Project+Based+Learning+Resources

//**What is Project Based Learning?**// Project-based learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students are inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying. [|Edutopia.org]provides an excellent [|overview] of project based learning and opportunities to explore the concept in depth.

//**Implementing Project Based Learning - Teacher Guides and Professional Development**// One of the best overviews of project based learning at the elementary level is provided at [], a site managed by well known educator Dr. Sylvia Chard, professor emeritus at the University of Alberta. Here are some teacher guides compiled by Dr. Chard. Hopefully they will be useful for implementing project based learning in your classroom. Dr. Chard provides many useful web links throughout the guides; however there is a technical problem that temporarily prevents them from working smoothly. Once navigating to any link, you will have to delete the last bracket of the web address in the in the browser navigation bar. You can also use the guides without the links.

[|Practical Guide 1.pdf] - Projects and the Curriculum: Seeing the Possibilities [|Practical Guide 2.pdf] - Features of the Project Approach: A Framework for Learning [|Practical Guide 3.pdf] - Making a Start on Projects: Planning in Context [|Practical Guide 4.pdf] - Launching a Project: Initial Understanding [|Practical Guide 5.pdf] - Developing a Project: Investigating and Understanding [|Practical Guide 6.pdf] - Concluding a Project; Presenting the Work

Intel has an excellent site with a wealth of information on Project Based Learning, including a free on-line course that will walk you through the basic features of Project Based Learning for the 21st Century and how to plan and implement a project for your class. [] The [|Buck Institute for Education] also has a wealth of information and resources on project -based learning, including [|learning modules] for designing and implementing projects.

//**Project Ideas and Examples**// Edutopia's Think Green Resource Guide 2010 has lots of ideas for environmentally related projects: [|edutopia-think-green-resource-guide.pdf]

Intel has lots of detailed project plans that can be implemented in whole or in part at [] or shorter descriptions of projects if you are just looking for ideas at [] For project ideas involving community service you may find these sites useful: Service Learning Ideas K-3 [] Service Learning Ideas 4-6 []

To explore global/international project ideas or join existing international projects you may wish to visit [] and check out their project collaboration center [].

To see early childhood projects check out Projects in Practice at [].

//**Project Planning Form**// [|PBL Planning Form.doc] - Buck Institute for Education Project Planning Form (2008)

//**Project Checklist**// //**[|Project_Characteristics_Chart.pdf]** - This is a simple, one page checklist from Intel, to use when planning a project.//