Project Based Curriculum

What is Project-Based Learning?

• In-depth learning: students encounter and struggle with central concepts

• Groups of students with common goal• Individual performance assessment• Students have own ideas & opinions, reflect on

their choices, make decisions about learning• Communication, time-management,

presentation skill emphasis

Introduction

• http://geibtechforlearning.org/apu/edu-526/project-based-learning.mp4

Designing a Project, Part 1• Begin with the end in mind• What is your project purpose?• Scope/Standards/Outcomes• Optimal learning environment

Craft the Driving Question, Part 2Questions that are:• Provocative• Open ended• Challenging• Real world dilemmas• Consistent with curricular

frameworksWhat is the Earth made of? How do plants and animals “compete” in an ecosystem?What is the American Dream and who has it?When are people justified in revolting against their government?

Plan the Assessment, Part 3

• Formative and summative

• Tests• Presentations• Written products• Self-report/reflection• Rubrics• Advantages and

disadvantages?

Map the Project, Part 4• Organize tasks & activities• Decide how to launch the project- the “hook”• Gather resources• Draw a storyboard

Manage the Process, Part 5

• Share project goals with students• Use problem solving tools• Checkpoints and milestones• Develop plan for evaluation & reflection

Result of a project

• http://geibtechforlearning.org/apu/edu-526/too-much-preoccupation-with-standards.mp4

Daily Challenges- Middle School Perspective

• New Technologies Ancient Cultures Middle School

• Developing an Idea- Gender Project

Questions/Concerns

• Time & Resourceshttp://www.bie.org/forums/viewthread/59

• Grades http://www.bie.org/forums/viewthread/82

• Areas of Emphasis- 21st century focushttp://www.bie.org/forums/viewthread/9

• Connecting Projects and Standardshttp://www.bie.org/forums/viewthread/10

Math: What does this mean? When will I use this?

Your time to research

• Advice from teachershttp://www.bie.org/tools/advice

• Online projects libraryhttp://www.bie.org/tools/links/pbl_in_practice

• Useful downloadshttp://www.bie.org/tools/useful