Project Based Learning in the Upper Grades

Through a Professional Development training focus that began last year and further research over summer months with PBLWorks of The Buck Institute for Education, the core subject teachers for our Sixth through Eighth Graders set out early this fall to formalize and launch an exciting new Project Based Learning (PBL) curriculum.

In PBL, students work on a project over an extended period of time – in the case of our Sixth through Eighth Graders, nearly 12 weeks – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question, then demonstrating their knowledge and skills by creating a presentation for the community. This approach leads to deeper understanding and greater retention of content knowledge, and ultimately students are better able to have a greater impact in the world by applying the skills they’ve learned to real-life situations.

Using the framework and guidance provided by PBLWorks to both design the projects and implement some of their teaching practices, Ms. Feldman, Mr. Prichard and Ms. Soriano led students through three unique PBL topics over the course of the fall term. The objectives for the students were to learn while solving real-world challenges; to encourage innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity; and to provide the opportunity to develop skills and reasoning and selfdirected learning.

There is also a community service learning aspect of PBL where our educators aim to empower their students to be global citizens. “This is a mindset that the Upper Grades core teaching team wants to instill to our students – that they would continue to develop and enhance themselves as responsible individuals in our society. This aligns with our School’s Mission to educate students to be generous and committed citizens of their communities and the world,” remarks Ms. Soriano.

By completing these PBL challenges, our students will have the opportunity to connect with others, deepen their understanding of the challenges around their society and help identify their personal strengths to help drive a positive change.

Sixth Grade Project Based Learning

BIG IDEA

Early technology in Ancient Greece and the Roman Republic not only helped advance their civilizations, but are still used today.

Essential Questions

1. How does science and technology advance a society?

2. How did scientific and technological advancements in the ancient world affect us today?

THE CHALLENGE

Create an exhibit that includes artifacts, art, and text to curate a story of science and technology in the ancient world that demonstrates to users how these ancient advancements are used today.