Cross Curriculum Project Based Learning - Planets

Welcome to the engaging and exciting world of Project-Based Learning! In this class, we will explore the ins and outs of PBL and embark on a thrilling superhero project that will unleash your creativity and critical thinking skills. Get ready for a dynamic learning experience both in and outside of class!

PBL requires critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and various forms of communication. To answer a driving question and create high-quality work, students need to do much more than remember information. They research, reflect, and write about a given topic with existing resources. Then, in the second part of the project, they create their own "world" based on what they have discovered. Students choose how to present their findings and are given instructions for writing a paper or creating a presentation using Google slides. A student may use alternate methods with which they are familiar. 

Class Time:
We'll kick off each session with a warm greeting, and then dive into the weekly topic using an interactive tool called Nearpod. Whether you prefer to follow along on your own screen or jot down notes on paper, Nearpod will reinforce the concepts through engaging activities like matching pairs, open-ended questions, reading short texts, and collaborative boards. You'll have plenty of opportunities to participate, ask questions, and share your thoughts using various communication methods, such as verbal responses, chats, or communication boards.

Outside Class Time:
Learning doesn't stop when the class ends! Outside of our sessions, you'll have exciting tasks to complete. These might involve digging deeper into the topic through research or spending time crafting your ideas. Clear instructions and expectations will be posted immediately after each class, so you'll always know what's expected. Feel free to ask questions or share your draft work for feedback from both your teacher and peers. Plan for about one hour of additional work per week, which will help reinforce your learning and take your project to the next level!

Planet Project:

Part One: Discover the universe as we explore the inner and outer planets. Using sources from NASA, National Geographic, and Nearpod, we will uncover basic facts such as name, temperature range, weather, landscape, and landforms. Each student will pick one planet to do a deep dive for a presentation to the class (or to the teacher). The presentation may be a short paper, a "travel" brochure (template provided), Google slides (one class session will cover how to use Google slides to create a presentation), a video, or any method that works for the student. (Class sessions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Part Two: Let your imagination soar as you create your own planet through a guided process. Using what we learned about planets and the solar system, determine the details of your planet such as temperature, weather, and landscape. (Class sessions 6, 7, 8, 9)

Part Three: Bring your planet to life by drawing the planet based on your details. Make a model planet using simple crafts and recyclables from home  (could use clay or paper mache). And finally, create a travel brochure encouraging others to visit your planet. (Class sessions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13).

Part Four: Present drawings, models, and travel brochures to the class or teacher. (Class session 14).