Project Based LearningAcids and Bases

by Deepesh Shrestha

What is Project Based Learning (PBL)?

Project Based Learning is a student centered and self-driven pedagogy that fosters the deeper understanding of subject content, promotes real life application and develops problem solving skills in which the learners explore the learning standards themselves in a definite timeframe to achieve the projected goal.

Why PBL ?Interesting Engages student actively in learningStudent centered; hands-on activity

and students’ voice and choice Develops problem solving skills and

application of knowledge to real life Develops organization and

communication skills

Essential Components of PBL?

Knowledge and skillsInquiry based learning pedagogyAuthenticityStudent centered and innovative Student voice and choiceFeedback and reflection.

Students of grade 10 learn about acids and bases and its uses in daily life by with help of a project based learning activity for about two and half weeks. They will write an individual report answering the essential questions and make visual presentations like poster and presentations on a number of topics.

My PBL: Acids and Bases

My PBL Acids and Bases

Learning goals:Identify acids and bases in day-to-day

life.Make an acid-base indicator using

house-hold substances.Understand neutralization and apply

the knowledge to explain working of antacids.

Uses of acids and bases.

Introduction to the project:Demonstrate how can litmus papers, universal indicators or pH meter can be used to identify the acid or base. Demonstrate effects of acids or bases on egg in a petri-dish to make them aware of hazardous effects and safety.Bring as many as day-to-day life substances like lemon, vinegar, baking powder and give a task to leaners to identify if it is acidic or basic.

Inform the students about the essential questions or learning goal of the project, timeline or deadline, products. Talk about different 21st skills they have to adopt to accomplish the project and share the assessment rubric.Also clarify the role of learners and role of instructor as facilitator through out the project.

Introduction to the project:

Hands 0n activities: This project involves three inquiry based labs:Identification of acidic or basic nature of day-to-day life substances like window cleaner, yoghurt, milk etc.Making acid-base indicator using household substance like beetroots and flower petalUnderstand neutralization reaction to explain working to antacids.

CollaborationFor most of the activities learners need to work together as a group in lab activities and for making presentation or posters.

Use of Media and technology

Media and technology are essential part of this activity. Learners use them for research work and making the presentation and posters.

Real Life applicationOne of the task of this activity is to identify the acidic or basic nature of the substances, use flower petal or beetroots for making acid-base indicator and use the concept of neutralization reaction to understand the working of antacids.

Making Poster or Presentation

As a final product of this project students are required to make posters or presentation

Reflection and FeedbackTimely feedback and self-reflection

help to produce desired product. Rubric also gives guideline to

accomplish the project.

Role of Instructor as Facilitator

PBL is self driven pedagogy, instructor only facilitate the learning process. The facilitator only gives hints and guide but does not give answers.

Innovation and students’ voice and choiceIt is a student centered activity, they design lab activities themselves and have freedom to decide the outlook of the final product.

ConclusionPBL makes learning interesting, students are engaged in learning actively because it connects the learning process with daily life. Students develops important 21st century learning skills like collaboration, problem solving, communication and teach-integration.