Project Based Learning: Learning

About Different Countries

Submitted by: Katherine Raagas

What is project based learning?

Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. (BIE, 1) Furthermore, PBL gives students the opportunity to show their strengths and enhance their 21st century skills through this learning process. This provides students to have the opportunity to create a project with options and enjoy this learning experience based on their preferences/interests.

Overview:I will create a project-based learning lesson plan for Grade 3 students about different countries. They will have the opportunity to choose any country that interests them. This project will enhance various 21st century skills and teach them how to research information through technology tools. I would like to focus on this topic to help them gain knowledge about different cultures, places, food and etc.. Furthermore, I would like promote the significance of diversity, equality and be open minded about different ideas/ perspectives of each individual in the classroom. Therefore, I created a lesson plan where students have to research, create a scrapbook then present to the class of the country they have chosen.

Why learn about different countries? How is it SMART?

Specific: This lesson will allow student to choose one specific country they would like to research and present to the class.Measurable: I will give my students 4 weeks to complete this project with my guidance.Achievable: This project can be completed by grade 3 students because it enhances their cognitive development and creativity skills.Realistic: This PBL will allow students to explore and learn about different countries. This lesson will expand their knowledge about the world.Timely: Students will have 4 weeks to create this project and teach them time management and organizational skills.

Materials: Country Worksheet

Internet Access

iPad, Laptops or Computers

Blank Scrapbook

Art materials ( Papers, scissors, markers, pencils and etc..)

** Example of a worksheet I will provide for my students for as a guide for this project. (For example, a student wants to focus on France.)

Lesson PlanWeek 1: Choose a country and research facts. Week 2: Provide them guide questions/worksheets to brainstorm facts and ideas about the country they chose.Week 3: Put information and design their scrapbook. Week 4: Present to the class and collaborate with classmates.

Week 1 and 2Week 1: Choose a country and research facts.

- Students will research about different countries that interests them using technology tools and share their ideas/knowledge to their teachers and classmates. It will give them the opportunity to choose a specific country they would like to explore or go to one day. I will provide them a links that can help them explore different countries (Ex. http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/countries.html )

Week 2: Provide them guide questions to brainstorm facts and ideas about the country they chose.

- I will provide them a worksheet for them to fill in facts about their chosen country. For example, research about the flag, location, food, holidays, costumes and etc..

Week 3 and 4Week 3: Put information and design their scrapbook.

- I will give my students the opportunity to show their creativity and organizational skills. It’s important that student will be given the opportunity to design their scrapbook and show their interest about the country, which will reflect their effort and creativity.

Week 4: Present to the class and collaborate with classmates.

- The final week for this PBL, I will give them the time to practice and share their thoughts about their classmates work to revise and improve. This week will give them the opportunity to revise or add ideas to their project and also ask for my guidance.

What 21st century skills will they learn?

Learning and innovation skills:

- Creativity-- Gives them the opportunity to make their project appealing and informative

- Critical thinking and problem solving-- Research using technology tools to find facts about the country they chose.

- Collaboration and communication–- Gives students the opportunity to discuss their project to their teachers and classmates.

- Leadership and Responsibility–- It teaches students to become independent learners and build confidence by enhancing their skills. Also know the significance of time management and efficient work.

What 21st century skills will they learn?

Life and Career Skills:- Flexibility and Adaptability– It teaches them to work inside and

outside of the classroom. - Initiative and self direction- It gives them the opportunity to present

their project and think of ideas to receive a good mark.- Social and Cross-Cultural Skills- Know the significance of diversity

and give them an open mind about different cultures and to travel to different places.

- Productivity and Accountability- This PBL motivates students to do work independently.

ConclusionThis project- based learning lesson plan is a great way for students explore and learn about different countries. Furthermore, this learning experience will benefit them in the future and increase their knowledge and awareness about the world. Their information in their country scrapbook about a specific country can be useful materials in the classroom. Knowing the significance of diversity and facts about different countries will make learning a fun experience.

References:BIE. "What Is Project Based Learning (PBL)?" What Is PBL? Buck Institute for Education, n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2016.

Tails from D4. "Grades 2-3: Informational Report with Foldable: Country Study-France." Grades 2-3: Informational Report with Foldable: Country Study-France. Syllabuy, n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2016.

Administrator. "Framework for 21st Century Learning - P21." Framework for 21st Century Learning - P21. P21, n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2016.

"Fun Country Facts for Kids - Interesting Trivia & Information." Fun Country Facts for Kids - Interesting Trivia & Information. Science Kids, n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2016.