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1. Description of Our Community
Dacun Township is located in the east-central part of the Changhua Plain, with a long, narrow east-west and narrow north-south pattern. In the east, it is bounded by the barrier ridge of the Bagua Mountain Range and is adjacent to Fengyuan Township; in the south, it is bordered by Yuanlin City and Puxin Township; in the west, it is adjacent to Poyan Township and Xiushui Township; and in the north, it is bordered by Huatan Township. This study focuses on the Dacun Township area where our community is located.The terrain is flat, with a high topography in the east and a low topography in the west, with a slightly inverted triangular profile. The Shigou Bei Canal runs through the eastern part of the township from southeast to north-south, and farmland is concentrated in the northeastern part of the township, while farmland to the west of Zhongshan Road is sporadically distributed among the settlements. Dacun Township has long been a place where agriculture is the mainstay, with rice and grapes leading the way, and the cultivation of Kyoho Grape in particular has earned a good reputation throughout Taiwan as a representative of local specialties. However, with the change of time and the change of agricultural structure, traditional agriculture is facing many challenges, including intensified market competition, reduced agricultural efficiency, and the pressure of sustainable development issues. Against this background, our study focuses on the grape industry in Dacun Township and aims to explore how this traditional specialty can achieve a breakthrough through smart agriculture and sustainable development strategies.
2. Summary of Our Project
Kyoho Grape was introduced to Taiwan in 1964 and has become an important agricultural product in Dacun Township, Changhua. Due to the favorable climate and fertile soil, Kyoho Grape grows well in Dacun Township, and has developed unique cultivation techniques, such as fruit thinning, bagging, and pest management, to improve quality and yield. In recent years, the development of the industry has become more refined and market-oriented, with production and marketing teams working together to improve competitiveness. In terms of pest control, farmers utilize Bordeaux liquid and organic materials to reduce the use of pesticides and ensure fruit safety. Overall, the Dacun grape industry has continued to improve its quality under the impetus of technological innovation and marketing, and has become a representative grape production area in Taiwan.
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:more than 6
E. Additional comments concerning your computer and/or Internet access (Optional):
1. Currently, there is one computer classroom with 30 desktop computers for student use. 2. Each classroom is equipped with desktop computers and a single-projector system. Some classrooms added 75-inch large interactive touchscreens and related smart devices for teachers to use during classes in 2020. 3. The entire school building is covered by WiFi for wireless internet access. 4. The school has 80 ipads available for handheld use.
4. Problems We Had To Overcome
In this competition and research project, we came from different grades and classes, so it was hard to find time to talk together. When we went to interviews, sometimes we could not understand the farmer’s description, which made us a bit confused. In addition, we encountered difficulties in using some of the information equipment, and it was only with the guidance of our teachers that we were able to complete our tasks successfully. We collected a lot of information on the Internet, but we were not very good at distinguishing whether it was true or false. Under the guidance of our teacher, we learned how to choose reliable sources and judge the credibility of the information. Through the field interviews, we gained a wealth of information, but we also faced the challenge of organizing and comprehending a large amount of information, especially when dealing with professional terminology, which required us to keep exploring in order to get a fuller grasp of the research content. This experience has taught us many new skills and given us more confidence to face the challenges ahead.
5. Our Project Sound Bite
This study focuses on the Kyoho grape industry in Dacun Township. Through data collection, field investigations, and interviews, we gained an in-depth understanding of grape cultivation techniques, business models, and market development. We not only learned about techniques such as fruit thinning, bagging, and pest management but also discovered how farmers enhance competitiveness through branding and refined packaging. Additionally, we explored challenges faced by the grape industry, including market competition, climate change, and labor shortages, while considering potential breakthroughs brought by smart agriculture and agritourism.
6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?
In this research project, we applied language skills by collecting and reading online materials, designing interview outlines, and writing website content. Under the guidance of our teacher, we learned how to analyze and understand information, ultimately organizing interview content and compiling a comprehensive research report and website text. The study of social sciences allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the business model of the grape industry, market competition, and the challenges of agricultural transformation. The field of science and technology helped us understand the growth conditions of grapes, including soil, water, pest management techniques, and observations of growth changes. Utilizing digital tools for data organization and website creation aligned with our information technology courses. Team discussions and task division to overcome time and technical challenges represented the application of interdisciplinary learning, helping us develop problem-solving skills and teamwork throughout the research process.
