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Seasonal Produce Display

Create an informational display for grocery stores that informs consumers on seasonal produce

⏱ 1 Hour

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Seasonal Produce Display

Standards & Connections:

NGSS.3-5-ETS1, NGSS.MS-ETS1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4

Materials:

Colored markers/pencils, poster paper, cardboard, tape, glue

Background:

Seasonal produce is fresh fruits and vegetables that are harvested and eaten during the time of year they grow best. What’s in season will vary depending on where we live and what the climate is like. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that half of our plate be fruits and vegetables, whether they are canned, frozen, dried or fresh. However, eating fresh produce in season likely tastes more fresh and may be more nutritionally dense. To find out what’s in season in your area visit your local farmers’ market and check out the USDA Seasonal Produce Guide

Process

Identify

Share the background information with the students, then share the puzzle to be solved. Determine constraints (e.g., time alotted, space, materials provided, etc.) and divide students into small groups.

Imagine

Ask a series of questions to help students brainstorm solutions to the puzzle. Encourage students to list all ideas – don’t hold back! Before moving on, make sure each group selects a solution that fits within the contraints.

  • Ask: How can you can solve this puzzle? Which of your ideas can you build a prototype for given the constraints?
  • Design

    Students diagram the prototype, identify the materials needed to build the prototype, and write out the steps to take. Students describe the expected outcomes.

  • Ask: What steps will you take to create your solution? What do you expect your solution to look like and be able to do?
  • Create

    Students follow their design plan and build their prototypes. Monitor their progress and remind them about how much time they have.

    Test & Improve

    Students evaluate their creation and compare it with the expected outcomes. Students seek areas of improvement and make changes where needed.

    Share

    Students share their solution to the puzzle and communicate lessons learned.

  • Ask: What was your biggest takeaway? What would you do differently?
  • And then

    Ask your local grocery stores and farmers’ market if they’ll put up the best displays.

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