Problem+Based+Learning

=== Problem based learning (PBL) is an extremely effective teaching tool that can be used to engage students in content while learning problem-solving skills. The purpose of this series of assignments is to help you practice developing effective problem based learning activities for your classroom. ===

==Problem Based Learning Part 1: ==

As an introduction to Problem Based Learning, as well as the overall structure of a web quest, please go to What is Problem Based Learning? and complete the activity described. When you are done, you should be able to ...

1. Describe the characteristics of a Problem Based Learning lesson. 2. Describe the purpose and structure of a web quest. 3. Analyze different web quests to determine if they are true PBL lessons or not.

[|PBL Analysis Form.docx]











Problem Based Learning Part 2:
=== For this assignment, you are to design your own Problem Based Learning activity and publish it in the form of a web quest. You should post the link to your web quest, along with a description of the activity and the concepts covered, under the student work section below.===

=== The rubric being used to assess this assignment is has two parts. The first part counts towards your course grade; the second part is being used by your instructor to assess how well your PBL lesson meets NCATE standards. ===

Web Quest Templates:
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Web Quest Links:

Alyssa Imig- Students will work in groups to become experts on a specific pathogen that has infected one of their ailing classmates. As a group, they will decide on a plan of action to make their pathogen "popular." http://missimigbiology.wikispaces.com/

Megan Butler - This PBL requires students to diagnose a patient on a specific disease and implement a care plan for his proceeding lifestyle. The students will work in groups of three in the roles of a researcher, a nutritionist, and a geneticist to create this care plan. http://problembasedlearningmedicaldiagnosis.wikispaces.com/

Jackie Lotzer- In this problem based learning activity students are to work in groups to come up with a plan on how to fix/prevent deforestation. Individually they will assume roles to collect information on their area of specialty and report back to their group. http://deforestationwebquest.wikispaces.com/

Heather Bartos: Terribly Toxic Trash Webquest. In this webquest, students explore the health and environmental hazardous associated with landfills. Working in groups of four, students work together to research and design a landfill environmental management plan for a town containing an "at risk" landfill. http://terribly-toxic-trash-webquest.wikispaces.com/

Sarah Verdun: Wind Energy: A Bunch of Hot Air? - Through this activity, students work in groups to explore this issues around wind energy. The project presents students with the challenge of advising national leaders on the expansion of wind farms in the rural Midwest. Students adopt roles as experts in various fields of science and the project culminates with a group presentation of their recommendation and rationale. http://svbsc307webquest.wikispaces.com/

Scott Birns: Land Before Time Webquest: In this webquest, students are assigned the responsibility of creating a dinosaur theme park based on the research that they will do. Students will learn about the various biomes of the world, prehistoric plants and animals, past climates, and will also learn about food chains. By working as a team the students will practice their teamwork skills. http://birnspbl.wikispaces.com/

Samantha Porn: Endangered Species Webquest: In this webquest teams must figure out why their species is listed as endangered, either geographically specific to that National Park or other places around the world. Then they must create a recovery plan for their endangered species. The plan must be in a creative format, i.e. Powerpoint, poster, Prezi, etc. Each team will consist of a botanist, a marine biologist, a park ranger, & a geographer. These student roles will help the teams create their recovery plan and understand what their scientific jobs entail, all while acquiring useful skills in a classroom setting. http://heretoday-gonetomorrow.wikispaces.com/

Yazmin Torres: Building a Dream Business. How does science play a role in construction? The students will take their roles as either a geologist, biologist, physicist, and chemist to decide how and where to construct a new business. Students will work as a team and wil present their findings as a group presentation. http://dreambusiness.wikispaces.com/

Lynn Kotte www.zunal.com/webquest.php?w=149771