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