Digital Age PBL

I love this. I admit I have had the same thought ("how would a blended guru like Sal Khan feel about PBL?"), so it is really cool to see his take. Great resource for anyone tinkering with blended elements of learning alongside our little PBL adventure!

Project idea for an 8th grade math class centered around games and probability

Short Description: During the course of this project, you will build a civilization based on the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs pyramid.

The Teaching Channel has some powerful videos about Project Based learning.

I always find it helpful to watch instruction in action as I am trying to understand how the process works. The Teaching Channel has 16 videos on its site which are tagged as PBL. They cover a variety of topics.

This article is a good resource for understanding problem-based learning.

Project-based learning is a great way for English Language Learners to develop content knowledge and language skills. When done correctly, teachers are able to leverage the students learning in both English and the students' native language.

To succeed in today's complex, dynamic, and globally connected world, students need to have a depth of understanding and learning that is far more than memorization and recollection of facts and figures. Rigorous project-based learning (PBL), as well as the skills and resources for achieving it, offers a promising pedagogical approach to helping all students succeed.

Project Based Learning for Middle School Students from the NYC Department of Education. This file contains resources, research, and tools for educators who plan to implement PBL

Some good links to get started on Project Based Learning

comprehensive annotated collection of PBL research

Barron, B., & Darling-Hammond, L. (2008). Teaching for meaningful learning: A review of research on inquiry-based and cooperative learning (PDF) . Powerful Learning: What We Know About Teaching for Understanding. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. A comprehensive review of research on inquiry-based-learning outcomes and best practices in project-based learning, problem-based learning, and design-based instruction.

Tony Vincent's website with tips and examples of using PBL with handheld computers and devices. "Be inspired to bring project based learning into your classroom, learn strategies for creating effective driving questions, and see how an iOS handheld can play a role in the planning, research/investigation, and presentation of projects."

Three primers for project based learning: Crafting Questions That Drive Projects, Investigating Authentic Questions, and Creating Products to Show & Share Leanring.

Learning Through Landscaping: A fourth grade PBL unit where students explore the topic of landscaping to improve their grounds.

High Tech High is a non-profit organization developing public schools in communities across California. This page showcases many of their PBL's, and is a great place to get some ideas.

High Tech High is a non-profit organization developing public schools in communities across California. Many of their projects are posted at this website.

In January I had a chance to attend a conference with many teachers from High Tech High. I am planning to do a site visit when I go to San Diego in October.

One of the project ideas I came across on the BIE website. The exploration of biomes works well with our ecosystems unit.

What is it? The first graders will investigate the age-old adage: You are what you eat. They will learn about how to promote a healthy lifestyle for themselves, their families, and the community. Students will begin by thinking about what it means to be healthy and think about things that they do to be healthy.