Urban Farming Revolution: Design a sustainable city solution.
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we revolutionize our city's food system by designing and implementing a sustainable urban farm that addresses food deserts and promotes environmental responsibility?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can urban farming address food deserts in our city?
- What are the benefits of urban farming compared to traditional agriculture?
- What are the different types of urban farming techniques, and which is most suitable for our city?
- How can we design a sustainable urban farm that minimizes environmental impact?
- What crops are most suitable for urban farming in our local climate and soil conditions?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to compare and contrast the different types of farming.
- Students will be able to understand different types of crops - food and cash crops.
- Students will be able to understand what is green revolution and its impact
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Time Traveler's Dilemma
Students receive a message from a 'time traveler' warning about a future food crisis caused by unsustainable farming practices. They must analyze the historical impact of the Green Revolution and design an urban farming system to prevent the predicted disaster, encouraging them to think critically about the past and future of food production.Mystery Seeds & City Challenge
Students receive a package of unknown seeds with a letter from a fictional urban planner detailing the city's struggle with food access. They must identify the seeds, research their growing needs, and propose a planting plan to address the city's challenges, sparking curiosity and connecting directly to urban farming and sustainability.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Farming Types Fact Finder
Students investigate and differentiate between various types of farming, including traditional agriculture, urban farming, hydroponics, and vertical farming. They will explore the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each type.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 table and summary paragraphs detailing different farming types.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to compare and contrast the different types of farming.Crop Classification Challenge
Students learn about different crop types, focusing on the distinction between food crops and cash crops. They will research examples of each and understand their economic and nutritional importance.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 presentation detailing food and cash crops with examples.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to understand different types of crops - food and cash crops.Green Revolution Investigator
Students delve into the Green Revolution, exploring its features, benefits, and drawbacks. They will analyze its impact on agriculture and the environment, understanding its historical significance and long-term consequences.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 essay analyzing the Green Revolution's features, impacts, benefits, and drawbacks.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to understand what is green revolution and its impact.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioUrban Farming Portfolio Rubric
Farming Types Analysis
Evaluation of the comparative table and summary paragraphs detailing different farming types. Focuses on accuracy, comprehensiveness, and critical analysis.Accuracy & Comprehensiveness
The extent to which the information presented in the table and paragraphs is accurate and complete, covering key aspects of each farming type.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe table and paragraphs contain highly accurate and comprehensive information about each farming type, demonstrating a deep understanding of their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Demonstrates insightful synthesis of information from multiple sources.
Proficient
3 PointsThe table and paragraphs contain mostly accurate and complete information about each farming type, demonstrating a good understanding of their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Shows effective organization of information.
Developing
2 PointsThe table and paragraphs contain some accurate information, but may be incomplete or lack detail in certain areas. Demonstrates a basic understanding of farming types. Shows some organization, but may be confusing.
Beginning
1 PointsThe table and paragraphs contain limited and/or inaccurate information about farming types. Demonstrates a minimal understanding of their characteristics. Lacks organization and clarity.
Critical Analysis
The depth of analysis in comparing and contrasting the different farming types, including insights into water use, land use, crop yield, and environmental impact.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides insightful and nuanced analysis of the pros and cons of each farming type, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of their implications for sustainability and food production. Goes beyond surface-level comparison to identify complex relationships and trade-offs.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and logical analysis of the pros and cons of each farming type, demonstrating a solid understanding of their implications for sustainability and food production. Clearly compares and contrasts the different farming types.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic analysis of the pros and cons of each farming type, but may lack depth or detail. Demonstrates a limited understanding of their implications for sustainability and food production. Shows some attempt at comparison, but may be superficial.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a superficial or incomplete analysis of the pros and cons of each farming type. Demonstrates a minimal understanding of their implications for sustainability and food production. Lacks comparison and critical thought.
Crop Classification Presentation
Assessment of the visual presentation detailing food and cash crops. Emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and relevance of examples.Clarity & Visual Appeal
The effectiveness of the visual presentation in communicating information clearly and engagingly.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally clear, visually appealing, and well-organized, effectively engaging the audience and facilitating understanding of complex concepts. Demonstrates skillful use of visuals to enhance communication.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear, visually appealing, and well-organized, effectively communicating information to the audience. Uses visuals appropriately and effectively.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is somewhat clear and organized, but may lack visual appeal or contain distracting elements. Visuals may be used inappropriately or ineffectively. Some areas may be confusing.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is unclear, disorganized, and/or lacks visual appeal, hindering communication. Visuals are absent or poorly used. Difficult to understand.
Accuracy & Relevance of Examples
The accuracy of the information presented and the relevance of the examples of food and cash crops chosen, specifically relating to the student's region.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation provides highly accurate and relevant examples of food and cash crops grown in the student's region, demonstrating a thorough understanding of local agriculture and economics. Examples are well-explained and connected to broader concepts.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation provides accurate and relevant examples of food and cash crops, demonstrating a good understanding of their importance. Examples are clearly presented and easy to understand.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation includes some examples of food and cash crops, but may contain inaccuracies or lack relevance to the student's region. Demonstrates a basic understanding. Some examples may be irrelevant or poorly explained.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation includes few or inaccurate examples of food and cash crops, demonstrating a limited understanding of their importance. Demonstrates minimal connection to real-world crops.
Green Revolution Essay
Evaluation of the essay analyzing the Green Revolution. Focuses on depth of research, balanced perspective, and clarity of writing.Depth of Research & Understanding
The extent to which the essay demonstrates thorough research and a comprehensive understanding of the Green Revolution's features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe essay demonstrates extensive research and a deep understanding of the Green Revolution, incorporating diverse perspectives and nuanced insights. Provides compelling evidence to support claims and demonstrates insightful synthesis of information.
Proficient
3 PointsThe essay demonstrates thorough research and a solid understanding of the Green Revolution, clearly explaining its features, benefits, and drawbacks. Provides clear evidence to support claims.
Developing
2 PointsThe essay demonstrates some research and a basic understanding of the Green Revolution, but may lack depth or detail in certain areas. Demonstrates some understanding of key aspects.
Beginning
1 PointsThe essay demonstrates limited research and a minimal understanding of the Green Revolution. Demonstrates minimal understanding and lacks supporting evidence.
Balanced Perspective & Critical Analysis
The ability to present a balanced perspective on the Green Revolution, weighing its benefits against its drawbacks and demonstrating critical thinking skills.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe essay presents a nuanced and balanced perspective on the Green Revolution, critically analyzing its benefits and drawbacks with sophisticated insight. Demonstrates independent thinking and insightful connections to contemporary issues.
Proficient
3 PointsThe essay presents a balanced perspective on the Green Revolution, weighing its benefits against its drawbacks and demonstrating critical thinking skills. Clearly articulates both positive and negative impacts.
Developing
2 PointsThe essay attempts to present a balanced perspective on the Green Revolution, but may be biased or lack sufficient critical analysis. Demonstrates some awareness of both sides.
Beginning
1 PointsThe essay fails to present a balanced perspective on the Green Revolution, demonstrating limited critical thinking skills. Presents a one-sided view or lacks analysis.
Clarity & Organization
The clarity of writing and the logical organization of ideas in the essay.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe essay is exceptionally well-written, with clear, concise language and a logical, compelling structure. Demonstrates excellent communication skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe essay is well-written, with clear language and a logical organization of ideas. Effectively communicates information to the reader.
Developing
2 PointsThe essay is generally understandable, but may contain some unclear language or organizational issues. Communication may be hindered by lack of clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsThe essay is poorly written, with unclear language and a disorganized structure. Difficult to understand and follow the line of reasoning.