Problem Based Learning in the Middle School

1. Orchestrated immersion2. Relaxed alertness3. Active processing

The three instructional techniques associatedwith brain-based learning:

Goals for PBL in the Middle School

Raise test scores Meet QCC objectives Cooperative learning Apply principles of problem solving in their

own lives Metacognition Create interest in science careers

Skills acquired through PBL

• Listen• Brainstorm• Communicate• Predict • Infer

• Analyze• Assess• Hypothesize• Collaborate

Modifications for students with special needs:

• Break work into short segments• Present cases orally and written• Analyze cases for assumptions of prior

knowledge• Give worksheets and specifics when

researching topics• Provide websites for research on their level

– Galileo: Juniorquest, Searchasaurous, Kidsclick

Year Plan: Major Units

Life Science

Cells

Simple organisms

Taxonomy

AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY

Invertebrates

Vertebrates

Cellular processes

Heredity

Genetics

Health

Human Body Systems

Plants

Ecology

Life Science, Cells , Simple Organisms, Taxonomy

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

Save the Pond: 6-7 days over several weeks

Begin Composting

•Dissecting scopes

•Bioquest software

•Water testing kits

•Mosquito repellant

•Chicken wire

•Metal posts

•Worm bins

Invertebrates, Vertebrates, Cellular Processes

OCTOBER DECEMBER

Tybee Island Photojournalism Project

Water Works

•Disposable cameras

•Photo processing

•Microscopes

NOVEMBER

Skin Cancer Case

•Emory Cancer Website

Cases: Heredity and Genetics

JANUARY

Sickle Cell Case: 6 day case

(Small case on genetics)

Cases: Health and Human Body Systems

FEBRUARY MARCH

Sickle Cell Case: continuing from Heredity/ Genetics

Heart Attack Case: 6 days

Cases: Plants & Ecology

Medicinal Plant Mystery

(3-day case)

APRIL MAY

Garden: build, tend, study

(multiple cases)

PCB molecule story

(cross-disciplinary case)

• dissecting microscopes

•dissecting microscopes

•tools, hose, seeds

SAVE THE POND

SAVE THE POND: THE CASE

Scene 1

•Group introductions

•Safety rules

•Intro to problem

Scene 2 Pond assessment lab

Scene 3 •Create pond proposal

•Create pond strategy

•Begin rebuilding pond

SAVE THE POND:ASSESSMENT

POND PROPOSAL:1. Colored sketch of what new pond will look like and general

written description2. How will you address the following problems (include

problems generated during observation and measurement lab)

3. List of organisms you need, cost of each organism, how many of each organism, and why you chose the type and number of organisms that you did.

4. Other supplies needed and pricing5. Strategic plan – Detailed steps for restoring the pond6. Plan for maintaining the pond throughout the year and

during the summer

SAVE THE POND:LEARNING OBJECTIVES

CONTENT SPECIFIC• Establish basic safety rules for science • Measure depth, width, length, volume, area, circumference,

temperature, pH using proper techniques and tools • Properly identify and convert units of measurements in the metric

system• Identify the characteristics of living things and the requirements for

life• Classify the living and nonliving things in and around the pond and

further classify the living things by kingdom• Define producer, consumer, and decomposer and correctly identify

examples of each in the pond. • Identify and apply the steps of the scientific method• Understand function of and identify parts of a microscope; correctly

use a microscope

SAVE THE POND:LEARNING OBJECTIVES

STUDENT SPECIFIC• Establish class and lab rules • Introduce PBL format• Become familiarized with and comfortable in a

student driven situation• Formulate working groups • Develop group dynamics• Collaborate • Independent research • Present research information • Identify, locate, and use appropriate reference

materials

RESOURCE LIST

• Dissecting Scopes• Water testing kits• Mosquito repellant• Bioquest Pond

Simulation Software (need to download onto computers)

• Computer projector

• Hose, watering cans• Posts & chicken

wire • Rakes, leaf & rock• Shovels, clippers• Peat pots, potting

soil• Soil testing kit• Seeds, plant food