Review Sample Project Sketches

from Suzie Boss, co-author of Reinventing Project Based Learning.

As a pair or trio, Select one or a pair of projects that you think would appeal to your students, and/or use a project idea of your own. 1-Updating the Canon Students are invited to suggest updates to the reading list for literature classes. They start by evaluating books currently on the list for qualities such as literary merit, historical importance, and contemporary interest. They interview a variety of experts (librarians, literature professors, writers) to define for themselves what it means to be well-read. They also survey peers about the books they choose to read for pleasure. They develop a new recommended reading list, along with their arguments in support of changes, to a panel of literature professors. 2-Our Planet, Our Problem Students investigate an environmental concern that has local implications (such as habitat loss, biodiversity, or watershed or air pollution). They research causes of the current situation, gather stories and data about how this issue has changed over time, and investigate possible solutions. They select one do-able, sustainable solution and design a marketing campaign to build public support for it. 3-The Face of Aid Students respond to a request from a large philanthropic foundation that wants to improve public opinion about foreign aid. A research brief explains that most Americans overestimate how much of their federal budget is spent on aid and underestimate the impact. (Americans typically think its 10 percent but, in fact, less than 1 percent of the federal budget goes to aid.) Students attempt to change the conversation by producing informative materials which put a human face on aid. 4-What This Neighborhoods Needs Is Students take on the role of product designers and develop an improved food cart design. They interview vendors and customers to determine: needs of users, problems with existing cart designs, cost factors, opportunities for innovation. They read a case study about a cart designed to improve childhood nutrition and do research to learn how food carts are used by entrepreneurs in various locations. Teams present final designs to a panel of potential investors. 5-Where Theres Smoke After reading about an outbreak of fires in forested park areas, students decide to investigate whats behind these events. Using mapping software, they create visual illustrations that show the location and likely causes of recent fires and compare their findings with historical records They share their findings to educate the publicin words and imagesabout deforestation issues and potential solutions. 6-Work the System, Change the World Teams investigate an issue that concerns them and take civic action. In the process, they explore the relationships between the issue, their proposed actions, and the public policy they need to work within

or attempt to change to make civic action possible. Students develop a cogent argument for their position, study opposing views, defend their solution, and use public speaking and social media to rally others to their cause. 7-Kinetic Conundrum After investigating and documenting public art in their community, students set out to create their own kinetic sculptures. Working in teams, they design and build prototypes for sculptures that move or change in response to the environment. Developing their plans involves researching art and engineering, making mathematical calculations, learning about the history of public art projects, and writing artists' statements explaining their intent. They share their prototypes at a community art showcase where attendees vote on a "best of show" that will be produced for a park in the community. 8-Rags to Riches A local man from a modest background wins a large amount of money in the national lottery. He asks students for advice on how to invest his winnings to do the most good for his family. Students consult with tax advisors, investment advisors, university experts, and financial institutions to understand the risks and rewards of different investment approaches. They also investigate the decisions and stories of past lottery winners before developing a plan personalized for their client and his family. From PBL in the Elementary Grades: 9. Kindergarteners learn about the food groups and assemble pictures to explain a healthy thanksgiving meal, which they later present to their parents and other students. 10. First graders learn about communities, rules, and laws as they help their school develop behavior rules for different parts of the playground and campus.