1. Web Based Projects for 8th Grade Science Darren Fix Spring View Middle School Rocklin, Ca

2. Magic Beads? Before

3. Magic Beads? After exposed to sunlight

4. Magic Beads What caused the beads to change color?

5. Why the Beads? Students have interest in the problem. It is a starting point for in depth study of a concept (light). It can be the basis for a project.

6. Goals for today Quickly cover Project Based Learning Showcase 2 web based PBL units Allow you to explore through the projects Process ways you could incorporate PBL and the web into your curriculum.

7. What is PBL? Project Based Learning is a teaching strategy that requires students to complete a task that is mirrors real life situations.

8. Why Use PBL? Raises motivation (for students and teachers) Learning in depth Knowledge construction Develops skills for the future Research Connects concepts

9. Why Incorporate Web with PBL? Students need resources to complete a complex task –Simulations –Data –Communication –Organization

10. PBL Characteristics Student centered, Teacher is facilitator. Learning occurs in small student groups. Task (often a problem) form the focus and stimulus for learning. Problems are a vehicle for development of clinical problem-solving skills. High amount of scaffolding is provided by the teacher. Multiple outcomes. Student Reflection

11. Example #1 Project Roller Coaster http://svms.rocklin.k12.ca.us/mrfix/project_roller_coaster/project_roller_coaster.htm

12. Example #2 EduToys http://svms.rocklin.k12.ca.us/mrfix/edutoys/

13. How can you make a PBL unit? 1.Take an existing unit or lesson. Magic Beads Light, properties of light, waves 2.Create a problem that is interesting (something that you can get excited about) and relevant to a real life situation. There is a hole in the ozone layer above both poles. Scientists believe it will lead to increased skin cancer. You are the head of the United Nation committee that must evaluate the current situation and develop a policy of how countries must deal with it. 3.Find resources—students need the background information to help solve the problem. The world wide web has many resources. Customize it to the task. Resources linked to background information for the above problem could be: What is light? What type of light hits the surface of the Earth? What dangers does the different type of light have on humans? Why is the ozone layer important? How can it stop growing?

14. How can you make a PBL unit? (cont…) 4.Structure or scaffold it –Divide the process into chunks –Develop worksheets, timetables and activities for each part –Use groups with different roles Head researcher Recorder Resource manager –Have student keep a reflection journal 5.Develop a rubric –Students need a clear idea on how they are graded 6.Try it out, reflect, and revise –Get feedback from colleagues

15. Questions???

16. In Closing Do you want to order some magic beads? –Educational Innovations: www.teachersource.comwww.teachersource.com Contact me: –dfix@rocklin.k12.ca.usdfix@rocklin.k12.ca.us Presentation can be found at: http://imet.csus.edu/imet3/fix/clms_presentation.htmhttp://imet.csus.edu/imet3/fix/clms_presentation.htm (web version) http://imet.csus.edu/imet3/fix/clms_presentation.ppthttp://imet.csus.edu/imet3/fix/clms_presentation.ppt (download power point)