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Students will download a food-tracking app to keep track of what they eat. This will help them evaluate the macronutrients and micronutrients they are getting on a daily basis to learn about their personal nutritional habits. They will then create small goals to help them better their nutrition.

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How to Set Up MyFitnessPal in 2021 (EASY Step by Step Guide For Beginners)

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Students will receive different articles about the pro's and con's of a certain topic (ex. with the nutrition unit - fad diets). They will be placed in a group with people that have different articles about it, and will debate the pro's and con's of the fad diet. Then we will share our findings in a class discussion and the students will write a short summary of their conclusions after the debate.

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Students each receive an informational excerpt about a something from the unit (a drug, a type of food, a mental health disorder, etc.). They do a "speed learning" (like speed dating) in groups where they move seats and teach the small group about the drug.

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Students will participate in "case studies" each unit. Each case study assignment will have a few different cases to choose from, so students are allowed the ability to pick one they are interested in. Case studies will have an explanation of real-life examples of people who have a problem occurring that correlate to the unit (nutritional problems, drug abuse, STD's, mental health disorder, etc.). Students will write a short response as to what they think the diagnosis is, why, and how they can remedy it.

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The open-ended problems presented in case studies give students work that feels connected to their lives.

To prepare students for jobs that haven't been created yet, we need to teach them how to be great problem solvers so that they'll be ready for anything. One way to do this is by teaching content and skills using real-world case studies, a learning model that's focused on reflection during the problem-solving process. It's similar to project-based learning, but PBL is more focused on students creating a product.

Case studies have been used for years by businesses, law and medical schools, physicians on rounds, and artists critiquing work. Like other forms of problem-based learning, case studies can be accessible for every age group, both in one subject and in interdisciplinary work.

You can get started with case studies by tackling relatable questions like these with your students:

1. How can we limit food waste in the cafeteria?

2. How can we get our school to recycle and compost waste? (Or, if you want to be more complex, how can our school reduce its carbon footprint?)

3. How can we improve school attendance?

4. How can we reduce the number of people who get sick at school during cold and flu season?

Addressing questions like these leads students to identify topics they need to learn more about. In researching the first question, for example, students may see that they need to research food chains and nutrition. Students often ask, reasonably, why they need to learn something, or when they'll use their knowledge in the future. Learning is most successful for students when the content and skills they're studying are relevant, and case studies offer one way to create that sense of relevance.

Teaching With Case Studies

Ultimately, a case study is simply an interesting problem with many correct answers. What does case study work look like in classrooms? Teachers generally start by having students read the case or watch a video that summarizes the case. Students then work in small groups or individually to solve the case study. Teachers set milestones defining what students should accomplish to help them manage their time.

During the case study learning process, student assessment of learning should be focused on reflection. Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick's Learning and Leading With Habits of Mind gives several examples of what this reflection can look like in a classroom:

Journaling: At the end of each work period, have students write an entry summarizing what they worked on, what worked well, what didn't, and why. Sentence starters and clear rubrics or guidelines will help students be successful. At the end of a case study project, as Costa and Kallick write, it's helpful to have students "select significant learnings, envision how they could apply these learnings to future situations, and commit to an action plan to consciously modify their behaviors."

Interviews: While working on a case study, students can interview each other about their progress and learning. Teachers can interview students individually or in small groups to assess their learning process and their progress.

Student discussion: Discussions can be unstructured-students can talk about what they worked on that day in a think-pair-share or as a full class-or structured, using Socratic seminars or fishbowl discussions. If your class is tackling a case study in small groups, create a second set of small groups with a representative from each of the case study groups so that the groups can share their learning.

4 Tips for Setting Up a Case Study

1. Identify a problem to investigate: This should be something accessible and relevant to students' lives. The problem should also be challenging and complex enough to yield multiple solutions with many layers.

2. Give context: Think of this step as a movie preview or book summary. Hook the learners to help them understand just enough about the problem to want to learn more.

3. Have a clear rubric: Giving structure to your definition of quality group work and products will lead to stronger end products. You may be able to have your learners help build these definitions.

4. Provide structures for presenting solutions: The amount of scaffolding you build in depends on your students' skill level and development. A case study product can be something like several pieces of evidence of students collaborating to solve the case study, and ultimately presenting their solution with a detailed slide deck or an essay-you can scaffold this by providing specified headings for the sections of the essay.

Problem-Based Teaching Resources

There are many high-quality, peer-reviewed resources that are open source and easily accessible online.

