Students investigate how plant structures and processes affect survival in extreme Texas heat and drought, then apply that science to design practical solutions for local growers. Over four weeks, teams use testing, data collection, computer modeling, peer critique, and weekly audio/video reflection to refine a small-scale prototype or plant-support strategy that meets real environmental constraints. The work culminates in a farmer-ready recommendation board, live demo, and evidence-based exhibit at the Survive the Heat Fair, with feedback from a Master Gardener or extension expert and community guests.

Students will explain how roots, stems, leaves, stomata, and the cuticle help plants take in water, move materials, and reduce water loss during extreme heat and drought. They will model how photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and transpiration interact to affect plant growth and survival, then use those ideas to predict which conditions or plant traits improve drought tolerance. Students will break the larger challenge into manageable design problems, build and test a small-scale solution, analyze results with tables, graphs, and simple simulations, and refine their design based on peer, teacher, and community feedback. They will also communicate evidence-based recommendations clearly through a farmer-ready display, live demonstration, and weekly reflection on how their understanding of plant survival in Texas has changed.

Students create early project artifacts including a plant survival concept map, a team design brief that breaks the problem into smaller engineering challenges, and weekly audio or video reflection journals. During the project, teams produce testable prototype materials such as mini shade structures, drip irrigation models, or soil amendment trials, along with data tables, graphs, simulation screenshots, and peer feedback notes from farmer/gardener test sessions. By the end, each team presents a farmer-ready recommendation board that explains the plant biology behind its solution, compares evidence from testing, and includes practical guidance for local growers. At the Survive the Heat Fair, students also run a live demo table and exhibit their final prototype or plant selection guide so guests can interact with the model and vote on the most effective solution.

Begin with “Drought Defenders Day” by presenting a Texas crop-loss case through dramatic photos, a short news clip, and a brief message from a local farmer, Master Gardener, or extension agent describing how heat and drought are affecting real plants and yields. In teams, students examine wilting plants or sample leaves/soil, record quick observations about roots, leaves, stomata, and water loss, and complete a short notice-and-wonder reflection on what surprised them. Then introduce the essential question and challenge each team to act as plant survival consultants who will design and test a prototype or recommendation board for a local grower. Close with a fast gallery walk of possible solution types—shade structures, drip systems, soil amendments, and plant selection guides—followed by a short video or audio reflection predicting which strategy will work best and why.

Host a “Survive the Heat Fair” where teams present a farmer-ready recommendation board with their tested prototype, data tables or graphs, and a live demo of how their solution reduces heat or water stress. Invite families, local gardeners, a Texas Master Gardener or county extension agent, and school staff to rotate through exhibits, question students about plant structures, transpiration, photosynthesis, and design tradeoffs, and try the models firsthand. Give guests a simple feedback and voting tool to identify the most effective, affordable, and realistic solution for Texas growers. End with a short student reflection wall or QR-linked audio/video journals so visitors can hear how each team’s thinking changed over the project.