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1. Description of Our Community
BaoShan Elementary School is located in the rural town of FenYuan in the central part of Taiwan, within Changhua County. The school is surrounded by lush green rice fields, and FenYuan Township is a typical agricultural area with vast land suitable for farming. Changhua County has a large plain and an efficient irrigation system, making it known as the 'Homeland of Rice' due to its high rice production. Additionally, the county is rich in various agricultural products, and many rural settlements are built around these industries, making it one of the core agricultural regions in Taiwan. In the local community, most residents engage in agriculture, with some also running small eateries that sell local specialties, such as rice dumplings. These local foods are closely tied to the area's agricultural products, allowing people to experience the unique flavors and culture of the land. As a result, BaoShan Elementary School actively develops a 'Rice Food Treasure Hunt' curriculum, aimed at helping students understand the process of rice cultivation, learn about the local agricultural culture, and connect with their hometown. Through food and agriculture education and hands-on experience courses, students gain a deeper sense of identity and belonging. These courses also teach students to appreciate the land and agriculture, understand the hard work of farmers, and recognize the importance of food sources. Ultimately, the program fosters respect for nature and values related to sustainable development.
2. Summary of Our Project
This research project aims to help students organize and integrate the knowledge they have learned in class and further explore areas they are unclear about. Students will gather the necessary information through consulting books, online resources, and interviewing agriculture experts. The research not only covers the understanding of traditional rice-based foods from local festivals but also includes rice dishes from other countries commonly found in Taiwan. Additionally, it explores the emerging rice-based foods actively promoted by the government in recent years, such as rice cakes and rice cookies. These new rice products not only meet modern health-conscious dietary needs but also help reduce dependence on imported wheat, lower carbon footprints, and encourage the use of local ingredients, making them more environmentally friendly. In addition to classroom learning, summer camps, and school celebrations as extended learning activities, students will also take the opportunity to visit local rice noodle factories like Old Pot Rice Noodles and Kiss Rice for on-site learning. They will also interview agriculture experts in the field, such as Mayor of Fenyuan Township and Secretary General of Farmers' Association of Fenyuan Township, to gain a deeper understanding of local specialties and cultural features. This learning process not only enhances students' understanding of local culture but also gives them the opportunity to introduce their hometown’s rice dishes to a wider audience, sharing the local flavors and traditions with the world, and enhancing their sense of pride and belonging toward their hometown. Through this research project, students not only gain knowledge but also practice environmental protection and sustainable development principles, laying a solid foundation for their future life and career.
3. Our Computer and Internet Access
A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%
B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6
C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection
D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:4-6
E. Additional comments concerning your computer and/or Internet access (Optional):
1. • Our school currently has one computer lab, equipped with 22 desktop computers for students to use. 2. • Each student has their own iPad in the classroom, allowing them to organize and work on their assignments. 3. • Every classroom is equipped with an 86-inch interactive touchscreen TV, which teachers use for lessons. 4. • The entire school is covered with Wi-Fi, so students and teachers can access the internet anywhere on campus. 5. • The school's internet connection has a bandwidth of 300Mbps, ensuring a smooth online experience.
4. Problems We Had To Overcome
Students lack sufficient understanding of the topic and have limited data collection skills. The teacher guides them through group discussions to help them organize appropriate information. Additionally, students type slowly, so they are encouraged to practice more during their free time or at home and to complete their files patiently. Moreover, students’ activity records are incomplete, making it difficult for them to accurately document the information they absorb during activities. They are reminded to divide tasks effectively during investigations, ensuring that some students are responsible for taking notes while others handle audio recording and photography. After the interview, they can use the recorded audio to verify the accuracy of the collected information, allowing them to produce a more complete and reliable report.
5. Our Project Sound Bite
Through an in-depth understanding of local agriculture, along with field visits, data collection, and hands-on experiences, we have come to realize the current state and challenges of Taiwan’s agricultural development. Therefore, we have decided to share the knowledge and experiences we have gained through a webpage introduction, allowing more people to learn about the hard work of farmers through their daily diet. This, in turn, fosters a greater appreciation for food and a stronger commitment to protecting the environment.
6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?
