Define
Analyze And Synthesize Your Observations To Define An Important Problem
Understand the Process or Problem
"This leads to understanding the process or problem through an authentic research experience. They might conduct interviews or needs assessments, research articles, watch videos, or analyze data." -John Spencer
What does it mean to research? Research is the investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. So, if research is one of the goals of this stage, why is it called Define? Research helps you to better define the steps you need to take to tackle your project.
In this stage of the design process you will...
learn the essential skills needed to earn credit
seek connections between essential skills and your passion
connect with content area teachers and community experts for support
RESOURCES
The resources below can help students learn and practice content area skills.
Lake Stevens' secondary resources recommended for distance learning.
Featuring vetted sites for English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, Electives, and Special Education.
Tutorial videos and practice activities for:
Math: Pre-algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, HS Math Progression
Science: Chemistry, Biology, Physics
History: US History, World History, US Govt. and Civics
English/Language Arts: 9th Grade Reading, Grammar, Storytelling
Tutorial videos and practice lessons for:
Science: Life Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science
Social Studies: Civics, History
English/Language Arts: Literature, Writing, Speaking
Electives: Design, Engineering, Technology
Support for work in electives:
Visual Thinking Strategies (video): A way of looking and thinking deeper
SchoolofPhotography.com: Photography tutorials
EmptyEasel.com: Art tutorials
Engineer4Free.com: Engineering, manufacturing tech, and related tutorials
Skillshare.com: Video courses in art, culinary, creative writing, music, and more
FitnessBlender.com: Resources and videos for health and fitness
Project Walls - Strategy Guide.pdfLearning Logs (Helpful for Guiding Student Research) - Strategy Guide.pdfRevisiting Need to Knows - Strategy Guide.pdfWork Time - Strategy Guide.pdfCOMMUNITY OUTREACH
The resources below can help make connections with Content Consultants and Community Mentors.
Summer Academy Mentors.mp4Content Consultants: Content Consultants are teachers in the content areas where students are earning credit. Ideally, they are also trained in PBL. They will approve the essential learning connections in students' project proposals, answer content-related questions that can't be researched by the student and facilitator, and evaluate essential learnings in the final project for course credit.
Community Mentors: Community Mentors are experts in fields that students are passionate about. They will answer student questions and provide guidance and inspiration for the passion-driven project.