Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning is an approach to teaching in which students are motivated by the challenge of solving real-world problems. This type of active and engaged learning, encourages students to work cooperatively and they are inspired to obtain a deeper understanding of the subjects they are studying. These projects are further enhanced when technology is used in a meaningful way.

Here are some classroom project ideas for teachers that I have found by subject area. Most of these are appropriate for middle school grade levels.

Language Arts

• • What is your idea of paradise? Middle and high schoolers share their visions of paradise on earth in this lesson, in which they view a video segment about Shangri-La. Students can discuss and then write about their ideas in a variety of ways. A project extension prompts young writers to design a creative presentation based on their views of paradise.

• Learners explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, students read the Indian folktale "The Drum" which exemplifies the idea of sharing with those less fortunate. Learners work as a class to hold a book or clothing drive.

Math

• • Students explore the concepts of mean, median, and mode. In this mean, median, and mode lesson, students measure the heights of their classmates. Students find the mean, median, and mode of their class's heights.

• Explore 2-digit multiplication with your class as they work in groups to build models of 2-digit multiplication using base 10 manipulatives. Students construct rectangles replacing standard numbers with their place value equivalent using the blocks, and then relate their rectangles to the traditional written multiplication algorithm.

• Sixth graders participate in a bedroom redecoration project. In this bedroom redecoration project, 6th graders plan, draw, and determine finances for the project. They apply their knowledge of working with decimals and problem solving skills as they choose paint, flooring and furniture for the project.

• Students track a budget. Students create a simple personal budget, or spending plan, based on their projected monthly income and expenditures.

Science

• Teams of students address the growing problem of the Burmese Python in the Florida Everglades. This fierce intruder threatens to alter the entire eco-system in Florida. Students recommend ways to control the continuing population growth of this invasive species.

• At Ferryway School, in Malden, Massachusetts, fifth-graders explore history, science, technology, and engineering by designing their own water wheels. By the time they visit the nearby Saugus Iron Works, a historic site that dates back to the 1640s, they’ve already tested and mastered the centuries-old technology.

• At King Middle School, in Portland, Maine, seventh graders learn about soil bacteria through creating multimedia information pamphlets. They consult professional microbiologists and cartoonists, conduct original research, and then distribute their completed pamphlets to local garden centers, universities, and flower shops.

• Students at a Kentucky elementary school conducting surveys, doing research, building models, and taking field trips with the goal of determining the best kind of new bridge to build over the Ohio River.

• Students engage in a lesson that is focused on the camouflage techniques used by animals. They create a PowerPoint presentation that illustrates the use of colors and how it relates to the physical environment. Students make cognitive connections between art and nature while creating a class project.

• Seventh graders perform a research project based upon the study of the types of bridges. After preliminary research, student groups will search for four examples of each type located around the world.

• Pupils research a given country, compile the information and write a final report. Individuals then use their research to write speeches which they will present to the class. Note: Technology is incorporated into the process, making this a good resource for 21st Century learning skills.

Social Studies

• • Eighth graders examine the role that Texas played during the Civil War. In this research lesson, 7th graders construct and pose original questions to spark a student driven inquiry. Students will form small groups and use historical artifacts to assist them in forming research questions.

  • Young scholars conduct research into community history and create a presentation which they will present to the class. In this community history instructional activity, students conduct an interview of a community member who is over 60. Students present their history lesson to the class.

• Youngsters create a museum display. Using historically accurate designs, they are asked to design and build a museum display for a local museum (pretend letter). Then research, and build a display to submit for viewing at the 'museum'. This project can be adapted to many different scenarios.

Technology Applications

• Investigate civic duties by planning a civic project. First, middle schoolers identify and analyze changes needed in their neighborhood and city. They collaborate in small groups to create a project that can help their area while writing about the process on a blog.

• Students will brainstorm and define basic economic principals, create a fictitious business, and showcase their company as a commercial, PowerPoint, or in a brochure. This lesson is fantastic and includes printable materials, extensions, standards, and the full 10 day procedure.

"Education is not filling a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

~William Butler Yeats

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