S9-30007

Unique Watermelons

Japanese farmers grew square watermelons to solve space-related challenges in a crowded society. The innovative technique made them fit better in limited spaces like refrigerators and shelves. Square watermelons became a symbol of practicality, showing farmers' ability to adapt and find creative solutions.

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Activity Time

STEM Concept

Subject & Grades

Inquiry Skills

minutes

All

6th-12th

Connections between STEM Concepts, Learning Targets and Standards

Learning Objective

Students will identify and apply many inquiry techniques to everyday situations.
Students will understand how these skills relate to their confidence and success.

Success Criteria

Students will identify and apply many inquiry techniques to everyday situations.
Students will understand how these skills relate to their confidence and success.

Pathway 1 : Students participate in STEM education that combines all STEM subjects and

prioritizes STEM processes and practices.

Pathways 3: Staff members and leaders regularly engage in STEM-focused professional development.

Pathway 9: Students display their knowledge through practical assessments and improve their self-assessment and monitoring skills.

STANDARD 1: Learners engage in STEM learning experiences that integrate all STEM disciplines with an emphasis on processes and practices associated with STEM .

STANDARD 7: Learners engage in self-directed STEM learning guided by professional staff members who are effective facilitators of learning.

STANDARD 9: Learners demonstrate their learning through performance-based assessments and have opportunities to develop self-assessment and self-monitoring skills.

Activity Introduction

Watch this video about how Japanese farmers started growing square watermelons as a unique and innovative approach to meet the demands of a crowded and urbanized society. In Japan, where space is limited, storing and transporting large round watermelons can be challenging. To address this issue, farmers decided to experiment with growing watermelons in square shapes. This revolutionary farming technique allowed watermelons to fit more efficiently in refrigerators, store shelves, and even in shipping boxes. The square watermelons became a symbol of ingenuity and practicality, capturing the interest of consumers who valued convenience and space optimization. Growing square watermelons highlights the ability of farmers to adapt to societal needs and find creative solutions to everyday challenges.

[Click image to enlarge]

Prompts for group activities

Discuss how inquiry skills help you think about and solve events in your life.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of growing cubed watermelons compared to round ones? How do the square shapes impact factors such as storage, transportation, and presentation?

How has the cultivation of cubed watermelons influenced the agricultural industry in Japan? What are the economic and cultural impacts of this unique farming practice? Additionally, how have consumer preferences and demands driven the market for cubed watermelons?

Step 1: Watch the video

Square watermelons Japan

Activity Tips

Remind the students to write down words they don’t understand or questions that immediately come to mind about the topic they’re watching.
Tell them to be ready to share with their group.

Step 2:
Group Session

After the video, divide students into groups of 3 or 4 and let the students begin their discussions while you circulate; it’s all about what THEY think and feel. Ask them to listen carefully to their friends as they might have different opinions to them.

Step 3:
Assessment

Ask the students:

Ask the students who they believe the best listeners and best team players are from this activity.
Ask them to justify their answers in a simple sentence.
Explain to them that the idea is everyone improves both their listening and teamwork skills over time.
Ask the students to summarize the video in 6-8 words only.