Technology Integration with PBL and STEM

       A big push being seeing in classrooms across the country are for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and PBL (Project Based Learning).  No longer are STEM and PBL just relegated to the gifted classes, an after school club, or a fine arts class.  Classroom teachers are integrating these programs into their everyday instruction across all subjects, some by choice and other kicking and screaming. The days of the teacher standing in front of the class as the keeper of all of the information students must master, and then slowly lecturing all of it out are slowly becoming extinct (at least I hope they are). 

A major component of STEM and PBL are that the students take accountability for their learning and presenting the information the best way they see fit.  I see the teacher’s role as more of a coach as they guide and direct the students in the right path.  This can be a difficult transition at first as some teachers think they lose classroom management when they have a gradual release of control to the students during STEM and PBL lessons (I know I did at first).  Also, student choice as to how they present their project is a new avenue some teachers are going down, as no two STEM or PBL student projects will look the same.

There are some great STEM and PBL lessons happening at the school I teach at, Jenkins Elementary in Lawrenceville.  A group of teachers became STEM certified this summer, and are doing some great projects in their rooms.  Also, many teachers are incorporating engaging PBL lessons as well.  Here are a few projects that have just begun:

• Putt Putt Math:  One of our STEM teachers created this awesome project that asks the guiding question, “How can we use our knowledge of angles to make a hole in one in putt putt golf?”  As a kid, I would have been sold on this and hooked immediately.  Math and science are integrated into this lesson as students design and build their own courses, and then use angle reflection to make a hole in one.  Technology is integrated through student research, online discussions using Padlet, and QR codes that are embedded with the path to make a hole in one for each of their holes. 
•  Survival of the Fittest:  The 4^th grade teachers are using a PBL lesson for their content study of Native Americans.  The students are started with the guiding question, “If I were a Native American in early America, how would I survive in my location?”  From there, the students are responsible for learning about the tribes of the Nez Perce, Seminole, Kwakiutl, Hopi, Pawnee, and Inuit.  Some students have chosen to create 3D models of their shelter, while others are using ThingLink to demonstrate their knowledge of the different tribes.
•  Inherited Traits and Genetic Disorders:  This is a project I will be doing with my gifted students, as it’s still a work in progress.  They’ll research different genetic disorders and then work on the guiding question, “How can we help improve the lives of those affected by genetic disorders through by fundraising or other informational outlets?” Technology will be integrated through the use of Skype with a medical professional, online research, and the different products students will create for their fundraising.