Exemplar+Projects

Exemplar Project

The examples below are a signifcant demonstration of what the final product of Challenge-based and Project-based teaching and learning methodology looks like in the classroom. I have found the final student product in these examples to be particularly notable and relevant. These examples of student work serve as models for me and for my students as I continue to shape CBL and PBL in my classroom.

Natural Disasters

Content Standards:
 * Students will be able to identify and observe the impact of various types of natural disasters
 * Students will be able to use digital mutli-media to present research observations
 * Students will be able to relate the occurrence of natural disasters to the prophesies of the early Mayan civilization
 * Students will be able to complete a written narrative of the effects of natural disasters

21st Century Skills: digital technology, creativity, communication, collaboration, probem solving, exploration, publication

Process/Outcome: The completion of a narrative multi-media project derived from the study of the Mayan civilzation and it's prophesies and relationships to the natural disasters and end of the world prophesies in the year 2010.

A good alternative to traditional test preparation activities because: This project requires the use of key 21st century skills while encompassing significant content standard driven criteria. In order for students to create the final project they must:
 * develop an understanding of the Mayan culture and it's prophetic predictions
 * understand and be able to write and reflect upon the impact of natural disasters and how they relate to the end of early civilizations such as the Maya
 * demonstrate the ability to organize significant content material in a meaningful and influential way
 * use a variety of tools to design and implement a collaborative multi-media presentation
 * communicate historical and current ideas in a team setting in order to establish important elements to be included in the final project
 * problem solve through a team developed process


 * A Hero In My Eyes **

Content Standards:
 * Students will be able to identify the characteristics of what it means to be a hero through the study of "hero" figures in history
 * Students will be able to write a narrative essay describing a hero in their life
 * Students will be able to use digital photography to represent the hero in their life
 * Students will be able to publish and produce a pictoral and written narrative of the hero they have chosen

21st Century Skills: exploration, communication, creativity, problem solving, digital technology

Process/Outcome: The completion of an artistic representation of a "Hero In My Eyes" utlizing digital photography, narrative writing, and publishin techniques.

A good alternative to traditional test preparation activities because: This project requires the use of key 21st century skills while encompassing significant content standard driven criteria. In order for students to create the final project they must:
 * develop an understanding of what a hero is based upon personal observation of hero characteristics as well as historical observation and exploration of heros in our history and today
 * demonstrate the ability to write and produce a narrative piece describing an important hero in their lives
 * use digital photography and publication technology
 * communicate key ideas in a concise and effective way so as to capture the true spirit of their hero

Bio-Diversity on the Bay

Content Standards:
 * Students will be able to identify and describe the components of bio-diversity in a local ecosystem
 * Students will be able to explore, dissect and understand and describe the species in a local ecosystem and the importance of their inter-dependancy in order to maintain balance in that ecosystem
 * Students will be able to journal and reflect on their understanding through scientific writings
 * Students will be able to use digital technology to report their findings
 * Students will be able to collaborate in a field based learning experience and effectively utilize essential problem solving techniques.

21st Century Skills: exploration, communication, collaboration, creativity, problem solving, digital technology

Process/Outcome: The completion of a video broadcast demonstrating the relationships and importance of bio-diversity in a local ecosystem.

A good alternative to traditional test preparation activities because: This project requires the use of key 21st century skills while encompassing significant content standard driven criteria. In order for students to create the final project they must:
 * study and explore the specfic characteristics of a local ecosystem and the species that inhabit that ecosystem
 * explore the effects of human impact on an ecosystem
 * explore and communicate the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem and the impact that it has on animal species, the environement, and natural resources
 * effectively utilize a variety of mult-media tools and incorporate them effectively in a broadcast presentation on bio-diversity
 * effectively utlize a variety of writing forms to develop observation reports, charts, journal entries, and scientific data entries
 * problem solve and work collaboratively with a group of peers to reach a defined goal