PBL
What is Project Based Learning?
PBL, or Project Based Learning, is a student-centered way of learning in which the student attempts to answer a question, design a product, solve a problem or obtain a new skill through inquiry, research, implementation of a self-made plan, and reflection. The focus of this form of learning is to be student-led, driven by student-choice to produce meaningful, authentic learning that is applicable to the real world and of interest and value to the student.
Characteristics of project- based learning
Global School House
School Outfitters
STEP 1: CHOOSE THE TYPE OF PBL
There are different ways that I look at PBL. The idea is authentic, in-depth, inquiry-based learning with student choice and self direction.
I like to implement PBL in the science classroom in 5 different ways:
1.Long Term Science Experiment or Survey
2. Problem Based
3. Engineering Design
4. Tech Design or Skill
5. Research Question
1. SCIENCE EXPERIMENT OR SURVEY PBL (Long Term)
Experiment: Think of an experimental question that you can test. Then go through the scientific method to answer that question. Carry out the experiment for at least 3-6 weeks. Conduct trials with precision and record data regularly. Analyze data then present conclusion.
Example 1: Question: Do pollutants affect the biodiversity found in epiphytes?
Procedure: Create artificial bromeliads (cup with water). Fill each cup with a different pollutant (detergent, fertilizer, salt). Fourth cup only has water in it. Attach cups to trees outside. Regularly count and identify arthropods found in cups. Tally up the biodiveristy over the course of 6 weeks. Form conclusion and research possible reasons for the outcome. Focus on real world application. (For details on this experiment, visit AmazonDiscoveries.weebly.com and scroll down to #2. Epiphyte Experiment.)
Survey: Think of a survey you want to conduct to add to current data, answer a question, educate the public or solve a problem. Carry out your survey in the field for an extended amount of time and collect data. Analyze data and search for causes of results. Present your findings to the public and collaborate with others on new questions you have after collecting this data.
Ex 2: Survey Question: Does the tree species affect the diversity of tardigrades, rotifers, and nematodes found in lichen and moss?
Procedure: PART 1: Tree Species Identification and Mapping PART 2: Tardigrade Research and Data Collection PART 3: Data Summary and collaboration with real scientists (For details on this survey and more specifics of outlined tasks, visit the tab on Tardigrade Research and Step by Step Process HERE)
2. PROBLEM BASED PBL
Think of a problem. Research about the problem in detail. Build, create, or plan a solution to the problem.
Ex: Problem: Hill Elementary is over-populated. Design modifications and/or additions to the current school floor plan, layout, and use of facilities to accommodate 1,000 students comfortably. Be sure to consider outdoor learning, conservation of trees during construction, 21st Century needs (technology), parking, safety, and cost.
3. ENGINEERING DESIGN PBL
Think of a need or problem. Sketch ideas of a product, device, or adaptation that could solve that problem or fill that need. Modify the plan as many times as possible until you are ready to build a prototype. Tweek the prototype until the product is complete and effective. Record the process. (Think of your design and product as starting out as a cake mix, then becoming a cup cake, then a birthday cake, and finally a wedding cake. The goal is to have a product at a "wedding cake" level. )
Ex: Problem: I regularly forget to water my plants. Solution and Design Goal: I'm going to design and build an apparatus that can water my plants for me.
4. TECH DESIGN/SKILL PBL
Formulate your thoughts and decide what skill you want to learn and/or improve upon involving technology. Make a plan, learn about the skills needed to carry out the plan, practice the tech skill, and either produce your tech design/product, or practice until you have mastered that tech skill.
Examples/Ideas: Do you want to learn how to build or create something, like a website or app? Do you want to learn how to write code? Are you hoping to learn more about how to use a specific technology, like how to use a microscope, camera, iPad, or computer? Do you want to learn how to type faster? Do you want to learn how to make impressive PowerPoint presentations?
5. RESEARCH QUESTION
Do you have topic that you want to research? Do you have a question you want answered, that may not be an experimental question, but could be answered through research? Dive deep in research and learn what you want to learn about.
