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What is Project Based Learning?

 

Project Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.

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In Project Based Learning, learning comes alive for students. Children work on a project over an extended period of time, from 1 week to up to 6 weeks, depending on the area they have chosen to explore. These projects engage them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. To demonstrate their knowledge and skills, children create a product for a real audience.

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As a result of PBL, children  develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Project Based Learning unleashes a contagious, creative energy which is wonderful to see.

Projects we have been working on this this year

From learning the fundamentals of gardening and how to make our own produce to conducting thrilling and unpredictable experiments we have had so much fun in our afternoon projects!

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From Seed to Table

 A gardening project resulting in a farmers market. 

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Sports and Nutrition

 Sports and Nutrition : Learning about how to take care of our bodies , inside and out. Ending with a sponsored run for charity. 

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Chemistry in the Kitchen

Chemistry in the Kitchen : Exploring the basic concepts of chemistry and experimenting with everyday ingredients with exciting and unpredictable results.
 

The advantages of PBL

​Meaningful Collaboration
As children discover ways to work within a group, it instills so many of the interpersonal values and skills they (and our future communities) need. Students learn to value the work and contributions of others, share responsibilities, and compromise.

​Deeper Engagement
This is one of the most beautiful byproducts of this approach. Children learn more because they want to learn more. They become the driving force for their own learning as they discover their voice matters and their learning has relevance and purpose.

Communication Development
A presentation to the class or group at the end of a project-based learning exercise is just one of the ways that children are offered the opportunity to practice and grow in their writing, public speaking, and effective communication. ​

Creativity
The difference in creative ideation and design is remarkable with project-based learning.  We provide support and scaffolding, but the children  take charge of the project. The choices of what to use and how to present materials are left up to them.

​Cross-Discipline by Design
Project-based learning combines ideas and skills from different disciplines.  Content is not taught in isolation; children engage in experiences that help them explore how a variety of disciplines work together, similar to how “learning” happens in the real world.​

Perseverance
Project-based learning is an opportunity for children to critique and revise their approach when they encounter obstacles. As they continue to actively explore a real-world problem, they acquire a deeper knowledge that requires further inquiry — they have to keep going.

It’s Fun!
No one said learning needs to be boring, but that’s what many traditional models can be for children. Project-based learning creates a personal connection between the students and the material that makes the learning process purposeful, relevant, and significantly more meaningful!

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