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When I started teaching STEM science using PBL, I found out that, although there are millions of resources for "dessert projects" for middle school, there was not much in terms of the invitations to learn that I was looking for at this level. I started modifying or adapting what I found, and came up with several entry documents that I am now using in my practice. All of these have a "teacher corner" where you will find enduring understandings, essential questions and NGSS and CCSS alignment. All of them are intended for middle school, but they could easily be used across grade levels depending on the need to knows of your students. Hope you find them useful.

If you are ready to branch out on your own, I invite you to read my PBL toolkit post.

If you would like to have these resources sorted by NGSS standard, visit my LiveBinder.

Earth Science PBL, by mrsgarciaserrato

Physical Science PBL, by mrsgarciaserrato

If you use any of them, or if you have questions about implementing, leave a comment. I'll gladly respond.

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When I started teaching STEM science using PBL, I found out that, although there are millions of resources for "dessert projects" for middle school, there was not much in terms of the invitations to learn that I was looking for at this level.

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From Mariana Garcia Serrato's blog.

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What do you do when your administrator asks you to show your colleagues how to develop and run PBL projects? Once the meltdown is over, and you have had time to mull things over, you compile a list what you consider your best tools. Here goes:

Project Ideas:

This is really the hardest part, especially when you are just starting out. In the beginning, as you familiarize yourself with the process, your best bet is to use BIE's project search, Edmodo Spotlight or even my own Find something you like and that you are willing to do. Know that it will not be pretty the first time around (or the second or third). Trust in the process knowing that once you have run a couple of experiences you will start to feel comfortable and even decide to create one from scratch. When you reach that point, you will start seeing opportunities everywhere. You will find yourself reading an article or thinking about an experience through the lens of, "I wonder what my students could come up with to ...". That is when you are ready to meet with your fellow educators, and develop one you can call your own.

Standards:

Yes, of course you will have to think about your standards. See where that nugget of an idea you had could fit. Truth be told, any PBL experience you create can hit on many standards. The trick is to decide which one you will be teaching explicitly. Don't fall into the trap of simply stating the standard. Decide in advance how your students are going to show mastery of the standard and make plans to point your workshops and activities to address the specifics of the standards.

The Driving Question:

This is the root of your project, and BIE has graciously shared a handy tool to help with that. They call it the Tubric, and it boils down to something along the lines of:
"How can we as ___ create a way to ____ for ___ in order to address/do/change ___.

Now that you have your project idea, your standards and your driving question, it is time to develop your project. This is where the fun begins.

Entry event:

Nothing beats a video to catch the student's attention. Thankfully most districts have now decided that YouTube is not the root of all evil. However there are still steps that can be taken to reduce distractions when presenting a YouTube video. Use tools like SafeshareTV or ViewPure to remove comments, advertisements, sidebars, etc.
A novel idea that can be used as an entry event and as a way to encourage deep need to knows is having students participate in aStunConference - a student-led unconference. This takes more time and preparation than showing a video, but it does have the benefit of greater student engagement with the project.

Need to knows:

These can be collected by the students on Google docs (or in their notebooks). But what about group need to knows that can be easily shared and added to by the whole class? For this, I like to use Padlet and more recently Verso. Both of these remove the stress of students trying to come up with the "perfect" need to know, by allowing them to add and respond long after the project run began. They can also access the tools from any device, so if a new need to know pops up in their head later (while at the store for example), it is simply a matter a few clicks and the idea is added.

Workshops and activities:

Whether you plan them way in advance or as a response to the needs of your students, you can curate your materials for easy access by your students in platforms such as LessonPaths or Blendspace. For your visual learners, or simply because it is more fun, you may want to create interactive images using

Project page:

This is where you communicate expectations, as well as host all of the materials your students will need, including the rubrics. You want something that is easy to access and offers flexibility should you need to add things "on the fly" with a minimum of disruption. For me, the answer is WIX, a web page creation platform that allows you to add practically anything, anywhere. If you have never used it, choose from one of their templates. As you become more and more familiar, be bold and create your project pages from scratch. With a little bit of knowledge regarding iframes, you can embed anything without having to worry about figuring out whether what you want to add has an embed code or not. I have used some other tools that also deserve a mention due to their shallow learning curve: Tackk and HSTRY. Both of these are a bit more linear, and have limitations in what can be embedded directly, but for some groups of students this is a "good thing".

Managing a project run:

Everybody is working on their project, or are they? How do your students communicate their daily activities with you, and how do you manage all those groups without going crazy? It is as simple as Trello, a project management tool that updates in real time, and allows every member of each team to share exactly what they are doing, upload materials, share information, etc. It also provides a space for direct teacher feedback during the run, eliminating the fear of facing a "what did you do all this time?" moment come presentation day. If you want to know more about how I use it, you may want to visit my previous post.

Presentations and Exhibitions:

Make use of the Ignite format during presentations, or better yet host student exhibitions.