Ex: Question: What are my options for a biology career? A: Research different fields of biology and what that job would entail.
Still need help formulating ideas?
How to Design a Project
Project Search Engine Check out this cool search engine! This is a great way to get some ideas for what project you may be interested in carrying out.
Science PBL Ideas and Lessons
Guide to PBL and 21st Century Learning
STEM Ideas Search Engine
Science Buddies http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ “The award-winning, non-profit Science Buddies empowers K-12 students, parents, and teachers to quickly and easily find free project ideas and help in all areas of science from physics to food science and music to microbiology.”
School Discovery Edu http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/ Science project ideas, investigations, and inventions
Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) http://www.texaspsp.org/
STEP 2: GET STARTED: FOLLOW THE ROAD MAP
Once you have a focus (experiment, survey, problem, engineering, or tech design/skill), find the document below that outlines the step-by-step process you will need to follow to implement your project. SEE ROAD MAPS BELOW AND DOWNLOAD:
PBL, or Project Based Learning, is a student-centered way of learning in which the student attempts to answer a question, design a product, solve a problem or obtain a new skill through inquiry, research, implementation of a self-made plan, and reflection. The focus of this form of learning is to be student-led, driven by student-choice to produce meaningful, authentic learning that is applicable to the real world and of interest and value to the student.
Characteristics of project- based learning
- Students make decisions within a prescribed framework.
- There is a problem or challenge without a predetermined solution.
- Students design the process for reaching a solution or goal.
- Students are responsible for accessing and managing the information they gather.
- Evaluation takes place continuously.
- Students regularly reflect on what they’re doing.
- A final product (not necessarily material) is produced and is evaluated for quality.
- The classroom has an atmosphere that tolerates error and encourages change and self-reflection.
Global School House
School Outfitters
STEP 1: CHOOSE THE TYPE OF PBL
There are different ways that I look at PBL. The idea is authentic, in-depth, inquiry-based learning with student choice and self direction.
I like to implement PBL in the science classroom in 5 different ways:
1.Long Term Science Experiment or Survey
2. Problem Based
3. Engineering Design
4. Tech Design or Skill
5. Research Question
1. SCIENCE EXPERIMENT OR SURVEY PBL (Long Term)
Experiment: Think of an experimental question that you can test. Then go through the scientific method to answer that question. Carry out the experiment for at least 3-6 weeks. Conduct trials with precision and record data regularly. Analyze data then present conclusion.
Example 1: Question: Do pollutants affect the biodiversity found in epiphytes?
Procedure: Create artificial bromeliads (cup with water). Fill each cup with a different pollutant (detergent, fertilizer, salt). Fourth cup only has water in it. Attach cups to trees outside. Regularly count and identify arthropods found in cups. Tally up the biodiveristy over the course of 6 weeks. Form conclusion and research possible reasons for the outcome. Focus on real world application. (For details on this experiment, visit AmazonDiscoveries.weebly.com and scroll down to #2. Epiphyte Experiment.)
Survey: Think of a survey you want to conduct to add to current data, answer a question, educate the public or solve a problem. Carry out your survey in the field for an extended amount of time and collect data. Analyze data and search for causes of results. Present your findings to the public and collaborate with others on new questions you have after collecting this data.
Ex 2: Survey Question: Does the tree species affect the diversity of tardigrades, rotifers, and nematodes found in lichen and moss?
Procedure: PART 1: Tree Species Identification and Mapping PART 2: Tardigrade Research and Data Collection PART 3: Data Summary and collaboration with real scientists (For details on this survey and more specifics of outlined tasks, visit the tab on Tardigrade Research and Step by Step Process HERE)
2. PROBLEM BASED PBL
Think of a problem. Research about the problem in detail. Build, create, or plan a solution to the problem.
Ex: Problem: Hill Elementary is over-populated. Design modifications and/or additions to the current school floor plan, layout, and use of facilities to accommodate 1,000 students comfortably. Be sure to consider outdoor learning, conservation of trees during construction, 21st Century needs (technology), parking, safety, and cost.
