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Everybody loves bananas. Dorothy Patent tells us what we need to know if we want to enjoy them for many years to come! |
English/Language Arts
Explore persuasive argument
This Minute provides a good starting place to explore persuasive writing, as Author Patent lays out both the benefits and consequences of asexual propagation of bananas. What Hinshaw does not do, however, is proffer her opinion or a solution. That;s an open door for teaching your students how to develop an argument, then take it to the next level by choosing a position and then defending that position.
Social Studies
Explore World geography
Get out that globe and took at the location of New Guinea (search for Papua New Guinea). How close (or far) is it from Hawaii? Introduce the the distance calculator tool - there are several good ones available online, including this one.
STEM
Explore genetics
How do you breed the seed out of a banana? Play with the gene pool! Use this Minute to introduce or reinforce the concepts learned by using Punnett Squares to trace genetic traits.
Explore plant reproduction and threats
Introduce sexual vs asexual reproduction in plants. Banana propagation is a fairly straightforward procedure. Have older students (upper elementary forward) check out this training video for cultivating banana plants and then read the specifics about the threats to the beloved banana.
FCS/Nutrition
Explore nutritional benefits of bananas
Bananas offer a myriad of nutritional benefits. Check out the National Nutrition database hosted by the USDA to break down the great things about this tasty fruit.
Research Skills
Explore environmental and agricultural resources
Where do you go online if you have a question about farming, food or agricultural best practices? Use this Minute to introduce your students to government agencies, both national, state and local, that provide resources for the agricultural industries and backyard growers alike. Explore the concept of extension services, and have students search for University sites that provide agricultural information. Search government sites for information about pest control, plant breeding and invasive species.
Explore persuasive argument
This Minute provides a good starting place to explore persuasive writing, as Author Patent lays out both the benefits and consequences of asexual propagation of bananas. What Hinshaw does not do, however, is proffer her opinion or a solution. That;s an open door for teaching your students how to develop an argument, then take it to the next level by choosing a position and then defending that position.
Social Studies
Explore World geography
Get out that globe and took at the location of New Guinea (search for Papua New Guinea). How close (or far) is it from Hawaii? Introduce the the distance calculator tool - there are several good ones available online, including this one.
STEM
Explore genetics
How do you breed the seed out of a banana? Play with the gene pool! Use this Minute to introduce or reinforce the concepts learned by using Punnett Squares to trace genetic traits.
Explore plant reproduction and threats
Introduce sexual vs asexual reproduction in plants. Banana propagation is a fairly straightforward procedure. Have older students (upper elementary forward) check out this training video for cultivating banana plants and then read the specifics about the threats to the beloved banana.
FCS/Nutrition
Explore nutritional benefits of bananas
Bananas offer a myriad of nutritional benefits. Check out the National Nutrition database hosted by the USDA to break down the great things about this tasty fruit.
Research Skills
Explore environmental and agricultural resources
Where do you go online if you have a question about farming, food or agricultural best practices? Use this Minute to introduce your students to government agencies, both national, state and local, that provide resources for the agricultural industries and backyard growers alike. Explore the concept of extension services, and have students search for University sites that provide agricultural information. Search government sites for information about pest control, plant breeding and invasive species.
© Karen Sterling, 2017 - May be used for educational purposes without written permission
