Project Based Learning

• Students apply what they have learned with a real world application
• Projects are long term and interdisciplinary, most often employing some form of technology
  
• Backed by empirical research
• Students are doing, not just listening
  

 PBL Step by Step

1. Introduce content and tell your class about the project
2. Teach mini-lessons and have students research for background material
3. Give the students a direction, some tools, and set them to work
4. Meet and collaborate with students throughout the project
5. Present your project (public demo, post on the web, hard copy)
   

 Sample 1 - Geography Project

• During an Africa unit, students learned basic geography, history, customs, and were introduced to issues plaguing various countries
• For the project, students in groups of 3-4, researched and submitted a plan to help victims of AIDs, Famine, or Civil War.
• Each student in the class contributed $1 and that amount was matched by the teacher, along with prizes from local businesses.
• Each group presented their plan while being judged and questioned by a group of their peers. 
  
• The winning group, as selected by their peers, received the money and had the option of donating it to a charity that aided the issue on which they presented.
• Each group was graded based on scores by the judges and by a rubric from the teacher.
  

 Sample 2

The Green Monkey Project

• Students researched and read about various ways to recycle and the impact it has on the environment
• In groups of 2-3, students designed a webpage telling about one way they could make the school a "greener" place.
• Students created a computer game with situations testing a person's knowledge of recycling.
• Students made movies to show how to recycle and save energy at school.
  
• Students presented their website to other classes in different schools throughout the city.
• Throughout the year, the students used the Green Monkey character in stories and drawings for class projects.
  
• The following year, the students made a companion site that focused on "green" practices for businesses