3. ENGINEERING DESIGN PBL
Think of a need or problem. Sketch ideas of a product, device, or adaptation that could solve that problem or fill that need. Modify the plan as many times as possible until you are ready to build a prototype. Tweek the prototype until the product is complete and effective. Record the process. (Think of your design and product as starting out as a cake mix, then becoming a cup cake, then a birthday cake, and finally a wedding cake. The goal is to have a product at a "wedding cake" level. )
Ex: Problem: I regularly forget to water my plants. Solution and Design Goal: I'm going to design and build an apparatus that can water my plants for me.
4. TECH DESIGN/SKILL PBL
Formulate your thoughts and decide what skill you want to learn and/or improve upon involving technology. Make a plan, learn about the skills needed to carry out the plan, practice the tech skill, and either produce your tech design/product, or practice until you have mastered that tech skill.
Examples/Ideas: Do you want to learn how to build or create something, like a website or app? Do you want to learn how to write code? Are you hoping to learn more about how to use a specific technology, like how to use a microscope, camera, iPad, or computer? Do you want to learn how to type faster? Do you want to learn how to make impressive PowerPoint presentations?
5. RESEARCH QUESTION
Do you have topic that you want to research? Do you have a question you want answered, that may not be an experimental question, but could be answered through research? Dive deep in research and learn what you want to learn about.
Ex: Question: What are my options for a biology career? A: Research different fields of biology and what that job would entail.
Still need help formulating ideas?
How to Design a Project
Project Search Engine Check out this cool search engine! This is a great way to get some ideas for what project you may be interested in carrying out.
Science PBL Ideas and Lessons
Guide to PBL and 21st Century Learning
STEM Ideas Search Engine
Science Buddies http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ “The award-winning, non-profit Science Buddies empowers K-12 students, parents, and teachers to quickly and easily find free project ideas and help in all areas of science from physics to food science and music to microbiology.”
School Discovery Edu http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/ Science project ideas, investigations, and inventions
Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) http://www.texaspsp.org/
STEP 2: GET STARTED: FOLLOW THE ROAD MAP
Once you have a focus (experiment, survey, problem, engineering, or tech design/skill), find the document below that outlines the step-by-step process you will need to follow to implement your project. SEE ROAD MAPS BELOW AND DOWNLOAD:
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What other Science Enrichment is there, other than big PROJECTS like the information above?
Below are activities that can be done independently or in groups based on student choice. The focus is inquiry-based, discovery learning that emphasizes open-ended problems with multiple solutions or multiple paths to solutions. I encourage students to design their own ways to find the answers to complex questions. Take a look at these resources to answer your questions. Before asking your teacher a question, try searching yourself for the answer. Often times, the answer is much more memorable and meaningful when you had to work to find it! You can be in charge of your own learning!
NSTA http://www.nsta.org/ National Science Teachers Association provides books, resources, professional learning, conferences, science standards, online webinars/podcasts/courses, tutorials, and online communities to support science teachers.
Science Buddies http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/Teacher_Tools_FamilyScienceNight.shtml Find free project ideas and help in all areas of science from physics to food science and music to microbiology.
Science Net Links http://sciencenetlinks.com/ Science NetLinks provides teaching tools, interactives, podcasts, and hands-on activities.
Discovery Edu http://www.discoveryeducation.com/ Teacher resources, Educator Network, lesson plans, videos, parent resources, student resources, homework help
Texas PSP http://www.texaspsp.org/ At each grade level, the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) provides guidelines for interdisciplinary, independent learning experiences and research projects that teachers can adapt and use with GT students.
Education North West http://educationnorthwest.org/sites/default/files/12.99.pdf Meeting the needs of gifted children in the Math & Science classrooms
Science Buddies http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/Teacher_Tools_FamilyScienceNight.shtml Find free project ideas and help in all areas of science from physics to food science and music to microbiology.
