Using Problem-Based Learning in Math & Science Classrooms Presented by Tracy Trimpe Havana Junior High School Website: http://sciencespot.net/ E-mail: ttrimpe@havana126.net 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. 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 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 don’t 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. 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 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. Student Activities Pre- & Post-Tests – Students take tests before and after the unit to allow us to evaluate their learning during the unit. Butterfly Boot Camp – Students learn how to identify butterflies in our area. Scientific Investigations – Students work together to develop a survey method that will ensure reliable, accurate data. Butterfly Survey – Students visit Chautauqua Refuge to meet the refuge staff and complete a butterfly survey. Most Common Butterflies Number of Butterflies 250 222 150 112 100 50 Data Analysis – Students use Excel to create spreadsheets and graphs to help them analyze their data and identify areas of concern. 179 200 39 56 61 little yellow pearl crescent 61 0 clouded sulfur viceroy monarch dainty sulfur cabbage white Types of Butterflies Final Reports – Students develop a PowerPoint presentation for the refuge manager that summarizes the collected data, outlines their areas of concern, and recommends strategies to increase butterfly species diversity. 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. 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. • IMSA’s 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/educators/start/about_pbl.html – Includes background information on PBL and links to online investigations 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.htm – Includes as assortment of ideas for problem statements for science • PBL Exemplary Projects – Website: http://www.wested.org/pblnet/exemplary_projects.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-csp/mainpgscen.html – Includes a list of sample scenarios for science E-mail me at ttrimpe@havana126.net