Agriscience Fair Lesson 1: What Is the Why?
“What Is the Why?” is a 60-minute lesson, part of a series guiding students through the agriscience research process in alignment with the National FFA Agriscience Fair award area. Using a “Fact or Fiction” worksheet, MythBusters and research-focused videos, students explore why information may be false and why research matters in their lives and society.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Describe why research is important.
- Identify how research impacts their lives.
- Time required
- 60 minutes
- Grade level
- Grades 9 and 10
- Materials
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- A copy of the "Fact or Fiction" worksheet for each student
- Internet access to play the videos in real time or embed it in a PowerPoint ahead of time
- Sticky note for each student
- Resources/References
- Video: Mythbusters, https://youtu.be/WpTSA_25wGE; Video: Why Research Is So Important, https://youtu.be/FuVGo3AJhqA; Video: Clinical Trials, https://www.lilly.com/clinical-research/clinical-trials
- Cross-Curricular Connections
- Science; English/Language Arts. Explore statements to determine why they are false. Summarize thoughts.
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Flexibility and Adaptability; Global Awareness; Initiative and Self-direction; Leadership and Responsibility; Think Creatively
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
- CRP.06Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
- CRP.07Employ valid and reliable research strategies. Career-ready individuals are discerning in accepting and using new information to make decisions, change practices or inform strategies.
- CRP.08Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Career-ready individuals readily recognize problems in the workplace, understand the nature of the problem, and devise effective plans to solve the problem.
Common Core – Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects: Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9.10.4Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core – Reading: Informational Text
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.3Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
FFA Precept
- FFA.CS-NDecision Making: Analyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.
- FFA.PG-IProfessional Growth: Assume responsibility for attaining and improving upon the skills needed for career success.
- FFA.PG-JMental Growth: Embrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
- FFA.PL-AAction: Assume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
- FFA.PL-EAwareness: Understand personal vision, mission and goals.
- FFA.PL-FContinuous Improvement: Accept responsibility for learning and personal growth.