Science Net Links http://sciencenetlinks.com/ Science NetLinks provides teaching tools, interactives, podcasts, and hands-on activities.
Discovery Edu http://www.discoveryeducation.com/ Teacher resources, Educator Network, lesson plans, videos, parent resources, student resources, homework help
Texas PSP http://www.texaspsp.org/ At each grade level, the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) provides guidelines for interdisciplinary, independent learning experiences and research projects that teachers can adapt and use with GT students.
Education North West http://educationnorthwest.org/sites/default/files/12.99.pdf Meeting the needs of gifted children in the Math & Science classrooms
Brain Boosters
Fun activities like puzzles, riddles, and games help people develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
Discovery Edu http://school.discoveryeducation.com/brainboosters/?campaign=DE&CFID=107517961&CFTOKEN=89716114 Lateral thinking, logic, and more.
Great Readers http://www.qrreaders.net/articles/crack-the-code.html Boost brain power by using this list of puzzles, riddles, and brain teasers.
Discovery Edu http://school.discoveryeducation.com/brainboosters/?campaign=DE&CFID=107517961&CFTOKEN=89716114 Lateral thinking, logic, and more.
Great Readers http://www.qrreaders.net/articles/crack-the-code.html Boost brain power by using this list of puzzles, riddles, and brain teasers.
Educational Games
Science Kids http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities.html Interactive challenges that start off easy but will fully test technology skills and understanding of the science behind the games.
Learning Games for Kids http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/science_games.html These online learning games and songs for kids are fun, teach important skills for preschool and elementary school kids.
Ed Heads http://www.edheads.org/# Edheads provides free science and math games and activities that promote critical thinking.
Science Museum http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/onlinestuff/games.aspx The Science Museum is world renowned for its historic collections, awe-inspiring galleries and inspirational exhibitions. These educational games have been developed in support of the curriculum materials available on this website.
Game for Science http://www.gameforscience.com/ Virtual lab experiences in gaming format
Knowledge Adventure http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/ Knowledge Adventure works with child experts, developmental psychologists and educators to produce games loved by parents and children alike.
Learning Games for Kids http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/science_games.html These online learning games and songs for kids are fun, teach important skills for preschool and elementary school kids.
Ed Heads http://www.edheads.org/# Edheads provides free science and math games and activities that promote critical thinking.
Science Museum http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/onlinestuff/games.aspx The Science Museum is world renowned for its historic collections, awe-inspiring galleries and inspirational exhibitions. These educational games have been developed in support of the curriculum materials available on this website.
Game for Science http://www.gameforscience.com/ Virtual lab experiences in gaming format
Knowledge Adventure http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/ Knowledge Adventure works with child experts, developmental psychologists and educators to produce games loved by parents and children alike.
Discussions
Girls in Science http://www.greatscienceforgirls.org/files/Encouraging_Girls_in_Math_Science.pdf National Center for Education Research; practical guide for planning for the encouragement of girls in the Maths and Sciences.
ESL Strategies http://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/english-language-learners/esl-strategies-to-construct-science-learning Using ESL strategies to construct Science learning in the classroom
NSTA http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/story.aspx?id=52391 Ideas for supporting discussion in the Science classroom
Florida Review http://floridareview.its-about-time.com/pdf/articles/talking_science.pdf Brainstorming, clarifying, synthesizing, and sense-making discussion support
Science Learn http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Fighting-Infection/Teaching-and-Learning-Approaches/Managing-classroom-discussions Science Learning/Sparking Fresh Thinking
ESL Strategies http://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/english-language-learners/esl-strategies-to-construct-science-learning Using ESL strategies to construct Science learning in the classroom
NSTA http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/story.aspx?id=52391 Ideas for supporting discussion in the Science classroom
Florida Review http://floridareview.its-about-time.com/pdf/articles/talking_science.pdf Brainstorming, clarifying, synthesizing, and sense-making discussion support
Science Learn http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Fighting-Infection/Teaching-and-Learning-Approaches/Managing-classroom-discussions Science Learning/Sparking Fresh Thinking
Another Place to find Science Videos
Bill Nye http://billnye.com/ Videos, resources, episode guide, science demonstrations, and lesson plans “one sheets” to support the use of Bill Nye videos in lessons.
