Closing the Gap:  Schools that Work
but now I think....
   that I am responsible for guiding them
while they take ownership for their own
learning.
I used to think.......
    that I was completely responsible for my students' learning.
is not about covering more content but more
about 
deepening
the quality
of analysis
Rigor
Rigor is about the pursuit of inquiry, which results from hands-on learning and having to show what you  know.
This is accomplished through interdisciplanary projects better known as project based learning.
Wagner recognizes 7 Survival Skills for the 21st Century
1. Critical thinking and problem solving
2. Collaboration across networks and leading by influence
3. Agility and adaptability
4. Initiative and entrepreneurship
5. Effective oral and written communication
6. Assessing and analyzing information
7. Curiosity and imagination
What is 
               PBL?
PBL is a set of learning experiences and tasks that guide students in inquiry answering a central question, solving a problem, or meeting a challenge.
PBL is not a string of activities tied together under a theme or concept.
With PBL, there has to be a
guiding question.
Assessment
This is open-ended, challenging, and is linked to the
core of what is to be learned.  It clearly states the purpose of a project and since it is in the form of a question, it leads students to an inquiry process.
The driving question can be ........
abstract- When is war justified?
concrete- Is our water safe to drink?
problem-solving- How can we improve traffic flow around our school?
design challenge- How can we design a community theater that meets the size limits and seats the most people?
I used.....rubrics, problem-solving guide, reflection journals, reflection essay, peer and self evaluations, and small/whole group discussions.
On a Mission....
with space missions and rockets
Role of Teacher
constructivist philosophy
create positive learning culture
incorporate standards
develop, model, and nurture curiosity (manager of the inquiry process)
to be flexible
model the willingness to be a learner 
assessor of learning
Role of Students
collaborators
self-managers
conductors of research
decision-makers
problem-solvers
peer/self evaluators
innovators
Know Your Role
Begin With the End in Mind
?
Activate Prior Knowledge
b
brainstorm
Driving Question
What I know...
What I want to learn...
Problem finding
in order to problem solve....
The students had to list potential problems with their topic and write a problem statement.  Then they had to hypothesize  possible solutions. With the driving question in mind, they had to come up with some questions to help guide their research as they searched for answers. Then they had to come up with a solution and weigh the pros and cons and
make a decision about whether or not the solution was worth the risk.
Creating the End Product Using Construction, Media
and Presentations:

The students had to create a model or drawing of the end product.  They had to label the parts that they had designed/redesigned. Then they had to write a detailed explanation of what they had designed or created and how it is better than what already exists.  They also had to answer the question of how the world will benefit from what they had discovered/created.
iMovie
Slideshare
Glog
Prezi
What would it take for a successful manned-mission to Mars?
How do the conditions of space affect human health?
How can we live on Mars?
What kind of technology could NASA use to increase the chances of man walking on Mars?
How can NASA fortify rockets to accomplish greater space missions?
With advanced technology, how can we design a more efficient space shuttle?
With advanced technology, how can we design a more efficient space shuttle?
How can NASA fortify rockets to accomplish greater space missions?
How can we live on Mars?
With advanced technology, how can we design a more efficient space shuttle?
With advanced technology, how can we design a more efficient space shuttle?
Included in the technology presentation:

Guiding question Problem statementThe most important research that helped them find a solution to their problem The pros and cons of the solution (at least 3 each)Final solution to the problem Add at least 2 photos/drawings to support their research; Decide how to incorporate the model/drawing that was created as the end product and include the detailed explanation about it.
trefz.blogspot.com
trefzenglish.blogspot.com