Teaching with projects?

Question

I am a middle school severe ebd teacher. The levels of my students are about 10-12 years old. I want to start teaching through the back door. By "the back door" I mean I want to start teaching using projects. For example, do cooking because it teaches math, design a house and build it (measuring and writing), go to walgreens.com and design a calendar using pictures, turn the classroom into a mini-business, etc. My question is does anyone have any resources for these types of ideas or no where I can find more ideas. The paper and pencil thing just isn't working for my students. Thank you!

Answer 1

I think it's a good idea to get a project plan together instead of what some of the other writers said, leaving it open ended...not good with low motivated students.

cooking is great.

How about art/math: a snowman project can teach fractions. One half the lump of clay is used for the "big" part of the snowman. One fourth the lump of clay is used for the "middle". One eighth the lump of clay is used for the "small" part, etc.

Make a movie where students teach a concept. They write the script and act/demonstrate.

Work on persuasive writing by illustrating and narrating a movie that trys to convince their audience.

If you could have and authentic audience ( ie post movies on website) it would increase their level of motivation.

Write a rap song about a curricular topic.

Sounds like your kids will have fun.....go for it!

Answer 2

You'll want to look for resources that talk about inquiry-based education. For some theory and history, check out what John Dewey did at his Laboratory School at the turn of the 20th century. You might also be interested in the history of the Gary Schools. Basic info on both of those schools can be found on Wikipedia. Look into Reggio-Emilia education as well.

For activities and lesson plans, look in your local Education Library (probably on a university campus or in the office building of the local school board or teacher's association). I'll link to some on Amazon, you can check them out yourself. Basically, just start with a question and work from there. The last link is a really comprehensive website of successful project-based units used in schools.

Answer 3

I think you should ask your students on what they like to do for a project. If you choose a project for them, then they will not do it because the project is not what they want to do.
I am in high school and I know that most of the project our teacher give us, we don't even like to do but do the project for a good grade.

Answer 4

How about for history having them create a short play about their favorite historical character? Or having them create a poster about the time period? You could have them find a local historical site and write a "tour guide" for the site including valid historical information.

For English, you could do "make a movie of your life" and have them include a script, or "write a book about your best memory."

Good luck!

Answer 5

The 5th page could be tips on how to run a business. Have them list at least 10, then draw a picture for 5 of the tips, and give them extra credit if they draw more than 5 of the tips. Or the 5th page could be things to say to the customers. Have it be feasible to many topics rather than just one.

Answer 6

You don't need any websites .. just ask here .. do some polls .. ask teenagers .. don't ask any teachers .. they will tell u the same old boring ways .. ask these fresh teenagers with their child's eye .. ask them if u were to teach them.. how would u want it to be .. just let them use their imagination .. and tell you what they would prefer .. and do it ....

Trust me .. it would work