Newton's Apple Videos http://www.tpt.org/newtons/ Newton’s Apple videos with Teacher Activity Guides, vocabulary, contextual background information, and “Science Try Its” (simple experiments). The Teacher Guides provide essential questions to include in units of study.
PBS http://klru.pbslearningmedia.org/ Videos, lesson plans, and resources to enrich classroom experiences
American Museum of Natural History http://www.amnh.org/explore/curriculum-collections American Museum of Natural History Curriculum Collections; high quality curriculum materials, videos, activities, and texts to enrich and customize the classroom learning experiences.
Lesson Planet http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=simulations&type_ids[]=357917&button Lesson plans, videos, simulations, and more.
Newton's Apple Videos http://www.tpt.org/newtons/ Newton’s Apple videos with Teacher Activity Guides, vocabulary, contextual background information, and “Science Try Its” (simple experiments). The Teacher Guides provide essential questions to include in units of study.
PBS http://klru.pbslearningmedia.org/ Videos, lesson plans, and resources to enrich classroom experiences
American Museum of Natural History http://www.amnh.org/explore/curriculum-collections American Museum of Natural History Curriculum Collections; high quality curriculum materials, videos, activities, and texts to enrich and customize the classroom learning experiences.
Lesson Planet http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=simulations&type_ids[]=357917&button Lesson plans, videos, simulations, and more.
Virtual Field Trips
Solar System Scope http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ Interactive virtual field trip.
The Inner Body http://www.innerbody.com/ Explore the human body with hundreds of interactive anatomy pictures and descriptions of thousands of objects in the body.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History http://www.mnh.si.edu/vtp/1-desktop/ Virtual field trips and curriculum for exhibits.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/WebCams/default.cfm?hpout=webcam_link&xtr The National Zoo is home to 1,800 animals of nearly 300 different species. Students can take a virtual visit to the Zoo by tuning into live web cams.
The Virtual Cave http://www.goodearthgraphics.com/virtcave/ Explore the wonders of the underground.
The Inner Body http://www.innerbody.com/ Explore the human body with hundreds of interactive anatomy pictures and descriptions of thousands of objects in the body.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History http://www.mnh.si.edu/vtp/1-desktop/ Virtual field trips and curriculum for exhibits.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/WebCams/default.cfm?hpout=webcam_link&xtr The National Zoo is home to 1,800 animals of nearly 300 different species. Students can take a virtual visit to the Zoo by tuning into live web cams.
The Virtual Cave http://www.goodearthgraphics.com/virtcave/ Explore the wonders of the underground.
Virtual Manipulatives
National Science Digital Library http://nsdl.org/ Searchable database of lessons, virtual interactives, and resources
Molecular Workbench http://mw.concord.org/modeler/?gclid=CLSpmKy7xb8CFeXm7Aod6ngAVQ Hundreds of simulations and embedded assessments (An important, unique characteristic feature is that it puts a simulation in a learning context.)
Annenberg Project http://www.learner.org/interactives/?page=1&per_page=20&query Provides a searchable index of interactives for all levels and in all core areas. Includes activities for students as well as teacher professional development.
Molecular Workbench http://mw.concord.org/modeler/?gclid=CLSpmKy7xb8CFeXm7Aod6ngAVQ Hundreds of simulations and embedded assessments (An important, unique characteristic feature is that it puts a simulation in a learning context.)
Annenberg Project http://www.learner.org/interactives/?page=1&per_page=20&query Provides a searchable index of interactives for all levels and in all core areas. Includes activities for students as well as teacher professional development.
Acceleration and Independent Study
Chem 4 Kids http://www.chem4kids.com/ Atoms, Matter, Elements, Reactions, BioChemistry (Resources are also in Spanish.)
