and Project Based Learning

Crissy Wade, Stem Teacher/PBL Coach

Project Based Learning (PBL)

Buck Institute Definition - PBL is a

teaching method in which students gain

knowledge and skills by working for an

extended period of time to investigate and

respond to an authentic, engaging and

complex question, problem, or challenge.

PBL Units and STEM

http://cvespbl.weebly.com

Learn more about PBL at Creek View:

What is STEM?STEM Education is an approach to teaching and that emphasizes the four

STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Problem

solving is emphasized allowing students to discover, explore, and apply critical thinking skills as they learn.

Integration of content

Focus on real-world applications

Immerse students in hands-on, open-ended exploration guided by the Engineering Design Process

Include criteria and constraints for solutions

Allow multiple “right answers”

Involve students in productive teamwork

Foster life-long learners

The Classroom

The Four C’s

STEM Bins (K-3)

STEM Bins (4-5)

STEM Bins (4-5)

Kindergarten – Baby Cheetah Homes

Can you build a shelter for your baby cheetah?

Kindergarten – Float the BoatHow many bears can a tin foil boat float?

1st Grade – It’s Raining, It’s Pouring!How can you create a structure that would keep you (tissue) dry when water is poured

(like rain) over it?

2nd Grade – Three Billy Goats Bridge Challenge

Students research to learn about bridge strength and types of bridges.

Design a plan to build a bridge for the three Billy goats to cross that will keep them

away from the Troll. Can you build a bridge that is taller than the Troll and able to hold

the weight of all three Billy goats?

2nd Grade – Three Billy Goats

Bridge Challenge

2nd Grade – Three Billy Goats

Bridge Challenge

3rd Grade Digital Super Hero Digital Citizenship Lesson

3rd Grade SkyscrapersYour Digital Superhero must help rebuild the collapsed skyscraper. Can your team of

superheroes build the tallest one?

3rd Grade – Animal DiscoveryYour team of wildlife engineers have discovered a new animal in Georgia. You

must tell about the animal’s adaptations and create a model of the animal with

at least one moving part that enables it to behave in a particular way.

Students start with researching animal adaptations

and Georgia Habitats.

3rd Grade Animal Discovery

4th Grade – Weather QuestStudent teams complete a task to figure out the secret password in order to

move on to the next. The final task is building an anemometer that turns.

4th Grade – American Revolution Catapult Challenge

Types of Levers

Applied Force

Launching Angles

5th Grade –Light the Way:

Electricity Challenge

Light my Home

Light my Yard

Two Way Switch

5th Grade –Light the Way:

Electricity Challenge

5th Grade – Building Bridges

How can you use limited materials to design

a model of a bridge for the children to cross

on their way to school?

-Materials: Straws and Tape

-Length: At least 8 inches

-Model looks like one of the required

bridges.

-Bridge is able to hold weight

(Goal = 40 or more pennies)

Robotics

Ozobot

Beebot & Mouse Bot

Thank you for coming!

Check out my Twitter page to see

what’s happening in the STEM

Spot.

@crissywade