Project-Based Learning (2)

Project-Based Learing (PBL) is defined as a "systematic teaching method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks."  PBL is based on carefully written questions that guide student to discover the answers through a project or an activity.  The idea is the students will discover answers for themselves, thus gaining a better understanding of the concept.   The best example of PBL that I use in my class is called Bungee Barbie (or G.I. Joe).  This activity helps students see the relationship between the number of rubber bands attached to the dolls feet and how far the doll falls.  The students have to test how far the doll falls for 0-7 rubber bands.  Then plot the information on an x/y coordinate plane, making the number of rubber bands and distance fell into an ordered pair (it really doesn't matter which one they make x and y, they just have to be consistent).  Once they have the points graphed they draw a line of best fit, and find the equation for that line.  I usually make them write the equation of the line in several forms to help reinforce what they have learned in class.  Then I pick a high place somewhere in the school (I've used the roof of the school, the kids liked that, the students watched from the saftey of the ground).  I give them the measurement of how far the doll will be falling.  Using the equation they came up with they have to figure out how many rubber bands they need to use to get their doll the closest to the ground without hitting.  The team that comes the closest gets some sort of a prize.   This activity was extreamly useful to help the student understand lines.  The questions on the core test that related to graphing lines, interpreting lines, etc. my students did very well on.  I think this activity helped the students remember different methods and how lines are set up.     http://www.bie.org/index.php/site/PLB/plb_handbook_introduction/