The National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science at the University at Buffalo built an online collection of more than 800 cases that cover topics ranging from biochemistry to economics. There are resources for middle and high school students.

Models of Excellence, a project maintained by EL Education and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has examples of great problem- and project-based tasks-and corresponding exemplary student work-for grades pre-K to 12.

The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning at Purdue University is an open-source journal that publishes examples of problem-based learning in K-12 and post-secondary classrooms.

The Tech Edvocate has a list of websites and tools related to problem-based learning.

In their book Problems as Possibilities, Linda Torp and Sara Sage write that at the elementary school level, students particularly appreciate how they feel that they are taken seriously when solving case studies. At the middle school level, "researchers stress the importance of relating middle school curriculum to issues of student concern and interest." And high schoolers, they write, find the case study method "beneficial in preparing them for their future."

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Making Learning Relevant With Case Studies

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The open-ended problems presented in case studies give students work that feels connected to their lives. To prepare students for jobs that haven't been created yet, we need to teach them how to be great problem solvers so that they'll be ready for anything.

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Each student will be required to create a teaching item that relates to nutrition (such as a game, experiment, example, object, poster, etc.) that they can teach to a small group or rest of the class (no computer games like Jeopardy, Minute to Win It, etc.). This needs to be a tangible object.

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Toss that Test Aside!

As we all know, students already get plenty of tests, so why not let your elementary students show what they learned creatively? Whether your students are reading independent books or your class has just finished an inquiry project on space or pioneers, a culminating project can really cement that learning. Whether you're focused on building academics or building character, we have some great ideas!

Here are 72+ fun presentation ideas for elementary students to show what they know, including presentation ideas, simple service projects for schools, and community service projects. These ideas are perfect for making learning more engaging and fun for younger students.

Innovation Presentation Ideas (projects for elementary students)

1. Create a poster

2. Make a PowerPoint presentation - You can use presentation tools or templates to guide your students and make the process easier.

3. Design a model

4. Make a shoebox diorama

5. Use a 3-panel display board

6. Make a timeline

7. Create a board game incorporating key elements

8. Write a poem

9. Write and perform a skit

10. Make a TV or radio commercial

11. Make a collage

12. Make a mobile

13. Create a test about the topic

14. Make a word search

15. Make a crossword puzzle

16. Write a report

17. Create a flow chart or diagram

18. Write an interview of a relevant person

19. Create questions and an answer key

20. Write journal/diary entries

21. Write a postcard or letter exchange

22. Create a scrapbook

23. Create a photo album

24. Make an instructional video

25. Give a presentation

26. Create an interactive notebook

27. Create a set of task cards

28. Make a pamphlet or brochure

29. Write a newspaper article

30. Perform a puppet show

31. Hold a debate

32. Hold a mock court case

33. Create an episode of a reality show

34. Create a game show

35. Have a panel discussion of "experts"

36. Compose a rap or other song

37. Use a Venn diagram to compare two aspects of the topic

38. Design a comic strip about the topic

39. Create a children's story about the topic

40. Create a map

41. Write a fable or myth about the topic

Have you tried Minds in Bloom Unlimited? Sign up for a free trial and choose 3 book report activities of your choice!

1. Create a help wanted ad and a letter/resume to answer it

2. Write a text message dialogue relevant to the topic

3. Write a series of tweets relevant to the topic

4. Create a Facebook wall relative to the topic

5. Create a Pinterest board relative to the topic

6. Start a blog or explore other website ideas for students to share their knowledge on the topic at hand

7. Decorate a box and fill with relevant objects

8. Create a foldable

9. Create a flip book

10. Create a Cootie Catcher

11. Create a cereal based on the topic (cover a cereal box)

12. Assemble a time capsule

13. Create several bookmarks about different aspects of the topic

14. Write a recipe relevant to the topic (good for showing causes of an event)

15. Do a newscast

16. Write an acrostic poem

17. Create an Internet scavenger hunt

18. Write an advice column with several problems related to the topic

19. Create flash cards or trivia cards

20. Create a cheer relevant to the topic

21. Make a short documentary film

22. Create a museum exhibit, an informational presentation format that doesn't rely on technology, allowing students to express their understanding in a tangible, hands-on way

