Math Projects About Project-Based Learning Projects help students personalize their learning and are ideal for gaining key knowledge and understanding of content and answering the question: Where am I ever going to use this?" Among the greatest benefits of project-based learning (PBL) are gains in students' critical-thinking skills and development of their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. PBL is also an ideal way to help learners gain speaking and presentation skills indentified in the Common Core Standards. PBL in mathematics, particularly when completed in teams, helps learners "model with mathematics" as they "apply the mathematics they know to solve problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace," "use tools strategically," and "construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others," as noted in the Common Core Standards (2010) for Mathematical Practice. Finally, projects should include the element of reflection. What do we mean by building 21st century skills? Dr.
Videos and Games for Kids about Science, Math ... Online Diagramming, Floor Planning and Flowcharting Tool Project Based Learning Resources (image from education-world.com) Project Based Learning (PBL) is a great way to teach students content, 21st century skills, and engage them in something fun and educational. I spoke more about PBL in an earlier blog ( and we had some great reader comments (Tech&Learning, May 2009, page 14). Today I'd like to give some tips and ideas on how to get started with PBL in your classroom. First of all, PBL can be used in any classroom, in any subject, at any grade level. PBL does take planning. For instance, I teach physics and developed a project for my classes on structures and stress and strain. Another example of PBL is having the students research a topic and present it to the rest of the class through a multimedia presentation, website, or poster. Start small. Another idea for projects is to look at your school or community and see what they need. Some web resources to get you started:
Museum Box Homepage Opportunities Abound Capitalize on the talents of special needs students The team of four fifth-grade teachers sat around the table at Applewood Intermediate School planning an upcoming science project. How could their students help the community become better recyclers? “This should be fun,” said Rosa Rodriguez, the project chair. “Something for everyone,” Bob Baxter said. “What do you mean?” “We aren’t leaving anyone out, but I’m not sure how well we’re including our special needs kids,” he replied. “Yes,” Mary Darnella chimed in. “That’s cool,” Chi Wong said. The team looked at her, perplexed. Rosa spoke up. “And we have to abide by their plans - accommodate for some with computers, large print books, and other gizmos and gadgets,” Bob lamented. “And modify programs for others,” Mary added. “Hey, is this glass half full or half empty?” The team again looked at her in silence. “Take Hugo, for instance,” Chi continued. “He’s an incredible artist!” “What about Sally?” “Really well,” Rosa responded. Special Needs
It’s the Process, Not the Product Steps to implement successful student technology projects The learning that takes place during the process of completing a technology project is just as, if not more, important than the presentation of the final product. As educators, we know that “it’s the process, not the product,” but showing and sharing their final product with the audience is often what engages students the most. Completing successful projects with students follows several basic steps, many of which you probably already use. Step 1: Create Foundations Technology project work does not replace classroom content; rather, it extends your curriculum by helping you assess student understanding as they apply knowledge in new situations. While technology may be a useful tool for helping students learn some of the concepts, do not feel like you need to use technology during the entire project. Step 2: Set Expectations Step 3: Form Teams Remember trying collaborative group work in your classroom? Planning – Steps 4, 5, and 6
More Than Just a Writing Prompt Using multimedia as a writing prompt can engage students and encourage critical thinking. A few years ago, I heard a presenter at a conference proclaim, “If your students are not participating in meaningful, structured writing time every day, you DON’T have a writing program!” What?!? The comment made a significant impression on me, and though the presenter’s comment was laced with hyperbole, I took the message to heart. We’ve all been there… the complacency zone… where we require students to have a spiral notebook, read a prompt off the board, and write in their journals. “…I tried meeting my students where they already were — in the land of MP3s and YouTube — and my classroom was forever changed.” I decided that I was done with “old-school” journaling that wasn’t making anyone happy or meeting anyone’s needs. I started by using a song from a popular contemporary band. My next experiment was with a photograph. When I did my first round of grading, I noticed two things. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.