Physics 4 Kids http://www.physics4kids.com/ Motion, Heat, Electricity, Light, and Modern Physics (searchable resources)
Biology 4 Kids http://www.biology4kids.com/ Cells, Microorganisms, Plants, Invertebrates, Vertebrates, Animal Systems (searchable resources)
Cosmos 4 Kids http://www.cosmos4kids.com/ Universe, Galaxies, Stars, Systems, Solar System, Exploration (searchable resources)
Smithsonian Edu http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/students/explore_by_topic/science_nature.html Independent Science learning topics in a searchable database that includes simulations, interactives, video clips, and other resources
Science Database for Projects http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/ Searchable database of Science projects and resources
TedTalks http://www.ted.com/ TED Talks is a daily video podcast of the world's leading thinkers and doers giving the talk of their lives in 18 minutes.
Coursera https://www.coursera.org/ Take free online classes from 80+ top universities and organizations. Coursera is a social entrepreneurship company partnering with Stanford University, Yale University, Princeton University and others around the world to offer free courses online for anyone everywhere.
iTunes University https://www.apple.com/apps/itunes-u/ The world’s largest online catalog of education content from leading institutions. More than 500,000 free lectures, videos, books, and other resources on thousands of subjects.
MIT Open CourseWare http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm MIT Open CourseWare (OCW) is a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content. OCW is open and available to the world and is a permanent MIT activity.
Academic Earth http://academicearth.org/ A comprehensive collection of free online courses from the world's top universities. Take learning outside the classroom with thought-provoking videos.
ALCUMUS http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Alcumus/Introduction.php Alcumus offers students a customized learning experience, adjusting to student performance to deliver appropriate problems and lessons. Alcumus is specifically designed to provide high-performing students with a challenging curriculum appropriate to their abilities.
Khan Academy http://www.khanacademy.org/ Online learning that allows for teachers and students to move at their own pace through concepts in multiple subjects utilizing lessons, practices, and acceleration.
Physics 4 Kids http://www.physics4kids.com/ Motion, Heat, Electricity, Light, and Modern Physics (searchable resources)
Biology 4 Kids http://www.biology4kids.com/ Cells, Microorganisms, Plants, Invertebrates, Vertebrates, Animal Systems (searchable resources)
Cosmos 4 Kids http://www.cosmos4kids.com/ Universe, Galaxies, Stars, Systems, Solar System, Exploration (searchable resources)
Smithsonian Edu http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/students/explore_by_topic/science_nature.html Independent Science learning topics in a searchable database that includes simulations, interactives, video clips, and other resources
Science Database for Projects http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/ Searchable database of Science projects and resources
TedTalks http://www.ted.com/ TED Talks is a daily video podcast of the world's leading thinkers and doers giving the talk of their lives in 18 minutes.
Coursera https://www.coursera.org/ Take free online classes from 80+ top universities and organizations. Coursera is a social entrepreneurship company partnering with Stanford University, Yale University, Princeton University and others around the world to offer free courses online for anyone everywhere.
iTunes University https://www.apple.com/apps/itunes-u/ The world’s largest online catalog of education content from leading institutions. More than 500,000 free lectures, videos, books, and other resources on thousands of subjects.
MIT Open CourseWare http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm MIT Open CourseWare (OCW) is a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content. OCW is open and available to the world and is a permanent MIT activity.
Academic Earth http://academicearth.org/ A comprehensive collection of free online courses from the world's top universities. Take learning outside the classroom with thought-provoking videos.
ALCUMUS http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Alcumus/Introduction.php Alcumus offers students a customized learning experience, adjusting to student performance to deliver appropriate problems and lessons. Alcumus is specifically designed to provide high-performing students with a challenging curriculum appropriate to their abilities.
Khan Academy http://www.khanacademy.org/ Online learning that allows for teachers and students to move at their own pace through concepts in multiple subjects utilizing lessons, practices, and acceleration.