Middle School

Project-based Learning (PBL)

Project-based Learning (PBL) is an elective that all seventh and eighth grade students take during either the first & second marking periods or the third & fourth marking periods. In this course, students design an in-depth, real world project based on their strengths and interests.

PBL is divided into three learning sections:

1. Set the Stage: Students learn about thinking dispositions, perspectives, and social science research methods as they connect their interests to educational pathways and careers.

2. Complete an interest-based project that focuses on a research question:

Students identify an interest and develop a knowledge base that includes:

• historic information
• current status of the field
• publications and organizations
• identify leading experts
• future trends

3. Students prepare a TED/Talk-style presentation using the Presentation Zen method. This presentation is given to their classmates and is followed by a questions and answer session.

Extracurricular Enrichment

Think Tank: Students collaborate to investigate and become active in local issues

Coding: Students teach, learn, and share coding languages and projects

Future City: Students collaborate to design and build a model city of the future