Blackberries or Bust

DRIVING QUESTION:

Are blackberry bushes a problem?

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project will start with a blackberry feast. Students will then break into research groups to answer a variety of questions. What are invasive species? What are native species? How do blackberry bushes spread? How can blackberry bushes be controlled (spray types – can these still be eaten?)? How are blackberries farmed? Some potential guest speakers could be a conservation/parks person, invasive species professionals, farmers, gardeners, and/or environmentalists. Students will then be given a choice of what they want to do with their information: clear and spray bushes, write report/newsletter for township website, write tourism brochure (can you eat the wild berries?), pictures/PPT presentation, etc. and share their product with the class.

CONNECTIONS AND PERSPECTIVES:

This project allows students to act as earth keepers while also enjoying creation.