Food availability is limited in some regions of the world for many reasons, such as access to natural resources (sunlight, space, water, soil). Due to urbanization, access to fresh fruit and vegetables in urban areas is becoming more limited. How do we feed our communities and ensure food sustainably in an urban landscape?
In this inquiry-based activity, students will design and build a model of a greenhouse using mirrors and/or lenses that can be used to grow food all year. They will use their knowledge of optics to make their greenhouse more efficient (i.e., optimal temperature for plant growth).
*This activity can be used as a Course Culminating Activity as it allows students to demonstrate their proficiency in the following areas:
Cells and Tissues (plants and plant growth)
Chemical Reactions (pH of soil and acid-base reactions)
Light and Optics (reflection and refraction through mirrors and lenses)
Climate Change (influence of CO2 and temperature upon growth of plants)
INQUIRY FOCUS:
How can we use optics to maximize food production?
Keywords:
Reflection, refraction, pH, CO2, temperature, mirrors, lenses, plant growth
Written by DIANA NAUMOVSKI
This activity is part of STAO’s Connex Inquiry Resource Series