Project Based Learning (PBL) in a Nutshell Baumholder Middle High School Steve Smith KDSO, Secondary ELA ISS

Ashland University 2 Graduate Credits

Project Based Learning “A systematic teaching method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks" Buck Institute for Education

Resources PBL Site Password: kdsopbl

Project Based Learning Projects can allow students to address: ◦ Community issues ◦ Exploration of careers ◦ Interaction with adult mentors ◦ Use of technology ◦ Presentations to audiences beyond the classroom ◦ Much More…

PBL Methodology Problem Statement Importance of Inquiry PBL Must include a Real-World Scenario Open Ended No single correct outcome Multiple paths to Mastery If you can look up the answer on Google- it is probably not a good problem!

8 Essentials Number off 1 – 8 ◦ Read the Introduction ◦ Read the “Essential” you are assigned “Share out”

Step by Step PBL Understand The Problem Explore The Curriculum Resolve The Problem Meet The Problem Know/Need to Know Define the Problem Statement Gather Information Share Information Generate Possible Solutions Determine Best Fit Solution Present the Solution Debrief the Problem

Driving Question States purpose of project. 1.Linked to Content 2.Open-ended 3.Provocative / Challenging

Driving Question States purpose of project. 1.Why is the answer important? 1.Are there multiple, conflicting, and/or competing answers? 1.How is it relevant to students?

Driving Question States purpose of project. If you can Google the answer to your Driving Question, it is of poor quality!

Typical Project (standards based) Description Makeovers Describe a typical food chain for the herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores in the deciduous forest biome. How can we as the biome nutritionist team create a menu for the storybook animals that live in the forest?

Typical Project (standards based) Description Makeovers Describe the important portions of the Constitution and summarize why it is a living document. How can we as the media relations team create a public service announcement for TV showing why the Constitution is still important today?

Typical Project (standards based) Description Makeovers What is an environmental brown field and describe why they are difficult to use? How can we as the concerned public convince the park department that the old oil field near the beach could be valuable?

Engaging PBL Unit Examples Middle / High School Math The principal asks students to calculate how much locker space a typical student needs, because the school is going to purchase new lockers. DQ/PS: How can we as the Students For More Storage committee determine what are the best lockers for the school to purchase so that the school stays on budget and students have sufficient storage room at school?

Engaging PBL Unit Examples Middle / High School Science Parents have complained that the fluorescent lights at the school hurt student’s eye sight, and lobby the Board of Ed. to replace them. The principal asks students to investigate the science behind the claim and offer a solution to the Board. DQ/PS: How can we as the “School Light Brigade” prove that the fluorescent lighting at school is/isnt dangerous to student health, so that students are safe?

Engaging PBL Unit Examples Middle / High School – ELA/SS Teen violence has become an ongoing issue globally and there have been several minor issues at your school. The counselor has presented the statistics of teen violence both locally and globally. DQ/PS: How can we as teens use media to decrease teen violence?

Engaging PBL Unit Examples Middle /High School Multi-Subject The local troop support group has asked you to create walking tours of the local area. They have tasked you to create maps, brochures, or apps to guide visitors and new arrivals to the area. DQ/PS: How can we as the “locals” create a walking tour to make an area near us come alive?

Entry Event Project Launch Embodies Driving Question Establishes roles Real-world connections

Entry Event From the desk of the Secretary General

Entry Event Request from an organization

Entry Event This just in from Public Television…

Problem Statement How can we as … Do … So that …

Culminating Product Realistic Role of Audience Anything is possible.

Formative Assessment Consistent monitoring Stay on course Problem-logs

Public Audience Increased stakes 21 st Century skill Teacher becomes a coach

Rubrics Tool for students Tool for teachers Up front Refer back

PBL Resource Cautions No Common Definition Just doing projects Not standards based All fluff, no stuff

PBL Resources No longer alone Professional Learning Teams (PLT) Professional Learning Communities (PLC)

PBL Resources Standards-based Meaningful 21 st Century: Project Based Learning units available for use

What is available? Get connected Project Checklist “8 Essentials”

Resources (FreeBIEs) Password: kdsopbl