accurate and well-organized, showing a strong understanding of the subject matter.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging research skills, covering some aspects of the plant's traditional uses, chemical compounds, and potential applications, but may lack depth or accuracy in certain areas. Understanding of the subject matter is developing.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial research skills, with limited information on the plant's traditional uses, chemical compounds, and potential applications. Information may be incomplete or inaccurate, indicating a basic understanding of the subject matter.
Report Organization and Clarity
Organization and clarity of the research report, including logical flow, clear writing, and proper citation of sources.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe report is exceptionally well-organized, with a logical flow that enhances readability and understanding. Writing is clear, concise, and engaging, and all sources are properly cited, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail and academic integrity.
Proficient
3 PointsThe report is well-organized, with a logical flow and clear writing. Sources are properly cited, demonstrating good attention to detail and academic integrity.
Developing
2 PointsThe report shows some organization, but may lack logical flow or clarity in certain areas. Some sources are cited, but there may be inconsistencies or omissions. Attention to detail and academic integrity are developing.
Beginning
1 PointsThe report lacks organization and clarity, making it difficult to follow. Sources are not properly cited, indicating a lack of attention to detail and academic integrity.
Information Synthesis
Synthesis of information from various sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the plant and its medicinal properties.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates outstanding synthesis of information from diverse sources, creating a cohesive and insightful overview of the plant and its medicinal properties. The report goes beyond simple summarization to analyze and interpret the information, showcasing advanced critical thinking skills.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates effective synthesis of information from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive overview of the plant and its medicinal properties. The report summarizes the information accurately and clearly, showing strong critical thinking skills.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging synthesis skills, summarizing information from some sources, but may lack depth or integration in certain areas. Critical thinking skills are developing.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial synthesis skills, with limited ability to summarize information from different sources. Critical thinking skills are minimal.
Comparative Study and Presentation
Evaluates the student's ability to compare and contrast plant-derived and synthetic medicines, and effectively communicate their findings.Comparative Analysis Depth
Accuracy and depth of the comparative analysis between plant-derived and synthetic medicines, including effectiveness, side effects, cost, and accessibility.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional accuracy and depth in the comparative analysis, providing insightful perspectives on the effectiveness, side effects, cost, and accessibility of both plant-derived and synthetic medicines. The analysis goes beyond basic comparisons to explore complex nuances and trade-offs.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough accuracy and depth in the comparative analysis, covering the effectiveness, side effects, cost, and accessibility of both plant-derived and synthetic medicines. The analysis is well-supported by evidence and shows a strong understanding of the subject matter.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging accuracy and depth in the comparative analysis, covering some aspects of the effectiveness, side effects, cost, and accessibility of both plant-derived and synthetic medicines, but may lack detail or clarity in certain areas. Understanding of the subject matter is developing.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial accuracy and depth in the comparative analysis, with limited information on the effectiveness, side effects, cost, and accessibility of both plant-derived and synthetic medicines. Information may be incomplete or inaccurate, indicating a basic understanding of the subject matter.
Chart Clarity and Organization
Clarity and organization of the comparative analysis chart, including clear labeling, accurate data, and effective visual presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe comparative analysis chart is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and visually appealing, enhancing readability and understanding. Labeling is precise, data is accurate, and the overall presentation is highly effective in communicating the key findings of the analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsThe comparative analysis chart is clear, well-organized, and visually appealing. Labeling is accurate, data is reliable, and the overall presentation is effective in communicating the key findings of the analysis.
Developing
2 PointsThe comparative analysis chart shows some clarity and organization, but may lack detail or visual appeal in certain areas. Labeling may be inconsistent, data may be incomplete, and the overall presentation could be improved.
Beginning
1 PointsThe comparative analysis chart lacks clarity and organization, making it difficult to understand. Labeling is inaccurate, data is missing, and the overall presentation is ineffective.
Presentation Effectiveness
Effectiveness of the presentation in communicating the findings of the comparative analysis, including clear explanations, engaging delivery, and insightful conclusions.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally effective in communicating the findings of the comparative analysis, using clear explanations, engaging delivery, and insightful conclusions. The presenter demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject matter and effectively captivates the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is effective in communicating the findings of the comparative analysis, using clear explanations, engaging delivery, and logical conclusions. The presenter demonstrates a strong understanding of the subject matter and effectively engages the audience.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation shows some effectiveness in communicating the findings of the comparative analysis, but may lack clarity, engagement, or logical flow in certain areas. The presenter's understanding of the subject matter is developing.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is ineffective in communicating the findings of the comparative analysis, lacking clarity, engagement, and logical flow. The presenter's understanding of the subject matter is minimal.
Product Pitch and Marketing
Assesses the student's ability to develop a compelling product pitch for a new plant-derived drug, highlighting its benefits, potential market, and ethical sourcing practices.Concept Creativity and Innovation
Creativity and innovation in the concept for a new plant-derived drug, including its potential benefits and target market.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe concept for a new plant-derived drug is exceptionally creative and innovative, demonstrating a deep understanding of the needs and opportunities in the target market. The drug's potential benefits are clearly articulated and highly compelling, showcasing advanced problem-solving skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe concept for a new plant-derived drug is creative and innovative, demonstrating a good understanding of the needs and opportunities in the target market. The drug's potential benefits are clearly articulated and well-supported, showing strong problem-solving skills.
Developing
2 PointsThe concept for a new plant-derived drug shows some creativity and innovation, but may lack depth or originality in certain areas. The drug's potential benefits are identified, but may not be fully developed or well-supported. Problem-solving skills are developing.
Beginning
1 PointsThe concept for a new plant-derived drug lacks creativity and innovation, showing limited understanding of the needs and opportunities in the target market. The drug's potential benefits are unclear or poorly supported. Problem-solving skills are minimal.
Pitch Persuasiveness
Persuasiveness of the product pitch, including clear articulation of the drug's benefits, potential market, and ethical sourcing practices.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe product pitch is exceptionally persuasive, captivating the audience with clear articulation of the drug's benefits, potential market, and ethical sourcing practices. The pitch demonstrates advanced communication skills and a deep understanding of the key factors that drive market success.
Proficient
3 PointsThe product pitch is persuasive, effectively communicating the drug's benefits, potential market, and ethical sourcing practices. The pitch demonstrates strong communication skills and a good understanding of the key factors that drive market success.
Developing
2 PointsThe product pitch shows some persuasiveness, but may lack clarity or detail in certain areas. The drug's benefits, potential market, and ethical sourcing practices are mentioned, but may not be fully developed or well-supported. Communication skills are developing.
Beginning
1 PointsThe product pitch lacks persuasiveness, failing to effectively communicate the drug's benefits, potential market, and ethical sourcing practices. Communication skills are minimal.
Presentation and Materials Quality
Quality of the presentation and marketing materials, including visual appeal, clarity, and professionalism.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation and marketing materials are of exceptional quality, demonstrating outstanding visual appeal, clarity, and professionalism. The materials are highly engaging and effectively communicate the key messages of the product pitch, showcasing advanced design and communication skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation and marketing materials are of high quality, demonstrating good visual appeal, clarity, and professionalism. The materials are engaging and effectively communicate the key messages of the product pitch, showing strong design and communication skills.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation and marketing materials show some quality, but may lack visual appeal, clarity, or professionalism in certain areas. The materials communicate some of the key messages of the product pitch, but could be improved. Design and communication skills are developing.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation and marketing materials are of poor quality, lacking visual appeal, clarity, and professionalism. The materials fail to effectively communicate the key messages of the product pitch. Design and communication skills are minimal.