Creating Asparagus Ads

• In this lesson, students conduct a taste test of California-grown asparagus and create advertisements for asparagus to persuade other students to try it.
• Through an experiment, a marketing project, readings, and class discussions, students develop an appreciation for the vegetable and a basic understanding of persuasive techniques.
• Students will become very familiar with Asparagus grown in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, the Central Coast, and the San Joaquin Valley.

Positives

• The lesson plan also includes additional resources, assessment questions, and readings on the history of asparagus, how asparagus grows, and its health benefits. and a step-by-step guide on preparing and conducting the taste test and marketing project.
• Students are introduced to new vocabulary, including terms like advertisement, perennial, and rhizome.

Additional Prerequisites

• A complete list of necessary materials can be found in the lesson plan.
• Copies of the handouts can be provided to each student or to groups or can be projected onto a screen for the whole class.
• Although the activity is focused on asparagus, if it is not accessible, other vegetables, like green beans, can be used.

Differentiation

• This resource can be used as an introduction to food systems and the benefits of plant-based diets.
• Have students consider how advertising can be used to promote sustainability and health.
• As a follow-up activity, students can post their ads around the school and poll other students about which ad would persuade them most to eat asparagus.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.