L E A R N H O W T O I M P L E M E N T P R O J E C T- B A S E D L E A R N I N G T O E N G A G E C R I T I C A L T H I N K I N G S K I L L S I N C R E AT I V E W AY S F O R Y O U R S T U D E N T S

S U S A N S . W E L L SP R E S I D E N T - E L E C T 2 0 1 5 - 1 6 F O R I S T E M O B I L E L E A R N I N G N E T W O R K

W W W . S U S A N S W E L L S . C O M W W W . C A M P T E C H T E R R A . C O M

W W W . L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / S U S A N S W E L L S W E L L S S U S A N S @ G M A I L . C O M

@ W E L L S S U S A N

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

WHAT IS PROJECT-BASED LEARNING?

• Students work for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.

WHY USE PBL?• With this type of active and engaged learning, students

are inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the subjects they are studying.

• Naturally allows differentiation.• Students drive their own knowledge quest.

PBL IS …

• Solving a complex problem presented through: hands-on physical artifact or activity: written presentation; oral report• Connected to learning objectives• Takes time; result– engaged students, deep

thinking, original solutions• Appropriate across all ages, grades, content areas• Challenging to all involved; worth it!

PBL =PERSISTENCE THROUGH DIFFICULT PROBLEMS

PBL=INCLUDES QUESTIONS THAT DON’T HAVE A CLEAR ANSWER

PBL=EXPLORATION

PBL=4C’S IN ACTION; COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, CRITICAL

THINKING, CREATIVITY

TYPES OF PBL

Inquiry-Based Projectshttp://www.projecthdesign.org/toolbox/format/lesson-plans-activities/MakerEd Projectshttp://makered.org/resources/projects-learning/ Challenge Projectshttp://www.alfredstate.edu/academics/high-school-challenge-program/projectsGenuis Hourhttp://theglobalgeniushourproject.wikispaces.com/home

AND MORE…

• Passion Projectshttp://psolarz.weebly.com/mr-solarz-eportfolio/step-by-step-directions-for-creating-passion-projects-in-our-classroom• Design-Thinking Projectshttps://dschool.stanford.edu/groups/k12/wiki/956b6/Design_Thinking_Projects_and_Challenges.html

EXAMPLE… COMPUTATIONAL THINKING & STEM = PBL

Example: Lack of Water Around the World

• Computational Thinking Concept-• Break a problem into parts or steps• STEM Application-• Break down global drought crisis areas and determine how drought conditions are impacting the communities

• Computer Science Application-• Recognize and find patterns or trends• STEM Application-• Visualize data comparing water need conditions in parts of the world

• Computer Science Application-• Develop instructions to solve a problem or steps for a task with data• STEM Application- • Determine target global water crisis areas based on data, make a plan to help alleviate

water crisis

Susan S. Wells• Outreach Coordinator for K-12 Education, Shodor, National Resource

for Computational Science Education • President-Elect 2015-16 for ISTE Mobile Learning Network • Founder, Camp TechTerra TM and TechTerra TrainingTM, bringing together

technology and nature in STEM-based discovery• Consultant on educational technology for K-12

Websitewww.susanswells.comwww.camptechterra.comtwitter@wellssusanContact mewellssusans@gmail.com919-627-4207

Thank you!