Rubrics and Feedback:

Your students are done, and have successfully presented their projects. You still have to figure out a way to provide feedback and give access to the graded rubrics. Yes, you can use paper or you can create individual documents and e-mail them to the students. It is a chore no one likes. Thankfully, ForAllRubrics has come to the rescue. Whether you use it as a stand alone product, or as I do within Edmodo, this badging and rubric platform allows you to grade and send the rubrics to your students with just a few clicks.

Reflection:

What is PBL without reflection? Just another project... Invite your students to reflect on their work by having them use this set of questions using Blogger as their platform.

Dive into PBL. Your students will thank you for it.

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What do you do when your administrator asks you to show your colleagues how to develop and run PBL projects? Once the meltdown is over, and you have had time to mull things over, you compile a list what you consider your best tools.

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This is an example of a completed BIE project planning template.

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Examples of projects that cover Common Core standards.

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Illuminating Standards Video Series | Models of Excellence

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Collaborating with Berger and Seidel on The Illuminating Standards Project, over 30 students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education have explored these questions by choosing projects from the Student Work Archive in Models of Excellence and considering the ways in which those projects did-and didn't-meet specific state standards.

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Make a copy of this file to use it for your own PBL plan.

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Project Design and Student Learning Guide.doc

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Inspiring Projects

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Our Solutions / Project-Based Courses | Educurious

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Educurious provides blended project-based courses that engage students in developing solutions to real-world challenges. All of our courses are built to the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards to help educators teach the skills students need for success in college, careers and life.

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An article by the amazing Suzie Boss

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Meaningful projects-the ones that engage students and set the stage for deep learning-don't happen by chance. Summer can be prime time for good project ideas to percolate. By keeping your eyes open for project possibilities, test-driving technology tools, and perhaps engaging in some do-it-yourself professional development, you'll be primed to get off to a fast start with PBL in the fall.

Here are six suggestions to make the most of summer opportunities.

Watch the headlines. News items can lead to timely, relevant projects. Keep your eyes open for "ripped-from-the-headlines" project possibilities. For example, is extreme weather affecting your community this summer? Students might investigate the relevant driving question: How can we help our community conserve water during the drought?

Connect with the PBL community. Build your social network of PBL-friendly colleagues (including me @suzieboss and co-author Jane Krauss @jkrauss). You'll discover a global community eager to share resources and offer feedback on project ideas. Follow #pblchat on Twitter to join weekly discussions focused on PBL topics (Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Pacific/8 p.m. Eastern, moderated by PBL experts from @newtechnetwork).

Test-drive tech tools. If you're hoping to integrate more digital tools into next year's projects, give yourself a chance to test-drive some technologies outside the classroom. Use your mobile phone to make a video story about a vacation. Practice your podcasting skills by interviewing a family member about a cherished memory. Take a virtual trip to Angkor Wat, Pompei, or another world heritage site via Google World Wonders Project (google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders). Consider how these tools, and more, could extend learning opportunities for your students.

Collaborate en plein air. PBL often involves teacher collaboration, but that doesn't have to mean sitting together in a stuffy conference room. Plan some informal "walk and talks" to discuss project ideas with your PBL partners. You'll bring fresh perspectives (and fresh air) into your conversations.

Plan your own adventure. An entry event that fires up students' curiosity is a great way to start a project. Now's your chance to try an entry event yourself. For example, you might be planning to launch an environmental science project by having students take a stream walk to look for evidence of pollution or wildlife habitat. Or perhaps you're planning to launch an investigation of world conflicts by visiting a memorial site. Do these experiences create an emotional connection to the content? Do they cause you to ask questions or wonder why? Those are good indicators that you're on the right track with your entry event idea.

Do-it-yourself professional development. Extensive resources are available to help you plan effective projects. Find project planning tools and a searchable project library at the Buck Institute for Education (bie.org). Explore the video collection showcasing PBL in action at Edutopia (www.edutopia.org).

Perhaps a summer book study is in your plans. Thinking Through Project-Based Learning: Guiding Deeper Inquiry includes a discussion guide (Appendix B), as well as a professional development guide (Appendix C) and more suggestions to build your PBL bookshelf.

Have follow-up questions for the authors? Give us a shout-out on Twitter (@suzieboss and @jkrauss) or ask about arranging a Skype call.

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6 Ideas to Jump-Start PBL Planning This Summer - Corwin Connect

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Meaningful projects-the ones that engage students and set the stage for deep learning-don't happen by chance. Summer can be prime time for good project ideas to percolate. By keeping your eyes open for project possibilities, test-driving technology tools, and perhaps engaging in some do-it-yourself professional development, you'll be primed to get off to a fast start with PBL in the fall.

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Games to help plan, problem-solve, design, and much more

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Gamestorming is a set of co-creation tools used by innovators around the world. Get the playbook. Subscribe for news, tips and tools. Contact us.

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A great way to get started with project design.

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Inspiring Projects

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Discover the power of project-based learning at High Tech High with these examples of student work. It's our record of what we've done and how to get there.

