Introduction/Overview:
The units presented in this website are intended to be flexible and should be
fashioned in any way the individual instructor sees fit. This is one of the many
strengths of project based science education. The individual projects presented
in this site contain suggestions on project requirements as well as methods of
assessment.
Click to see the videos of the projects in action
Water Rocket, Mouse trap Car, Egg Drop
Getting Started
One of the most difficult aspects of trying any new lesson or teaching
approach is figuring out where to begin. If a teacher has never attempted to use
projects in the science classroom it may initially seem intimidating. However,
these projects place the learning in the students' hands, thus generating both
interest and excitement.
There are a number of ways to begin each project. One method is to introduce
students to the concepts that the project pertains to and use the project as a
way for the students to further investigate and experience these concepts in a
hands on manner. A second method is to use the projects as a way to give the
students a frame of reference before discussing the underlying principles behind
the devices. In both approaches the students are experiencing the science as
they research, design, build, and test their devices.
It is highly recommended to spend one day introducing the project requirements.
During this day of instruction it is necessary to clearly outline the goals of
the project and the method of assessment that will be used. The project should
always contain a performance grade. The criteria for meeting this performance
grade should be clearly outlined. It is helpful to show students an example of
the project. Many of the projects contain directions for building simple models.
This helps the students to begin generating ideas of their own. Once a project
has been completed, sharing success and failures to subsequent classes often
challenges them to exceed designs from previous years.
Student Hints and Tips Created and Edited by Students in class.
Water Rocket, Mouse Trap Car, Egg Drop
The lessons and
projects are based on activities developed by
