It turns out that I have a condition. I, Kate Weber, am a PBL junkie. I am finding it impossible to stop seeing and thinking about authentic, real-world and engaging tasks everywhere I go. Here is the story of why I started a PBL project at the end of May..... There were hints. Everywhere. A small light bulb idea here and there. A comment from a student - "Mrs. Weber, I really wish we could do another project like that BUX market one...". An interaction with a local artist. Another conversation with a colleague about science and biodiversity. It was all piecing itself together and I couldn't ignore it any longer. Whilst sitting beside one of my BUX market collaborators at lunch time, I spilled my thoughts on the rough idea about a project I had mulling in my brain. It went something like this "So, I have this project idea. Environmental action on issues facing Canadians today? What do you think? Got anything that could pair with that?". She looked at me, wide eyed (and I think it was in slow motion, just like in the movies...) and said "ART. IS. THE. ANSWER". I had no idea what she was talking about, but I nodded anyways. We dove headfirst into the nitty-gritty of what her project in art class was and what my topic in Social 9 was. The pieces began to fit snuggly together. After making a project map for the BUX market, I felt way more confident to create one for this project. I could see the project better this time. That seems strange to say, but I could truly envision what it could look like from start to finish. I can remember going home that night and gushing to anyone who would listen (mostly, my husband) about how AWESOME this project was going to be. I love that these projects get my creative juices flowing and embarking on an art focused project was intimidating for me (as I do not consider myself particularly gifted in the art department), but it inspired me to think differently about my own abilities and take some risks with the students doing the project as well. Within a few days, we had the project ready to roll out. I am thankful I have such great colleagues to work with and that I was not turned away because it was 'too much' to take on at the end of May. Silent shout out to all my collaborators! Here are some of the details of the project: Cross-curricular - Social 9, Art CTS jr. high, ELA 9 & Science 9 elements. Time: Approximately 4.5 weeks (60 minute blocks X ~ 2 blocks a day = 120 minutes/day) Final Presentation: Pop Up Art Show Expert Involvement: Fine Arts instructor(s) from the community as well as many patrons of the arts Main Idea: If art is the answer, what is the question? Other ideas: What environmental issues facing Canadians do you have questions about? How do you research valid and reliable information? What is visual art? How does visual art engage the public in issues and topics (past and present - Berlin Wall, Banksy street art, etc.) What role/responsability do we as citizens have to become involved with these environmental issues? What role/responsability does government have in solving these issues to help maintain quality of life for Canadians?
Final Projects: Pop Up Art Show
Inspiring. Innovative. Dynamic. That is why I started a project-based learning project at the end of May.
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