The topic of this research project is closely integrated with the school's subject curriculum and school-based curriculum. In the course on the history of rice cultivation in Taiwan, students are tasked with searching for books and online information. They must not only evaluate the credibility of online sources but also read and organize the data, developing skills in synthesizing and organizing information. Students will also practice creating visit themes and interview questions, and after conducting interviews, they must compile and organize the information into written reports, improving their ability to consolidate information and writing skills. The hands-on rice planting experience allows students to observe and record the growth process of rice, strengthening their scientific practical skills. In the process of making various rice-based dishes, students must pay attention to every step of the procedure in order to create delicious food, enjoying both the tasting and the sense of accomplishment from completing the task. During the interview process, students need to express their ideas clearly, and through group discussions, they will develop strong communication and interaction skills, fostering teamwork and team spirit. This comprehensive research project requires students to utilize their abilities across various areas. They find this approach, which differs from traditional teaching methods, more engaging, and as a result, their learning outcomes are better.
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1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?
The foundation of our project was collecting and recording information. Our team conducted interviews to gather first-hand insights from experts and locals, allowing us to dive deeper into the topic. To make sure we didn’t miss any important details, we used a voice recorder to capture entire conversations. Books and news articles provided valuable background knowledge and historical context, making our content more accurate and well-researched. We also went on site visits, where we observed and documented things in person, adding authenticity to our project. Next, multimedia and visuals played a big role in making our project more engaging. We used a DSLR camera to take high-quality photos, capturing key moments and details to enhance the visual appeal. The iPad was super handy during visits—it allowed us to quickly jot down notes and organize important information on the go. Finally, putting everything together was crucial. We used a computer to organize text, edit images, and build the website, ensuring everything was clear, structured, and well-presented. Out of all the tools, the computer was the most valuable, as it brought everything together—data processing, image editing, and web design. As for the most important technical skills, photo editing and web design were key in making our project both professional and visually appealing.
2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.
Through project-based research discussions and sharing, students have shown great enthusiasm for exploring community agriculture. They are willing to actively participate and learn relevant knowledge, which has also inspired a deeper interest in understanding the development and challenges of the industry. This engagement has created an opportunity to promote and revitalize traditional agricultural practices, ensuring their preservation and continued growth for future generations.
Students visited Kiss Rice and Taiwan Rice Castle, where they had hands-on experiences in rice farming and making traditional rice-based foods such as red turtle cakes, radish cakes, and glutinous rice balls. Through these activities, they aim to spark interest in traditional rice cuisine and promote the development of local agriculture.
3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?
This research project involved searching for and collecting information, as well as conducting multiple field visits. Through this process, students not only learned about the richness and diversity of Taiwan's rice and rice-based foods but also gained insight into the agricultural industry settlements in central Taiwan. They experienced the hard work and dedication of farmers, understanding the challenging process behind agricultural production, and felt the unique charm of rural culture. In addition to learning about rice and rice food production techniques, students also learned how to transform this knowledge and experience into content they could share. By creating a website to introduce their discoveries and what they had learned, they aimed to encourage more people to visit local community attractions, activate local industries, and promote rural tourism. They also hope to attract more attention to the beauty of their hometown and community, and inspire people to take concrete actions for the sustainable development of their community.
4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?
Full Support from the School
Throughout the project, the principal, directors, teachers, and parents provided invaluable support by guiding and assisting students in conducting interviews, participating in hands-on activities, completing reports, and even arranging transportation. Their dedication and encouragement played a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of this research project.
Heartfelt Gratitude
We sincerely thank Kiss Rice, the Farmers’ Association, the Township Office, and the Xitou Community Development Association for taking the time out of their busy schedules to personally participate in student interviews, guide hands-on DIY activities, and generously share their invaluable knowledge and experiences. Their support has been incredibly enriching and has provided us with profound learning opportunities.
5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)
Through this research project, we realized that our hometown produces a wide variety of agricultural products and plays a significant role in Taiwan’s agricultural industry. We were surprised to learn that even a single grain of rice carries so much knowledge and history.
One key lesson we learned is the importance of completing our records immediately after an interview, as waiting a few days can cause us to forget important details. Additionally, recording audio and taking photos during interviews is essential for capturing accurate and complete information.
During our visit to Kiss Rice, we had the chance to taste incredibly delicious rice and learn the proper way to cook it. This experience inspired us to promote organic farming, appreciate food, and protect the environment. We also admired the dedication of industry experts and hope to carry forward their hardworking spirit in our own efforts.
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View our CyberFair Project
(Project ID: 8783)
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