Cranberry History 101 3D Cube Project
Using the 3D Cube Project to Engage Students in Agricultural Learning
For educators looking to bring agricultural history into the classroom in an interactive way, the Cranberry History 101 3D Cube Project offers a flexible and engaging learning tool. Designed for upper elementary and middle school students, this project helps connect local history, science, and language arts through a creative format that promotes both individual work and class discussion.
What the Project Involves
Students begin by answering five guiding questions, each focused on a key piece of cranberry history. These include:
When and how the cranberry tradition began
The origin of the name “cranberry”
How varieties were identified and classified
What early marshes looked like and how they functioned
The development of the cranberry industry over time
Each response is written on a side of a cube template, with students encouraged to include visuals and color to represent what they’ve learned. The final side serves as a title panel with a related image.
Why It Works in the Classroom
The 3D cube format encourages students to process historical information in a manageable, tactile way. Instead of producing a typical report or worksheet, students interact with the material visually and physically, which can be especially effective for learners who benefit from project-based or hands-on instruction.
In addition to history, the project supports skills such as:
Summarizing nonfiction text
Visual organization of ideas
Clear and concise writing
Artistic interpretation and creativity
This activity is also a good fit for interdisciplinary instruction, tying into reading comprehension, social studies, and art.
Implementation Tips
Use it as a wrap-up or extension activity. After CLI’s Harvest Video, a lesson or short unit on cranberries, agriculture, or regional history, this project reinforces learning in a creative format.
Support group or independent work. Students can work individually or in pairs to complete their cubes. Group discussion beforehand helps build background knowledge.
Add enrichment elements. Consider inviting a local grower to visit, showing a short video on modern cranberry farming, or connecting the project to a class field trip or harvest celebration.
Flexible for Different Grade Levels
While originally designed with middle grades in mind, the cube project can easily be adapted for younger or older students. Teachers can simplify the questions for younger learners or encourage older students to expand their answers with more detailed research or original artwork.
