Contents
Foreword by Suzie Boss
INTRODUCTION
Project Based Learning, the Common Core, and the 4Cs
Experts weigh in
The Relationship Between PBL and Teaching Writing
How to Create Your Own PBL Unit Focusing on ELA and/or History
How This Book Is Different From Other PBL Books
PART I: PBL UNITS
CHAPTER 1: THE SUPERHERO UNIT: A unit based on superhero science, science-fiction narratives, and advocacy writing, culminating in an issues-based presentation to the "United Nations"
Facts
Overview
Step-by-Step Lessons
ELA 1st Quarter Checklist -- Narrative
ELA 2nd Quarter Checklist -- Advocacy
Student Exemplars
CHAPTER 2: THE LIVING MUSEUM UNIT: A unit based on role-play, historical perspectives, and informational writing culminating in a student-created living museum
Facts
Overview
Step-by-Step Lessons
Student Exemplars
CHAPTER 3: THE MOVIE CRITIC UNIT: A unit based on literary analysis, biography, and film appreciation culminating in a persuasive argument and student-taught lesson
Facts
Overview
Step-by-Step Lessons
Student Exemplars
CHAPTER 4: THE CAREER QUEST UNIT: A unit based on persuasive cover letters, developing resumes, interview skills, culminating in a school-wide Career Day event
Facts
Overview
Step-by-Step Lessons
Student Exemplars
CHAPTER 5: THE GRIT AND MOTIVATION UNIT: A unit based on vital academic life skills and persuasive letter writing
Facts
Overview
Step-by-Step Lessons
Student Exemplars
CHAPTER 6: THE TEACH THEM TO BE TEACHERS UNIT: A unit based on the highest level of communication of all…the ability to teach
Facts
Overview
Step-by-Step Lessons
Student Exemplars
PART II: MIX AND MATCH LESSONS
Bulwur-Lytton Contest Assignment
Hooks for Essays or How to Get a Reader’s Attention
Narrative Outline
Character Traits Chart
Google Advanced Search
6 Steps of Being an Internet Detective
How to Write a Newspaper Article
The Problem Statement
Writing with Numeracy Lesson
Collaboration Constitution Assignment
Online Ethics and Copyright Activity
Understanding Infographics Lesson
Executive Summary Outline
Norms for Backchanneling and using Twitter
Internet Literacy: Verifying the Evidence Lesson
Cornell Notes
Literary Analysis Outline
Oral Presentation Rubric
Cover Letter Outline
How to Conduct an Interview
QRF format
Oral Conference Feedback Sheet
Norms for Video Conferencing
Developing a Student-Created Assessment
How to Annotate Text
Visual Presentation (PowerPoint) Guidelines
Advocacy/Argument Outline
REFERENCES
Biography
Heather Wolpert-Gawron is an award-winning middle school teacher and a popular blogger through Tweenteacher.com and Edutopia.org. She has authored two other books with Routledge Eye On Education.
"With her DIY Project Based Learning books, Heather opens up her extensive toolkit and invites fellow teachers to take a look—and borrow liberally. It’s a generous move by a teacher who has worked hard to develop her own, deep understanding of PBL and to design projects that resonate with students."--From the Foreword by Suzie Boss, Education Consultant and National Faculty Member for the Buck Institute for Education, Portland, Oregon
"When I think of exemplary student-centered teaching, Heather Wolpert-Gawron stands out as a master teacher. In this book, she uniquely and powerfully shares insightful examples and sample units to help others move from inspiration to application. Highly recommended!"
--Cindy Johanson, Executive Director of Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation
"This book is worth your time. Heather Wolpert-Gawron’s conversational writing style and step-by-step guidance take you on a magical journey, energize you, and fill your head with new possibilities. These innovative teaching units, mix-and-match lessons, and ready-to-use tools provide a rich array of material to bring your classroom to life. Heather is a truly talented curriculum designer with a gift for inspiring and connecting with her readers."
--Anne Jolly, PLC Consultant with Learning Forward and author of STEM by Design (Routledge, 2016)
