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Using Project Based Learning to Teach Social Studies in the Fifth Grade Classroom

Proposed by the Integrators: Jessica Clark, Jessica Hewell , Joy Renfro, Barry Thibault , Herb Washington, and Debbie Wetherholt. Using Project Based Learning to Teach Social Studies in the Fifth Grade Classroom. Target School: Calhoun Elementary. Need.

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Using Project Based Learning to Teach Social Studies in the Fifth Grade Classroom

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  1. Proposed by the Integrators: Jessica Clark, Jessica Hewell, Joy Renfro, Barry Thibault, Herb Washington, and Debbie Wetherholt Using Project Based Learning to Teach Social Studies in the Fifth Grade Classroom

  2. Target School: Calhoun Elementary

  3. Need • The 2009-2010 School Improvement Plan for Calhoun Elementary School includes goals for improving student achievement in both social studies and writing • System-wide focus on improving student engagement • Project Based Learning has been shown to increase student motivation (McGrath 2004) • Project Based Learning is intended to integrate skills and content areas (Fisher and Frey 2007) • Project-based learning “can engage children from diverse cultural backgrounds because children can choose topics that are related to their own experiences , as well as allow them to use cultural or individual learning styles.” (Railsback 2002)

  4. Description • Adopt Project Based Learning in 5th grade social studies classrooms • Students will learn about history from different perspectives • Students will develop writing skills • Technology such as Microsoft Office, Voice Thread, Comic Life, and Movie Maker will be used

  5. Audience • PBL will be used in fifth grade social studies classrooms • Some technology training may be required • Writing and Social Studies are target areas for the School Improvement Plan at CES, so teachers are already searching for ways to improve student achievement in these areas

  6. Goals • Help students develop a more in depth understanding of history according to the Georgia Performance Standards • Develop writing skills • Improve student engagement • Improve scores on standardized tests

  7. Time Table • Planning/Training: November-December 2009 • Implementation: January-April 2010 • Evaluation: May 2010

  8. Instructional Activities • Jessica C. – Can You Hear Me? Creating voice in writing • Jessica H. – The Civil War from the perspective of a soldier • Barry – Scrapbooks and Monologues from Immigrants Coming to America • Herb – The War on Terror from the perspective of an Iraqi citizen • Debbie – A Nation Divided: Perspectives from the Civil War

  9. Expenses and Existing Resources • Expenses • Comic Life Software • Microphones • Additional computers • Existing Resources • Microsoft Office • Movie Maker • Activboard and Laptop • Two desktop computers

  10. Potential Challenges, Issues, and Concerns • Lack of student access to computers • Technology issues • Access to websites • Age of desktop computers • Unpredictability

  11. Unanticipated Benefits or Rewards to Stakeholders • Students may continue to use Web 2.0 tools on their own • Development of writing skills can be far reaching • Other teachers may begin using project based learning

  12. Conclusion • Project Based Learning helps motivate and increase student engagement • Students develop higher order thinking skills • Improved technological awareness • Improved performance on standardized tests

  13. References • Barron, B., Schwartz, D., Vye, N., Moore, A., Petrosino, A., Zech, L., et al. (1998). Doing with Understanding: Lessons From Research on Problem- and Project-Based Learning. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 7271-311. http://search.ebscohost.com • Chen, P. & McGrath, D. “Visualize, Visualize, Visualize: Designing Projects for Higher- Order Thinking.” Learning and Leading with Technology. International Society for Technology in Education 32.4 (2004): 54-57. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. • Diffily, D. “Real-World Reading and Writing through Project-Based Learning.” ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, May 2001. ERIC. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. • Fisher, D. & Frey, N. “Using Projects and Performances to Check for Understanding.” Checking for Understanding. ASCD (2007): n. pag. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. • McGrath, D. “Equity Revisited: PBL and the Digital Divide.” Learning and Leading with Technology. International Society for Technology in Education 32.2 (2004): 36-39. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. • Railsback, J. “Project-Based Instruction: Creating Excitement for Learning.” Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Aug. 2002. ERIC. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. • Smith, L. “Project Based Learning Tops Traditional Instruction.” Asiasociety.org. Asia Society, 4 Aug. 2009. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. • Watson, S. “Gifted in the Regular Classroom?.” About.com. About.com: Special Education, n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. • “Why Teach with Project Learning?: Providing Students with a Well-Rounded Classroom Experience.” Edutopia.com. Edutopia, 28 Feb. 2008. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. • Wolk, S. (1994). Project-Based Learning: Pursuits with a Purpose. Educational Leadership, 52(3), 42-45. http://search.ebscohost.com

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