What's for Dinner?

Explore the Past

1. You will work together in your group to look up inventions in agriculture and farming from 1875 � 1950. See your teacher for your group assignment.
2. Each student should look up 3 inventions. For each invention research the following: a) the name of the invention, b) the year it was invented, c) the name of the inventor and d) how this invention changed farming. Share what you find in your group.
3. As a group decide on at least 10 inventions to use in your time line. For each invention include the following: a) the name of the invention, b) the year it was invented, c) the name of the inventor and d) how this invention changed farming.
4. Construct a timeline of the inventions created during this period. Be creative! Review the examples from previous students shown in class for ideas.  

Evaluate the Present

1. In your group, read the Getting the Bugs Out article. Each person in the group should take turns reading one paragraph aloud.  
2. Answer question #1 on the Getting the Bugs Out worksheet as a group. Each person should contribute one answer.
3. Answer question #2 on the Getting the Bugs Out worksheet as a group. Two apples, soap and water have been provided for you in the classroom.
4. Complete the Getting the Bugs Out worksheet individually at home for homework (questions 3 � 5).
5. Fold a piece of paper in half. On one side list the pros of the use of modern science and technology in food preparation. On the other side of the paper list the cons. Each member of the groups should add their ideas and thoughts. When you are finished, present your thoughts to the class. Each person should read something from your pros and cons list aloud.
6. Individual reflection assignment: Do a journal entry. Topic: How would you compare the present use of modern science and technology with the past?

Effect the Future

1. Read the Create Your Own Compost Pile webpage provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Look at the In List at the bottom of the page. Do you usually put any of these items in your trash can? Make a list of the items you think you could bring to class instead of putting them in the trash.
2. Watch the Compost Kids video. Take notes. Be sure to include, a) the definition of composting, b) why you should compost, and c) how to compost (Hint: there are 5 steps).
3. Take a brown shopping bag home. Collect items from your home that you can bring to contribute to the class compost pile. Make sure they are on the �In List� and not the �Out List.�
4. You will be allowed extra time in the library to look at the new gardening books. Choose 2 vegetables you would like to plant in the community garden.
5. You will work with other students who are interested in the same vegetables. See your teacher for your new group assignment.
6. Research your vegetables. Answer the following questions:
1. What are some nutritional facts? (example: My vegetable is fat free and a good source of vitamin C.)
2. What are the common uses of the vegetable?
3. Is this vegetable commonly grown in Missouri?
4. Describe the way the vegetable looks. How would you select a ripe one at the grocery store?
5. Are there any other varieties of this vegetable?
7. Use the Wiki your teacher has created to share what you have learned about the vegetables you chose with your group.
8. Watch the video School Sprouts: Birth of a Garden. Individual reflection assignment: Do a Journal entry. Answer the following questions: What challenges did these students face? How did they overcome these challenges? How do you think their experience will compare with our class garden? What do you hope to learn from this gardening experience?
9. Look up a recipe that includes your vegetable as a main ingredient. Write your recipe on a 3 x 5 index card. Write your name on the back of the card and turn it in to your teacher.
10. Plant your vegetables in our garden and monitor their growth. Your contribution to the community garden is your final project. We will work in our garden on an ongoing basis. After the vegetables are ready to be harvested, we will begin a new assignment - our class service learning project. You will learn more about this from your teacher at a later time.