Learning Goals
Students will be able to analyze how roots, stems, leaves, stomata, and cuticle adaptations affect water uptake, transport, and water loss in Texas heat and drought.
Students will be able to explain how photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and transpiration interact to influence plant growth and drought tolerance.
Students will be able to define measurable criteria and constraints for a plant-survival design challenge for local Texas growers.
Students will be able to generate and compare at least three distinct solution concepts, such as shade structures, drip irrigation, soil amendments, or plant-selection guides, for improving plant survival in extreme heat and drought.
Students will be able to evaluate design options using a weighted decision matrix and quantitative test data to justify a prototype selection.
Students will be able to prototype, test, and revise a small-scale plant-support solution based on performance data and peer or expert feedback.
Students will be able to communicate evidence-based recommendations for Texas heat-and-drought plant survival in a farmer-ready format.
Products
Plant Survival Engineering Design Notebook and Decision Matrix
Each student submits an original notebook that includes three annotated solution concepts, a weighted decision matrix, and a justified recommendation for the team. The notebook proves individual understanding of plant biology, criteria and constraints, and evidence-based design thinking.
Texas Heat-Defense Prototype and Farmer Recommendation Board
Teams build and revise a functional prototype or system that reduces plant heat or water stress, then present performance data, trade-offs, and limitations on a farmer-ready board. The final exhibit must show how test results and individual ideas led to the selected design.
No rubric has been generated yet.