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A great PBL resource

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At New Tech Network, our partnerships with schools drive everything we do. Together we are transforming teaching and learning around the country. Our shared vision for student success - college and career readiness for all students - has a very specific meaning in the Network. What we mean is that every graduate of a New Tech school leaves aware, eligible and prepared to pursue postsecondary education or training.
Read the latest impact report to learn more about how we're creating positive change for students.

GROW MORE in CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

We are building a dynamic, perpetually learning network of districts, schools and educators. The success, sustainability, and growth of New Tech Network is made possible by support from philanthropic organizations and district engagements.

As a leading design partner for comprehensive school change,
New Tech Network, a national non-profit, works closely with over 200 districts and schools.

123HIGH
SCHOOLS

48MIDDLE
SCHOOLS

36ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLS

4800TEACHERS

82,500STUDENTS

104DISTRICTS

Through project-based learning, New Tech Network schools empower and challenge students to learn and succeed, to collaborate and communicate, and to engage in the world around them.

Contact us to learn more about student success or join us for a school tour to see firsthand how we are changing education.

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New Tech Network: Transforming teaching and learning

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At New Tech Network, our partnerships with schools drive everything we do. Together we are transforming teaching and learning around the country. Our shared vision for student success - college and career readiness for all students - has a very specific meaning in the Network.

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Tons of articles @ PBL

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George Lucas Educational Foundation

Project-based learning is a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-world problems and challenges and acquire a deeper knowledge.

Sort by:

Project-based learning encourages student engagement and self-directed learning, and helps teachers make the best use of their time.

As they emerged from the difficulties of the past few years, these students combined humanities, STEM, and the arts in a project that celebrated their identities as individuals and as a community.

New research reveals that when science, reading, and math come together in rigorous hands-on projects, student collaboration, engagement, and achievement can soar.

A new study shows that when implemented well, AP courses built around project-based learning can raise test scores for all students, including those in traditionally underserved demographics.

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George Lucas Educational Foundation Project-based learning is a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-world problems and challenges and acquire a deeper knowledge. Sort by: Project-based learning encourages student engagement and self-directed learning, and helps teachers make the best use of their time.

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from the Buck Institute

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Buck Institute

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Be ready with the skills to lead your students in Project Based Learning.

PBLWorks offers a variety of online PBL workshops, courses and services for educators - whether you're just getting started or advancing your practice, in the classroom or teaching remotely. Pick your pathway to get started...

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Be ready with the skills to lead your students in Project Based Learning. PBLWorks offers a variety of online PBL workshops, courses and services for educators - whether you're just getting started or advancing your practice, in the classroom or teaching remotely. Pick your pathway to get started...

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Cool Projects

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Revolution is when a stick is stuck into the spinning spokes of the wheel of a society. This project explores, through artistic expression, the connections between changes both physical and social, through the lens of every class available.* Imagine social revolution as a complex machine.

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I've compiled some of my best Makerspace resources onto this page. I've been researching this topic extensively, and I will continue to add resources as I discover them. The Maker Education Initiative's Resource Page: From the people who started it all, this page is an amazing resource for anyone interesting in making in education.

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Visit the Thingverse website to learn about 3D printing. Visit Mr. Orofino in the Technology Department to watch the Flashforge 3D printer in action. Direct your own top animation movie, and create it using Lego Movie Maker with Legos or Play Doh..

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My LiveBinder of materials

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My classroom

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PBL Place was created to showcase the work of my students and to be a place to share my classroom with the world.

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Helpful for planning

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Use design thinking to create a PBL

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We've all been there. You sit down to create a PBL unit. You're inspired. You have big plans. You're ready to do this. Then you just stare at the computer screen. Where to start? Even if you're lucky enough to plan with a team, creating a PBL unit often starts with a case of writer's block.

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Amazing article

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Excerpt from Thinking Through Project-Based Learning: Guiding Deeper Inquiry, published by Corwin, 2013. When students engage in quality projects, they develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions that serve them in the moment and in the long term. Unfortunately, not all projects live up to their potential. Sometimes the problem lies in the design process.

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Get ideas from Harvard

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The Good Project is a large scale effort to identify individuals and institutions that exemplify good work - work that is excellent in quality, socially

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Find local places for volunteering

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Search Volunteer Opportunities. VolunteerMatch provides volunteer information and listings in your local community. Find local volunteering opportunities now!

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11/05/2012 Thom Markham, Ph.D. A decade ago, project based learning (PBL) was popular in a few schools and with a few teachers, but hardly widespread. Not so now. With the rise of 21 st century skills instruction, the advent of career and college readiness goals and a renewed emphasis on inquiry, the game is changing.

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Great example of student collaboration around 2:30

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Not only does project based learning motivate students because it is an authentic use of technology, it facilitates active learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Projects begin with a driving question-an open-ended question that sets the stage for the project by creating interest and curiosity. Writing an effective driving question is surprisingly challenging.