Presented by Tracy Trimpe

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Mission Possible
Using Problem-Based Learning in Math Science
Classrooms

• Presented byTracy Trimpe
• Havana Junior High SchoolWebsite
  http//sciencespot.net/
• E-mail ttrimpe_at_havana126.net

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Problem-Based Learning Basics

• Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional
  approach that recognizes two educational outcomes
  as critical to the development of effective
  problem solvers.
• 1st Outcome Acquisition of new knowledge and
  skills.
• 2nd Outcome High quality use of knowledge and
  skills to solve problems.
• The ability to develop new knowledge and use it
  effectively when faced with real-world problems
  is what distinguishes expert problem-solvers from
  novice ones.

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What is problem-based learning?

• Problem is ill-defined, which prompts students
  to ask questions about what is known, what needs
  to be known and how to find out
• Activities are student-centered
• Teacher acts as facilitator or guide
• Focuses on a real world problem
• Designed to target learning standards
• Challenges students to collaborate
• Allows students to develop problem-solving,
  research, and communication skills

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PBL Concerns

• PBL units take too much class time.
• PBL strategies can be incorporated into a single
  lesson or applied for an entire unit.
• Units can vary in length from a few class periods
  to two weeks.
• PBL units are hard to develop or take too much
  time to plan.
• Search Internet resources for ideas.
• Start small and build on your efforts until you
  feel comfortable enough to create an entire unit.
• Students cannot learn the required material on
  their own.
• By designing the individual activities and group
  lessons, you can make sure students explore the
  topics required to master the needed concepts.
• By using ongoing assessment throughout the
  project, you can make sure groups are making
  progress and meeting your expectations.
• Students dont work well independently or in
  groups.
• Students are usually motivated to learn in PBL
  settings, especially when they are able to use
  their strengths and work as a team.

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Pumpkin Problem
Example Lesson
Problem The Pumpkin Company has a large batch
of pumpkin fudge that needs to be shipped to St.
Louis, MO, for a fall festival in October. What
is the best way to ship the fudge to keep costs
at a minimum and ensure that the fudge arrives in
perfect condition?
Student Activities Student Worksheet Students
complete a worksheet exploring the relationship
between speed, distance, and time as well as
mileage. Problem-Solving Students use Internet
resources to research the problem and develop a
solution that addresses issues related to cost
and time of year.
Idea from Brooke Merker, Morton
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Example Unit
Problem Statement The local board of the US Fish
and Wildlife Service wants to increase the
biodiversity of the butterfly populations within
Chautauqua Wildlife Refuge. Your task, as refuge
biologist, is to recommend a strategy to increase
the diversity of the butterfly populations at
this site.
This unit and related resources is available on
my website. Go to the Science Classroom and then
click the icon for Adopt-An-Insect to find the
webpage.
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Student Activities
Scientific Investigations Students work
together to develop a survey method that will
ensure reliable, accurate data.
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PBL Unit Tips

• Develop your problem statement.
• Collaborate with a local business or organization
  to find real-world problems.
• Find a fellow teacher to work with as you develop
  and implement the unit.
• Keep it simple to challenge the students to set
  the parameters of the project.
• Choose your learning standards for the unit and
  then outline the lessons and activities you want
  to incorporate.
• Develop lessons that will provide students
  opportunities to explore the concepts needed to
  target your learning standards.
• Keep the activities focused on the students
  rather than the instructor.
• Develop your assessments.
• Create ongoing assessments quick quizzes,
  checklists, etc. that will allow you to monitor
  student progress throughout the unit.
• Develop your final assessment and/or rubric to
  outline the points an acceptable project should
  include.

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PBL General Resources

• Illinois Math Science Project
• Website http//tdlmathscience.org/
• Includes PBL resources, sample units, and links
  to online resources
• PBL Online
• Website http//www.pbl-online.org/
• Click the link for Designing Your Problem for
  helpful tips to get you started! The site also
  offers lots of other great ideas.
• IMSAs PBL Network PBL Model
• Website http//pbln.imsa.edu/
• Browse the PBL Model pages for ideas to help you
  design a unit.
• NASA SCIfiles
• Website http//scifiles.larc.nasa.gov/text/educat
  ors/start/about_pbl.html
• Includes background information on PBL and links
  to online investigations

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PBL Sample Problems Units

• UD Problem-Based Learning Sample Problems
• Website http//www.udel.edu/pbl/
• Includes several examples for science
• PBL in Biology
• Website http//www.saltspring.com/capewest/pbl.ht
  m
• Includes as assortment of ideas for problem
  statements for science
• PBL Exemplary Projects
• Website http//www.wested.org/pblnet/exemplary_pr
  ojects.html
• Includes a listing of projects for all subjects
  and grade levels
• Problem-Based Learning Scenarios
• Website http//www.usc.edu/hsc/dental/ccmb/usc-cs
  p/mainpgscen.html
• Includes a list of sample scenarios for science

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Questions?
Need help?
Comments?
E-mail me at ttrimpe_at_havana126.net