- Project Based Learning (PBL) is a method in which students are taught by working to investigate and respond to a complex challenge. Students gain their knowledge and skills by interacting with other students and creating a project that allows them to gain knowledge on the subjects incorporated into their projects. Project Based Learning differs from group projects greatly due to the fact that it is designed for students to learn on their own rather than being tested on what they have learned or have been taught. A Project Based Learning classroom includes a lot of talking and communication between group members and groups. Currently, many schools have not incorporated PBL into their education system nor is there a certain format that had been designed for PBL.
- At Orion International Academy, the STEM department of the school has recently changed is method of instruction from the traditional method of direct (or explicit) instruction to Project Based Learning (PBL).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the expectations for the outcome of the projects?
Good question! In order for us to receive an awesome review on our project it does not have to look perfect but rather we have to have an understanding of it. For instance, we do not focus much on quantity but more on quality. This means that the project may include many cool features and designs on it and it can possibly be the best looking project there is, but if students are not able to explain their project or the math and science that went into their project, then they do not receive a good review.
2. Do students receive homework?
Yes! Of course students receive homework on a daily basis. Like regular students, we also receive homework but the fun part in our homework is that we get to research what we want to research. As long as our information correlates and benefits our project, then we are allowed to research and present our ideas to our group members the next day. In addition, we write down daily reflections in order to be aware of our progress.
3. What type of learning is involved into PBL?
First of all, the three types of learning styles include: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. All of the mentioned learning styles take place into PBL and it lets students expand their learning styles. Some students learn best by listening (auditory), others by seeing things (visual), and others by hand-on activities (kinesthetic). What happens when all of those are combined? PBL! PBL includes all three types of learning styles. For example, a normal PBL classroom includes communication between group members (auditory), researching information/reading (visual), and working on the building and making the project (kinesthetic). PBL lets students with different learning styles come together and make the best project they possibly can.
Projects
Project #1 (January - March):
In order to integrate Algebra 2 into our project, we decided to create a racetrack (4ft x 4ft) entirely derived by different algebraic equations (linear, quadratic, circular, elliptical, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric) for a mini RC car. In order to combine our efforts with Chemistry, we decided that the racetrack needs a lighting system. So, we will have to create our own galvanic cell battery to power the lighting system that we use.