23. Create a top 10 list relevant to the topic

24. Create a simple video game

25. Make a "Choose Your Own Adventure" story

26. Create a mini book with one fact/idea per page

27. Create a glossary of relevant terms

28. Make a paper chain with a different fact for each link

29. Make a flower with a different fact for each petal

30. Write a handbook or instruction book

31. Create a newsletter

32. Design a mural related to the topic

33. Create a quiz show-style game for classmates to participate in

34. Build a diorama using LEGO bricks or other building materials

35. Develop a trivia board game related to the topic, like historical events

36. Create an infographic to illustrate key concepts

37. Design a 3D model or sculpture using clay, cardboard, or other materials

38. Create a short animation or stop-motion video about the topic

39. Organize a class art gallery featuring artwork inspired by the topic

40. Make a digital storybook or eBook on the topic

41. Write a series of short stories or a novella related to the topic

42. Create a virtual reality experience or simulation about the topic

43. Implement a Genius Hour where students can discuss their passions!

For High School and College Students

While the ideas above are mainly geared towards elementary students, middle school, high school, and college students can also benefit from exploring creative presentations and projects.

The following sections provide additional suggestions for older students looking for unique ways to showcase their knowledge.

Creative Presentation Ideas for High School and College Students

1. Develop a multimedia presentation slides, PowerPoint, or Google Slides) using video, audio, and visual elements. The entire presentation can be recorded and the video presentation can be shared with the appropriate audience.

2. Create an interactive website or blog to present the research or project

3. Design an engaging infographic to illustrate key concepts

4. Host a podcast episode or series related to the topic

5. Collaborate with other students to create a short film or documentary

Creative Study Guide Ideas for High School and College Students

1. Develop a mind map to connect and visualize key concepts

2. Create flashcards with illustrations or mnemonics to aid memory

3. Design a flowchart to outline the steps or stages of a process

4. Develop an interactive quiz or game to test knowledge

5. Collaborate with classmates to create a shared study guide or resource

Online Projects for Students (for use on various presentation websites)

1. Create a virtual museum or gallery showcasing a specific topic or theme

2. Develop a web-based learning module or tutorial

3. Collaborate with other students to create a virtual event or conference

4. Design a digital escape room focused on a particular subject. Read more about how you can make your own escape room!

5. Play around with augmented reality! Read about Quiver.

6. Create an online community or forum for discussing and sharing ideas related to a specific area of study

As you can see, there are numerous creative presentation ideas without PowerPoint that students can use to showcase their own learning and understanding. From elementary students to high school and college project ideas, these innovative activities provide a fun and engaging way to demonstrate learning and foster a deeper understanding of the material.

10 Simple Service Projects for Schools

1. Organize a school supplies drive for a local school in need

2. Set up a creative activities workshop for students at a nearby preschool or kindergarten

3. Create a community service project focused on environmental conservation

4. Partner with a local food bank to organize a food drive

5. Volunteer at a local food pantry to help distribute goods to those in need

6. Plan a school-wide clean-up day to beautify the campus

7. Organize a clothing or toy drive for a local children's shelter

8. Develop a tutoring program for younger students in need of academic assistance

9. Coordinate a school-wide recycling initiative to promote sustainability

10. Host a charity fundraiser event to support a cause important to your school community

Further Reading and Related Blog Posts:

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out these other related posts on our blog:

1. Summer Projects for Teachers and Their Kids - Discover fun and educational summer projects that teachers can enjoy with their own children, making the most of the break while still engaging in learning.

2. Parents: Please Don't Do Your Kids' Projects! - This post discusses the importance of allowing children to complete their own projects, fostering independence, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

3. Awesome Hands-On End of Year Projects - Explore a variety of hands-on projects perfect for wrapping up the school year, keeping students engaged and motivated as the summer break approaches.

4. Hands-On Projects for Creative and Critical Thinking - Dive into a selection of hands-on projects that promote creative and critical thinking skills, making learning an interactive and enjoyable experience for students.

5. Make Project-Based Learning Fit Your Students' Needs - Learn how to adapt project-based learning to suit the unique needs of your students, ensuring they get the most out of these engaging and educational experiences.

By exploring these additional resources, you'll find even more creative ideas and strategies to enhance your students' learning experiences and promote their growth in and out of the classroom.

You can get 15 of these ideas with student instruction sheets and grading rubrics with Ready-to-Use Creative Book Reports.

Did we miss any of your favorite creative ways to show student learning? Leave it in the comments!

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72 Creative Ways for Students to Show What They Know

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Toss that Test Aside! As we all know, students already get plenty of tests, so why not let your elementary students show what they learned creatively? Whether your students are reading independent books or your class has just finished an inquiry project on space or pioneers, a culminating project can really cement that learning.