All grades  Project 4 weeks

Caffeinated Chronicles: USA's Buzzing Evolution!

Alexandria V
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Purpose

Through this project, students will dive into the historical, cultural, and global influences shaping the caffeine industry in the United States. They will explore its milestones and scientific perspectives, then use their findings to create informative timelines and infographics. Engaging in hands-on activities like a global cafe tasting event, students will connect past and present caffeine consumption patterns across borders. The project encourages students to reflect on how their understanding of caffeine impacts their views on consumer habits. This experiential approach facilitates critical thinking and collaboration, enabling students to appreciate the dynamic role of caffeine in society.

Learning goals

Students will analyze and map the historical development of the caffeine industry in the United States and make cross-cultural comparisons with at least one other country, highlighting key production and consumption trends. They will explore the socio-economic and cultural impacts of caffeine on American society and investigate how scientific advancements have influenced consumer behaviors. Additionally, students will gain skills in creating informative visual representations and effectively communicating their findings through a global cafe tasting event, fostering understanding and appreciation of global perspectives on caffeine consumption.

Products

Students will create an illustrated timeline or infographic mapping the pivotal moments in the caffeine industry's development in the U.S., providing a comparative analysis with another country. The project will culminate in a global cafe tasting event, where students will craft caffeine-infused beverages that align with historical and cultural contexts, offering educational experiences using their created timelines and infographics. Throughout the process, students will engage in reflection via a daily journal, documenting insights on caffeine's societal influence and evolving consumption trends.

Launch

Kick off the project with an immersive experience where students are invited to participate in a simulated café environment in the classroom. They will rotate through stations featuring different caffeine-infused beverages and snacks from various countries, guided by brief historical narratives. This sensory introduction will spark curiosity and provide a tangible connection to the evolution of the caffeine industry as they prepare to dive into research and timeline creation.

Exhibition

Invite the school community to an interactive "Caffeine Chronicles" exhibition where students host a global cafe tasting event. Attendees sample caffeine-infused beverages connected to the historical and cultural narratives crafted by students. Accompanying the tasting, students display their illustrated timelines and infographics to engage visitors with the story of caffeine's evolution, US impact, and scientific insights. Attendees move through presentations where students share their reflections and learning journey on caffeine's role in shaping culture and consumer habits.