Running Head: PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING LESSON PLAN 1

Problem-Based Learning Lesson Plan:

Ninth Graders Attempting to Solve World Hunger

William Holcomb

Phoenix University
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There are multiple facets within the study of agriculture, however a large portion consists

of food production. Specifically, there are great concerns about providing sustainable food

sources for our exponentially growing population. This lesson will be problem based, where

students will collaborate in groups of three to explore this open-ended problem. This

collaboration coincides with the International Standards for Educators standard 6a, where this

lesson will “foster a culture where students take ownership of their learning goals and outcomes

in both independent and group settings”. (Education, 2018) To introduce the problem, we will

review, discuss and answer any questions pertaining to the required reading of the textbook,

“Agriscience: Fundamentals and Applications”. (Food Science and Technology, 2007) Secondly,

I will be showing a brief PBS video, “How Farmer-Philanthropist Howard Buffet is Planting

Hope” (PBS News Hour, 2016), to show a viewpoint on the factors and approaches surrounding

this issue. To achieve proper exploration of this topic, students will be required to use multiple

Google Tools. First, the presentation will be given utilizing Google Slides. By utilizing this

application there can be collaboration outside of the classroom and allow for equal distribution of

workload. Second, Google Scholar will be used as a primary source for articles and research of

the topic at hand. This program will enable easy access to primary literature and convenient

sharing of the articles. Finally, Google Drawings will be used to provide a diagram representing

the thought processes during the initial problem solving.

The objective of this lesson is for students to create a visual representation of their

understanding of a world issue, actively search for pertinent articles, and finally demonstrate the

ability to present their findings in an organized manner. Secondary goals, students will

collaborate in teams while learning the methods required for accurate research of a topic.

Required materials for this lesson include access to the main article and video introducing the
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problem, access to Google slides, Google Scholar, Google Drawing, and finally the grading

rubric (page 5).

Instructions are as follows:

A. Get into groups of three and brainstorm possible solutions for the
proposed problem. Create a visual representation of your ideas in Google
Drawings
B. Using Google Scholar, find a supplementary article that proposes a
potential start to a solution.
C. Prepare a presentation using the Google Slides application
D. Use Google Sketchpad to apply images and drawing to the slides.
E. Present your findings and ideas to the class

Adhering to the educator’s ISTE standard 2b, this lesson can be altered to fit the needs of

most diverse learners. This lesson’s mailability serves as an “advocate for the equitable access to

educational technology, digital content and learning opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all

students”. (Education, 2018) A few examples include granting extra time, an aid to help with

research, private presentations for those with heightened anxiety, and extra parameters or

prompts to guide learning. These are just a few of the modifications that can be made, and all

accommodations will be assessed on a case by case basis.

To assess the understanding and capability of the students to complete this task there will

be a multi-tiered grading system. Including the completion of a brainstorming diagram showing a

development of thoughts. Second, the ability to find and then comprehend an article pertaining to

the issue will be measured. Finally, the presentation as a group will be graded as well as proper

references included for all sources. The details of the grading requirements are in the rubric.
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This lesson plan can be applied to many facets of agriculture, follows many ISTE

standards, and finally incorporates the use of new technological applications through Google

Tools that can be applied to other areas of study as well. All in all, this lesson will enable

students to explore problem-based learning and enable them to demonstrate their approach to

providing solutions through collaboration and research.

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References
Education, I. S. (2018, n.d.). ISTE Standards for Educators. Retrieved from ISTE:
http://www.iste.org/standards/for-educators
Food Science and Technology. (2007). In L. D. Burton, & E. L. Cooper, Agriscience:
Fundamentals and Applications 4th Edition (pp. 638-654). Clifton Park: Thomson
Delmar Learning.
PBS News Hour. (2016, May 2). How Farmer-Philanthropist Howard Buffet is Planting Hope.
PBS Video. Illinois, USA: PBS.