Project-Based Learning

PBL can be many things to many students. That is the magic of it!
While one student interviews a holistic physician and creates health plans for her clients, another is rebuilding a car using his own money and skills. While one is teaching third graders that science is cool through an after-school club, another is teaching kindergarteners hand-washing skills to curb the spread of influenza and other diseases. One partnership worked together to show teens that they matter in government through getting involved in local city council meetings and tweeting.
So many great experiences have been had by students through PBL!

Blevins' PBL Requirements

Must be a Challenge

Students have to choose projects which involve a challenge for them, and possible failure of the project. Just because a project "fails" does not mean the student's grade is an F. One project involving a club for middle schoolers was deemed a failure by the students in charge but received an A for the planning and efforts.

Must be a Passion

Students have to choose a topic about which they are passionate, not just something they think might be easy. They will not be able to sustain a high-level of enthusiasm and involvement needed if they don't choose something important to them.

Must Share their Experiences

Students have to communicate outside of the school walls about what they are learning. They can create videos for You-Tube, blog, share on social media, or speak to groups. Lastly, all students share their projects with the community. This is the scariest part of the project for most.

Must Learn Real-World Skills

Students write emails and set up interviews with local experts or phone interviews with far-away experts. They shake hands and give their elevator pitch. They don't "play school" but keep it real throughout. One student who wanted to help pit bulls in Springfield wrote a research-based persuasive letter to the City Council when a vote was coming up.

See Some Examples

Jordan & Jai learn about the technology in the music business and try out their rap skills.

Is history important to study? Why? Jeremiah wrote a blog on his research and why history is still very important to today's world.

Lexi researched becoming an EMT and was able to job shadow EMTs for a day.

Christine is going to be a physician who is interested in holistic health. She created plans for her clients based on their choice of how they wanted to be healthier. Click the photo for more info.

Isaac interviewed a Sergeant and learned about the career of police and S.W.A.T.

Carly was fascinated by DaVinci and his out of the box thinking. She researched and then created classroom projects based on the book "How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci." Click the photo to see her project.