Implementing PBL in the Science Classroom

Last month, I had the privilege to present at Interface B in Tan-Tar-A over my successes and failures of implementing Project Based Learning in my classroom this year. My presentation focused on the overall concepts of PBL according to the Buck Institute of Education as well as the structure and results of the PBL unit I created while at PBL World last summer.

I opened up the presentation for any questions about any concerns that may have been a hang-up in my implementation.  I also led the groups through the first day of PBL 101 in coming up with a project idea and a solid driving question.  I was fortunate to have over 80 educators take part over 2 sessions!  During the presentations, I made a couple of interesting observations. First, interest in PBL is very high.  I could tell by the amount of teachers signed up for my sessions.  It makes sense as a Science teacher due to the structure of the Next Generation Science Standards, which are very heavy in standards that require students to do and create rather than memorize and recite.  In some of my conversations, I found that many of the educators are looking for ways to make their lessons more relevant to the students and more authentic.  PBL structure allows for much more authentic learning than stand and deliver. Second, concerns about PBL implementation from the educators I spoke with are not that dissimilar to those I have heard at our district.  How do you accurately assess the students in a group project? Just how much choice do I give the students in their products?  How much scaffolding do I provide?  These are all concerns I addressed at the conference.  I was very impressed with the focused questions I got from them and were able to address effectively.  Overall, I was very excited to share my knowledge with other educators and get great feedback from them on my unit as well. I was very impressed with the amount of participation I received from other educators and would continue to provide these workshops. I have provided the PowerPoint presentation and packet if anyone would like to take a look at it.