"Banana Quest: Unpacking Global Journeys"

High School Grade Project 3 weeks

"Banana Quest: Unpacking Global Journeys"

SUZETTE ARANIVA

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Purpose

This project aims to engage students in a critical examination of the global trade of everyday products, focusing on their economic, environmental, and social impacts. By tracing the journey of products like bananas or avocados from farm to table, students will uncover the complexities of globalization and its effects on local economies and environments. Through hands-on investigations and collaborative discussions, students will explore sustainable practices and develop actionable strategies to become more ethical consumers.

Learning goals

Students will analyze the economic, environmental, and social impacts of global trade on local and international scales. They will trace the journey of a product from its origin to its end-of-life, identifying key stages and stakeholders involved. Students will evaluate sustainable practices and propose actionable solutions for ethical consumption. They will develop critical thinking and research skills by investigating real-world case studies and presenting their findings.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a detailed case study presentation tracing the journey of a chosen product, such as a banana or avocado, from production to consumption. They will develop an infographic illustrating the environmental and economic impacts at each stage of the product's lifecycle. Additionally, students will design a sustainable consumer guide that includes actionable strategies for reducing environmental impact and promoting ethical consumption.

Launch

Begin the project with an interactive simulation where students trace the journey of a banana or avocado from farm to table. Use digital maps and videos to explore the product's origin, transportation routes, and final destinations. Facilitate a class discussion on initial observations about the economic and environmental impacts observed during the journey. Encourage students to brainstorm questions they have about the product's life cycle and its broader implications, setting the stage for their investigative project work.

Exhibition

Students will host a "Global Product Journey Fair," where they present their research through interactive displays, infographics, and digital presentations. Each group will create a visual storyboard tracing their chosen product's lifecycle, highlighting economic, environmental, and social impacts. Students will also propose actionable solutions for more sustainable consumer practices, inviting peers and community members to engage in discussions and provide feedback.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Launch the project with an interactive simulation. Students will trace the journey of a banana or avocado using digital maps and videos to explore its origin, transportation routes, and final destinations. Facilitate a class discussion to share initial observations on the economic and environmental impacts.	Activity 2: In small groups, students will select a product (banana or avocado) to focus on for their project. They will begin initial research on the product's origin and production process, noting key stakeholders involved.	Activity 3: Host a workshop on research methods, focusing on how to gather credible data and analyze sources. Students will work on developing focused questions to guide their research.	Activity 4: Students will begin to map out the supply chain of their chosen product, identifying each stage of the product's journey from farm to table, and the economic and environmental impacts at each stage.	Activity 5: Facilitate a group reflection session where each group shares their findings and challenges faced during their research. Encourage collaborative problem-solving and idea-sharing to refine research strategies.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Each group will submit an initial research outline that includes the product's origin, key stakeholders, and a preliminary supply chain map, highlighting potential economic and environmental impacts.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Prepare digital maps and videos for the interactive simulation showcasing the journey of a banana or avocado. 2. Prep Task 2: Compile a list of credible research resources and databases for students to access during their investigation. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up a workshop session focusing on research methods and source evaluation, including preparing handouts or digital materials. 4. Prep Task 4: Arrange the classroom for small group discussions and provide materials for creating supply chain maps, such as large paper, markers, and access to digital tools.

Week 2	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
Activities	Activity 1: Facilitate a guest speaker session with a local farmer or industry expert who can discuss the real-world impacts of global trade on local economies and environments. Students prepare questions in advance to engage in an interactive Q&A session.	Activity 2: Conduct a research analysis workshop where students refine their focused questions and gather data on the social implications of their product’s trade. Students analyze case studies and news articles to explore labor practices, cultural impacts, and consumer trends.	Activity 3: Guide students in creating a digital storyboard that traces their product's lifecycle, incorporating economic, environmental, and social data. Students use digital tools to design visual elements that effectively communicate their findings.	Activity 4: Organize a peer review session where groups present their digital storyboards to classmates. Students provide constructive feedback focused on clarity, depth of analysis, and the effectiveness of data visualization.	Activity 5: Host a reflection session where students discuss insights gained from peer reviews and identify areas for improvement. Encourage students to brainstorm strategies for promoting sustainable consumer practices based on their research.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Each group will submit a draft of their digital storyboard that includes economic, environmental, and social data, with preliminary feedback from peer reviews. 2. Deliverable 2: Students will submit a list of refined research questions and a summary of their findings from the analysis workshop, focusing on social implications.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate the guest speaker session by reaching out to local experts and preparing a list of potential discussion topics relevant to the project. 2. Prep Task 2: Gather a collection of case studies, articles, and multimedia resources that highlight the social impacts of global trade for use in the research analysis workshop. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up digital tools and platforms for students to use in creating their digital storyboards, such as access to presentation software or graphic design applications. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop a peer review rubric that students can use to provide structured feedback during the storyboard review session. 5. Prep Task 5: Arrange the classroom or virtual setting for collaborative discussions and ensure students have access to resources needed for brainstorming sustainable practices.

Week 3	Day 11	Day 12	Day 13	Day 14	Day 15
Activities	Activity 1: Facilitate a workshop on creating impactful infographics. Students will learn techniques for effectively communicating data and insights visually. They will begin designing their infographics illustrating the economic and environmental impacts at each stage of their product's lifecycle.	Activity 2: Guide students in finalizing their digital storyboards and infographics. Provide individual group consultations to assist with refining their presentations and ensuring all essential data and insights are included.	Activity 3: Organize a rehearsal session for the 'Global Product Journey Fair.' Students will practice presenting their research findings and actionable solutions for sustainable consumer practices. Encourage peer feedback to enhance presentation delivery.	Activity 4: Host the 'Global Product Journey Fair.' Students present their case study presentations, infographics, and sustainable consumer guides to peers and invited community members. Facilitate discussions and encourage feedback from the audience.	Activity 5: Conduct a reflection and debriefing session. Students will share their experiences, insights gained, and discuss the impact of their proposed solutions. Encourage students to reflect on how they can apply their learning to real-world consumer choices.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Each group will submit a finalized digital storyboard and infographic that traces their product's lifecycle and highlights economic, environmental, and social impacts. 2. Deliverable 2: Students will submit a sustainable consumer guide, outlining actionable strategies for reducing environmental impact and promoting ethical consumption.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Prepare materials and resources for the infographic workshop, including examples of effective designs and templates. 2. Prep Task 2: Coordinate logistics for the 'Global Product Journey Fair,' including inviting community members, arranging presentation spaces, and setting up any necessary technology. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop a feedback form for audience members to complete during the fair, focusing on the clarity and impact of the presentations and proposed solutions. 4. Prep Task 4: Organize the classroom or virtual space for the reflection and debriefing session, ensuring students have access to discussion prompts and reflection tools.