Adventures in Project Based Global Learning
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Transcript of Adventures in Project Based Global Learning
Adventures in Project-Based Global Learning
ISSN WebinarJanuary 10, 2013
@wwcsags
The Vision…
Student Characteristics
• There are currently 199 students in Grades 9 & 10 in AGS.
• Currently, we have 16 of those 199 students identified as having learning disabilities (SLD, CD, OHI).
• Students are serviced through IEPs developed and reviewed once per year per Federal and State law.
• We also have other “non-identified” students that struggle with reading, math, and study skills.
Rigorous Academics - Longer School Day
Program Academic Requirements
• World Studies; American Studies; Government & the Rights of Man; Interdisciplinary Senior Capstone
• Algebra I; Geometry; Algebra II; Pre-Calculus or Calculus
• Physical Science; Biology; Chemistry; Physics
• 4 years of Spanish or Mandarin Chinese• Global Seminar 9, 10, 11 & 12
4 Pillars of Global Competence
Investigate the World: Produce
New Global Knowledge
Recognize & Weigh
Perspectives: Apply Cross-
Cultural Understanding
Communicate Ideas: Connect & Collaborate
Across Boundaries
Take Action: Enact Global
Solutions
School Wide Learning Outcomes
Academic Content
Communication
Global Awareness
Collaboration
Media Literacy
Critical Thinking
Work Ethic Creativity & Innovation
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
• Synonyms: Problem-Based Learning (PrBL); Challenge-Based Learning; Task Design
• Student groups are given a project which simulates an authentic task
• Project leads students to material the teacher needs them to learn.
• Students become more interested in learning the concepts because they “need” them to finish their project.
Some PBL Examples…
System of Linear Equations
November 10, 2012 – December 6, 2012
Driving QuestionHow can we apply mathematics to determine optimization?
Problem Based Learning in Math• Shorter than projects – only 3-5 days
• Gives context for the math content• Encourages deeper thinking• Traditional homework and tests
Quadratic Equations Unit• How high can you throw a ball contest?• Can the baseball player go pro?• What is the biggest box?• Sidewalk stones in Prague (MARS task)
How High Can You Throw a Ball?
KNOW NEED TO KNOW
Acceleration due to gravity is a=32.2 ft./second squared. (9.8 meters/second squared)
How can you measure the height of the ball?
Have to include a graph showing the height of the ball over time
Strategies on throwing the ball?
the motion of objects is governed by one basic equation: d= d0+v0t+1/2at^2
How do we find the velocity?
v0 is the initial velocity How will we measure the velocity?
Include all calculations and an explanation of all reasoning
Force applied to the throw?
The Outer Limits October 11, 2012 – November 19, 2012
Driving QuestionHow can we as AGS students create an Astronomy Toolkit so that we can learn, understand, and build upon current scientific concepts about our universe?
Student Work-Astronomy Toolkit
Student Work-Astronomy Toolkit
Hot Zone CDC Cell Unit Project
August 21, 2012 – September 27, 2012
Driving QuestionWhat are the components necessary for cellular life?
Hot Zone CDC Cell Unit Project
• Investigate the World? Students test their school for bacterial/mold micro-break areas.
• Recognize and Weigh Perspectives? Students collaborate within their team and then use real-world scientific methods in order to perform their investigation.
• Communicate Ideas? Students present their findings to a panel of professional scientists from area businesses.
• Take Action? Students temporarily shut down areas determined to be potential microbreaks and do not open them back up until they decontaminate them.
The Hot Zone CDC Cell Unit ProjectHow does it …
Tanzania ProjectSeptember 3, 2012 – September 10, 2012
Driving QuestionHow can we as AGS help students in Tanzania so that they can learn English and practice multiplication tables?
Scaffolding in a PBL Environment
• Every student can learn.• Every student brings unique skills and
challenges to the (learning) table.• Our goal is to develop those skills and
address those challenges in a way that builds proficiency in the subject matter as well as builds self-confidence in our students as they prepare to make a difference in our world.
Obstacles we had to overcome…1. TMS (time, money, space)2. Transition from traditional teaching
pedagogy to PBL3. Changing the student and adult
culture4. Initial lack of technology5. Scaffolding soft skills6. Everything takes longer than you
expect7. Developing a sustainable travel option8. Fear & tradition
What we learned…..1. Change, while invigorating, can be hard
on students & adults2. Our kids constantly surprise us3. A strong mastery of 21st century skills is
necessary for the success of our students
4. PBL works! (and is scalable)5. Student engagement is the foundation
for other success measures (achievement; attitude; attendance)
6. Giving students ownership is hard but worth the effort
7. Networks are instrumental for success