PBL Camp: Ideas for Projects

Hi Jeremy -

Thanks for writing. We're (hopefully) going to be producing a project learning camp this summer around the issue of the oil spill. Seems a perfect fit for the units you teach. The idea is to collaborate with other educators to brainstorm projects together and ultimately come up with a series of unit plans. It's not for sure yet, but if this is something that would interest you (or anyone else), please let me now as that will help make the case to do it.

Thanks!
betty

Hi Jeremy,
You'll find some ideas for energy projects in Edutopia's Think Green Guide. You can download a copy here: http://www.edutopia.org/think-green-classroom-resource-guide
Sounds like the best match for your courses will be Tip 1: Take the Carbon Challenge, and Tip 7: Harness the Elements.
I'd love to hear more about the direction you take and resources you discover.

HI

I am new in this totally. Could you explain little about oil spills or give me link from where i can get the understanding on the same so that when the camp starts I at least know what is going on.

I am going to use something closer to home and student chosen for PBL. Ive been following the Design for Change Contest and I am going to use this program as my PBL. Check it out! www.designforchangecontest.com I like the oil spill idea, but I think if the kids have ownership in something local you get more passion.

I am interested in project ideas other first grade teachers have implemented in their classrooms.

Last year I did a successful forces and motion project in which my 9th grade students designed a Rube Goldberg machine. Since at my school we are not allowed to repeat a project, this year the students are building models of historically important inventions - DaVinci machines, etc. Another teacher at the school has had success with siege equipment - catapults and the like.

Hi all-
I compiled a few "starting" resources about the gulf oil spill that you may find interesting for your PBL project-

http://www.teachingscience20.com/2010/07/gulf-oil-spill-and-project-base...

I have taught a lot of science topics using Ancient Greek Mythology. The kids LOVED becoming the gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines responsible for (or associated with) lightning/electricity, echoes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, vegetation, day and night, etc. Chaos is the god of matter, Hermes is the god of motion, Echo is the god of sound, Prometheus (fire) is related to heat, Apollo is the sun god and Herea is the goddess of light, Narcissus sees his reflection (light), Zeus is lightning/electricity, Demeter and Persephone explain the cycles of seasons/growth...there are mortal characters who relate, as well.We had a mini-Greek festival with costumes (symbols and evidence of learning required) food and grape juice, and 'olympic games' to finish off our unit of study...you know, in honor of Dionysus, god of parties and of wine!  ;)

I am a composition and literature professor of first and second year students and am very interested in creating a PBL focused on suburbia and literature. Specifically, I would like students to look at their suburban landscape and how it has been reflected in literature. Any of you have any ideas on how to create a great semester long plan?

Hi Ellen - This is great idea - you are more than welcome to bring that to the PBL Camp and design a project around that. We've opted to use the oil spill since it's so universal, but you can certainly go through the process without using the content, and indeed, I encourage you to do so.  You've got a wonderful idea, and I am sure there are others out there who would be interested in collaborating with you. We'll promote this thread to campers who may be seeking alternatives. Great suggestion.