Project Based Learning

Here in the science classroom, two of the classes have just started a project-based learning unit. 

Physical science is learning about motion, forces, and Newton's 3 laws by creating a self-propelled vehicle. 

Biology is creating a guide to the ecology of Garden Valley, and in turn they are learning about ecology, invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants.

Project based learning is when "students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem, or challenge."*

These projects include the following components:

1.Content area knowledge- in this case, motion and force for physical science, and ecology for the biology class.

2. Skills for the 21st century, including collaboration, creativity, innovation, problem solving skills, and communication. 

3. Inquiry- students are in charge of asking questions and researching to find out the answer.

4.. Motivation and choice- students are in charge of their own learning, and their creative output.

5.Critique and Revision- students will have the chance to have their work reviewed, and constructive critique given, in order to create a more polished final product.

6. Public Audience- instead of the project being within a closed classroom, students will present their work to community members, and in turn, become the expert.

If you'd like to see the self-propelled vehicles in our derby, come by the school at 8:30 am on October 2nd.

*http://bie.org/about/what_pbl