Project Based Learning:What we doHow we do itWhy we do it

Project Based LearningWhy teach this way?-Real world problems capture students' interest

and provoke serious and critical thinking-Students learn to collaborate and share ideas-Depth vs. Breadth - students explore topics

more fully and develop deeper understanding-Students learn to solve problems and make

decisions independently-Students develop competence and confidence

Learning about MagnetismHands-OnLearning

What sticks?Conducting experiments tofind answers

Plastic spider does not stick!

Collaborative LearningWorkingtogetherto createmeaning

Magnet Maze

Engaged in Learning

Lines of Magnetic ForceFocused, cooperative learners

Competent, confident students

Learning andhaving fun!

Magnetic Racing Hot Wheels

Making connections

Magnetic polesFun with trains!

Science Night!Sharing our learning with the community

Magnetic Fish Pond Student Made Displays

Science NightTeaching others what we have learned

Student Inspired ProjectsHaitian Earthquake 2010

Environmental StewardshipNative tallgrass prairie restoration at Ft. CusterRecreation Area

Kleinstuck Preserve

Collaborative Plot Studies

Individual Observation & Recording

Knotweed Project

Literature ProjectsStudents create dioramas, game boards, posters, plays, models and more to

share their understanding of literature.

Basegroup BuddiesOlder students pair with younger'buddies' to serve as mentors, role models, project helpers, andfield trip 'chaperones'.

Computers and ProjectsEvery 4th and 5th grader is provided a laptop for school

use.

Social Studies ProjectsImportant events leading to the Revolutionary War

Reactions and Connections

Revolutionary War Metaphor (aka the Great Halloween Party Hoax)

Students =colonists PA = British GovernmentStudent Reactions- "Let's protest” or “boycott the Parent Association” (patriots, Boston Tea Partiers) - "Let's form a “Kid’s Association” so that our ideas could be heard (members of the First Continental Congress)- "Let's send Rose to go talk to them” (Ben Franklin goes overseas to negotiate with the British)- "Let's just follow the guidelines and just have a smaller party (loyalists), at which point one student said, “I’m not paying $3.00 for a party that only has carrot sticks and water!” (patriot expressing frustration for ‘taxation without representation’).

So, why isn't there more Project Based Learning?-More teacher preparation-Greater involvement with Students-Teacher as Facilitator vs. All-knowing Teacher-Grading a Project vs. Grading a Test-Managing Group Dynamics and Conflict-Teachers put students in control

Your Challenge as an Educator

-What's your vision for teaching?

-What will your first small steps be?

-How will you teach?