Lesson Overview

What are some key factors that contribute to a successful cranberry bog?

Lesson Plan:

Overview
Background
Materials
Preparation
Step-by-Step

In this lesson, which requires two to three class sessions, student pairs assume the role of prospective cranberry growers and select, from three different options, a bog to adopt. Later, in Challenges Await You, students will attempt to manage their chosen bogs successfully, making decisions about how to respond to events that come up during a typical twelve-month growing cycle.

In the process of their bog selection, students will be introduced to some key factors that help determine the success of a bog: the local site of the bog, climate and weather in the area, and various resources available to the bog owner. For each of these factors, guiding principles for selecting a promising site are provided by a bog “expert”. In addition, specific detail about each of the three bog options is provided. At the end of the lesson, students receive feedback on their choices in the form of an “assessor’s report” and are given the opportunity to change their bog selection, based on that report.

A student graphic organizer initially serves as a record so that student pairs can document the information they learn about each bog. The graphic organizer will later be used to help students assess the relative strength and weakness of each site. In addition to completing their personal graphic organizers, students will contribute to a class record, where they weigh the pros and cons of each bog site. Finally, students will formally make their bog selections. To support that choice, students will complete a written assignment (Bog Blog) and provide rationales for their decisions.