Everytime I think about the best learning experiences that have happened within the four walls of my classroom, or within a hands-on experience at the school, there is always something they have in common. They are real. Those moments when kids are thinking, digging deeping, reaching new levels of thinking. You listen as you watch them climb ladders of thought on each others questions. You ask questions you don’t know the answers to and you willingly learn from your kids. It’s the best kind of learning. The real learning. And Project Based Learning? It gets us there, in an authentic way with meaningful connections.
I’ve written about PBL, or project-based learning, plenty of times. PBL involves “learning experiences framed around answering questions, addressing challenges, or solving problems.” PBL engages students, actively involving them to solve problems through research and critical thinking, just like real scientists. Project-Based Learning STEAM education is especially important for developing an understanding and aptitude for STEAM topics, knowledge that lasts beyond the test.
It’s like that old Chinese proverb,
Tell me, I’ll forget
Show me, I’ll remember
Involve me, I’ll understand
This month’s #STEMchat sponsor, IT’S ABOUT TIME® does more than rely on ancient wisdom; it relies on current scientific research and standards. Founded in 1996, It’s About Time (IAT) is the leading provider of NSF-backed, project-based STEM curricula and edtech for K-12 and college students across the country.
Join in Thursday night, 11/13 from 9-10 EST to talk PBL in STEM Education
Recent NSF research based on IAT’s Project-Based Inquiry Science (PBIS) indicates that PBL levels the playing field for minorities and low-income students, both groups that are under-represented in STEM careers. After one year, students showed improved overall test scores and engagement. This research made a big splash because it was the first of its kind. Read more about the promise of Project-Based Learning to close gaps in science Education on KQED’s Mind/Shift blog.
In the Beginning…
Looking for background? Read about Janet Kolodner, one of the early architects of project-based curricula. She’s an awesome STEM Girl, a cognitive scientist and a mom, who discusses why she created PBIS. (Hint: it had to do with her kids’ lack of enthusiasm about science at school.) Her research became the basis for PBL.
And on November 13, 2014…
Were thrilled to partner with a leader in Project Based and STEM Learning for what promises to be a great discussion!
Join #STEMChat to explore Project-Based Learning and share your top tips and resources for PBL and I’ll be sharing along with these fantastic panelists I’m honored to be included with!
Meet the #STEMchat Panelists
- @JanelleWilson, Janelle Wilson, is passionate about STEM, space, learning, and making all of which she shares with her chemistry and engineering students at Lanier High School in Sugar Hill, GA in a PBL-focused STEM-certified program. Read more about her at Stretching Forward.
- @BetaMiller, Andrew Miller, is an educational consultant with ASCD and the Buck Institute for Education as well as a regular blogger for Edutopia.
- @SaraFHawkins, Sara Hawkins, is an attorney, robotics coach, and mom to a STEM Girl. She blogs at Saving for Someday.
- @LaurieEDU, Laurie Kreindler, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of IT’S ABOUT TIME®. You can read her writings at Education Insider™.
- @ItsAboutTimeEDU, IT’S ABOUT TIME®, is the leading provider of SF-backed, project-based STEM curricula and edtech for K-12 and college students across the country.
- @KimMoldofsky, also known as The Maker Mom and founder of #STEMchat. You can also follow me at @STEMchat, which is my default account if I land in Twitter “jail.”