As I think about starting my project, I have a few things I want to keep in mind.
1. I want to make sure that my project is 100% ready to use as a part of my science pacing for this year. Since I am in charge of the science lesson plans for my 5th grade level this year, I would like to work on a project that would be able to be used as a seamless part of our science instruction. This means my materials need to be very well organized so other teachers can use them easily. This should be a given anyways, as organization and ease of use is a part of the grading for this activity. Also, I want to make sure it fits with the content used in November/December, which would mean an activity dealing with the Earth's destructive and constructive forces. I plan to start looking for resources and materials to use with the students, and how I can use those to create an exciting project-based learning activity for my students.
2. Work smarter, not harder. I am also hoping that I will be able to use some of the strategies I am learning in my gifted endorsement program I am taking right now. This will help to engage more of my learners, incorporate several different kinds of questioning, and help to meet some of the lesson planning standards for my gifted class. With all the demands of two graduate level courses, working full-time, and taking a gifted endorsement course at the same time, I am definitely trying to integrate several strategies and activities at once to create a better product that will improve my teaching practice.
3. Time management. Part of the struggle of an online course while working and juggling what seems like a thousand tasks a week, is making sure that I manage my time carefully. In the case of this project, that means keeping my calendar organized and well-filled, as well as breaking apart large assignments into smaller tasks to keep myself from procrastinating. Here's to hoping all these good intentions will help me keep on top of the project!
I think it is great that you will be able to use this project as part of your actual Science instruction and that it will benefit not only you, but the other teachers in 5th grade as well. I also think Science is a great subject for PBL's. I like the idea of working smarter, not harder as well. Often, I get caught up in trying to do a lot in order to feel the work is great rather than finding the smartest way to accomplish the task.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea regarding organization and breaking assignments down into smaller tasks. I think it is easy to get caught up in everything we have going on and put things off until the last minute. Looking forward to seeing your final project!
I’m looking forward to seeing your project for Earth’s destructive and constructive forces for your 5th grade class. I enjoyed the 5th grade curriculum for Science and Social Studies, and can see how PBL can fit easily into these curriculums. With all of the rain we’ve gotten in Georgia as well as the flooding that’s happening in South Carolina, you could find some real world examples of some destructive forces such as erosion. This could be a way to tie in real world relevance and situations to your Integration Project.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a good idea in your “work smarter not harder” section to tie in what you’re learning in your gifted endorsement class to this Integration Project. Having taken that course myself, I can see ways to integrate ideas for gifted students from that course into this course and project.
I’m looking forward to seeing your project for Earth’s destructive and constructive forces for your 5th grade class. I enjoyed the 5th grade curriculum for Science and Social Studies, and can see how PBL can fit easily into these curriculums. With all of the rain we’ve gotten in Georgia as well as the flooding that’s happening in South Carolina, you could find some real world examples of some destructive forces such as erosion. This could be a way to tie in real world relevance and situations to your Integration Project.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a good idea in your “work smarter not harder” section to tie in what you’re learning in your gifted endorsement class to this Integration Project. Having taken that course myself, I can see ways to integrate ideas for gifted students from that course into this course and project.