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1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?
In this study, we used a variety of digital tools and equipment to collect and organize data related to the grape industry. First, we searched for information on grape growing techniques, business models, and development of local specialties through Internet- connected ipads and desktop computers, and used the Padlet platform to collect and categorize the data for subsequent review and analysis. During the fieldwork and participant interviews, we used a variety of tools, including ipads, pens, cell phones and laptops, to record the process in detail. Recording, photographing and videotaping helped us to keep the interviews intact, while organizing key details in notes to ensure that all information was fully documented. When we return to the campus for a discussion, we use touch screens or projectors to present the data on a large screen for all team members to review and discuss. Each team member used an ipad to edit and write the shared document in real time to ensure synchronization and efficiency of teamwork. After each discussion, we further organized the data to lay a good foundation for the research results. Finally, we created a website to present the results of our research in a visual and lively way.
2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.
The school provided the digital equipment and venues necessary for this research, such as ipads, voice recorders, smart classrooms, and computer labs, enabling us to smoothly carry out data collection and organization. In addition, the teachers guided us in analyzing data, planning interview content, and even sacrificed their weekends to accompany us on site visits, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the grape industry in Dacun Township. We also appreciate the support of the parents, who assisted in transporting us to school or on field visits, making the research process more efficient. Special thanks to the grape farmers and industry workers in Dacun, who took time out of their busy schedules to participate in interviews and share their cultivation experiences and industry challenges, helping us to understand the entire grape business model from a broader perspective. They not only provided first hand industry information but also allowed us to experience the details of vineyard management, deepening our understanding of agricultural development and sustainable management. This research has been very rewarding for us, and we hope to promote the unique value of Dacun grapes through our website.
3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?
In this special research project, we delved into the over half-century-long history of grape cultivation in Dacun Township. Known for its Kyoho grapes, Dacun once had a peak cultivation area of 700 hectares. Despite market transformations, it remains one of Taiwan's key production areas for fresh grapes. We discovered that local farmers continuously enhance grape quality and maintain market competitiveness through technological innovations such as fruit thinning, bagging, and pest management. To share this rich industrial story, we gathered extensive data, conducted farmer interviews, and carried out on-site investigations. Ultimately, we created a dedicated webpage to help more people understand the development of this representative grape industry. Through this research, we hope to showcase how Dacun Township integrates smart agriculture with tourism, ensuring the continued inheritance and innovation of its grape-growing culture.
4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?
The school provided the digital equipment and venues necessary for this research, such as ipads, voice recorders, smart classrooms, and computer labs, enabling us to smoothly carry out data collection and organization. In addition, the teachers guided us in analyzing data, planning interview content, and even sacrificed their weekends to accompany us on site visits, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the grape industry in Dacun Township. We also appreciate the support of the parents, who assisted in transporting us to school or on field visits, making the research process more efficient. Special thanks to the grape farmers and industry workers in Dacun, who took time out of their busy schedules to participate in interviews and share their cultivation experiences and industry challenges, helping us to understand the entire grape business model from a broader perspective. They not only provided first hand industry information but also allowed us to experience the details of vineyard management, deepening our understanding of agricultural development and sustainable management. This research has been very rewarding for us, and we hope to promote the unique value of Dacun grapes through our website.
5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)
Participating in this project gave us a deeper understanding of Changhua, which is not only renowned for its agricultural development but also serves as a key production area for fresh grapes in Taiwan, particularly the Kyoho grape industry in Dacun Township, which has a profound impact on the local economy. Moreover, Changhua's agricultural strengths extend beyond grapes to include rice and other high-quality agricultural products. Through this research, we hope to highlight the unique value of Dacun grapes, further promoting the growth of the local agricultural economy. At the same time, we aim to enhance the visibility of the regional brand, attracting more consumers and tourists to support and appreciate the local industry.
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View our CyberFair Project
(Project ID: 8799)
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