Drew Charter School

https://www.drewcharterschool.org/academics/our-innovative-approach

Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an approach to learning content standards that makes learning more engaging for students, while promoting equity in learning the curriculum.  Students construct their own answers and innovative solutions to challenging, authentic, driving questions that meet real world needs in our community.  This gives students more opportunities to have increased voice and choice in how they learn while gaining a deeper understanding of their content.  Students also have opportunities to collaborate with community partners and in-field experts to learn new skills, receive feedback, and even create solutions as they engage in PBL. The implementation of Project-Based Learning is guided by the following:

• Focus on Significant Content

• Development of 21st Century Competencies

• In-Depth Inquiry

• A Driving Question

• Authenticity

• Voice & Choice

• Revision & Reflection

• A Public Audience

• Quarterly Showcases

STEAM

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) coupled with Project-Based Learning (PBL) is Drew Charter School's map to a successful academic experience for its students.  Our integration of STEAM in a PBL environment equips students with the knowledge, skills, and passion to create positive change in the world.

Students are taught through an interdisciplinary approach with an emphasis on the design thinking process and problem solving leading to application. This allows Drew students to develop skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity, all important abilities needed for success in the 21st century. STEAM implementation is guided by the following:

• Integrated STEAM

• Professional Connections

• Design Thinking

• 21st Century Skills

• Inquiry

• Equalizing the Arts

• Habits of Mind

MIT Inventeam https://steamatdrew.weebly.com/team.html