This project aligns to our second grade standards in reading, writing, technology, speaking and listening. It can also hit standards associated with science and/or social studies depending on the topic for the project. This year, was focused on people who made a difference in the (space) world, which is a major social studies focus for our second graders.Design & Plan
While the parameters of the project this year were stricter than normal, in that we had a specific space focus, a tight deadline and a very specific end date, the students were still a part of the designing and planning for this project. They decided on the backdrops, made plans as to who was in charge of what display pieces, decided on what the rules of the museum would be…
Scaffold Student Learning, Manage Activities, and Engage & Coach
These teaching practices allow teachers to be more of a “guide on the side” rather than the “sage on the stage”. The teachers role in any PBL project is to organize tasks and schedules, help students meet deadlines and find or create resources that will enable students to accomplish their work. Teachers also help by scaffolding learning opportunities depending on an individual’s needs. Some of the scaffolding in this project was teaching students how to access google drive folders and helping some students to highlight important ideas in a very large document that was otherwise too unwieldy for them to read.
Teachers also play an important role model in learning and creating alongside the students. They are also always on the lookout for opportunities to identify and support skill-building, redirections and encouragement.
Assess Student Learning
Throughout the entire project, teachers are using formative and summative assessments to gauge student knowledge of content area and success skills. Self and peer assessments also take place as students solicit and give feedback on their work and identify things in which to change or strengthen.
Build the Culture
Projects such as the wax museum offer such rich opportunities for growth mindset. It allows time for students to meet standing expectations, such as that of attention to quality, trying your best and learning from your mistakes. The open-ended inquiry leads to student independence and growth. It encourages a spirit of togetherness and camaraderie since we are all in this together.
