Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Overview
Project-Based Learning Packs
Introduction
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Forming Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Supporting Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Appendix A:
Standards Referenced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Appendix B:
Additional Suggested Reading . . . . . . . . 7
Appendix C:
Technology Support Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Project-Based Learning
Driving Question Project Outline
Words to Investigate
chemical
communities
coral
food web
pollution
rely
research
technology
temperature
GRADE 2
Instructions: Read the Problem Definition and the Driving Question. Circle words you do not know and write them
in the Words to Investigate box. Highlight words that appear in both your Words to Investigate box and the Words
I Need to Know box. Use surrounding words and sentences, a dictionary, and other strategies to discover the
meanings of words you do not know.
Each pack provides resources focused on two to three content areas, including
language arts, math, science, social studies, or the arts. Students need to understand
key topics within the content areas of the pack in order to answer the Driving
Question, and topics are explicitly stated in each packs Driving Question Project
Outline for students. A core set of resources along with an Anchor Text from Reading
A-Zs Leveled Books collection for each Project-Based Learning Pack saves teachers
time when preparing for a project and helps them focus on differentiating to meet
their students instructional needs.
www.readinga-z.com
Working on projects in groups students learn how to navigate the four Cs of 21st Century learning:
communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.* Students investigate a Driving Question
in small groups of three to four students and present projects to a public audience to show what they
have learned. The Project Based Learning packs provide tools to help students stay on task, work well
as a team, plan their investigations and projects, and reflect on their workall key features of projectbased learning that will prepare students to be college and career ready.
www.readinga-z.com
Project-Based Learning
Overview (continued)
Organization
Build Background
Entry Event
An entry event provides a spark to interest students in the topic
of their investigations, which are structured by a Driving Question
that provides a real-world purpose for projects
Reflection
Students reflect in writing about the project
and/or process; potentially identifying further
topics of inquiry to start the cycle again.
Preteach Vocabulary
Each pack contains vocabulary specific to the content
areas and academic vocabulary of the project to help
students unlock key ideas related to the Driving Question.
Anchor Text
All students experience the same leveled book to
give them a foundation upon which to build their
understanding of the Driving Question.
Investigate
Present
& Assess
Practice Presentation
& Peer Review
Teams practice speaking and listening skills and review the
presentations of their peers to ensure everyone is confident
when presenting in front of a public audience.
Choose a Project
Teams decide on a presentation format from
options suggested in the lesson plan.
Organize Information
Teams organize what they have learned
to create their presentations. They
choose which information to share that
answers the Driving Question.
www.readinga-z.com
Project-Based Learning
Overview (continued)
Resources Provided with Each Pack
Investigation
(by grade range)
Reading and
Activities Chart (by pack)
Project Planning
(by pack)
Anchor Text
Investigation Planner
Teamwork Rubric
34 primary sources
Research Bookmark
34 secondary sources
Pack Rubric
Presentation Rubric
13 activities
Resources in the left two columns of the table above provide support for students in a grade range
(such as grades 23 or grades 45) and are used across all packs within those grades. Resources in the
right two columns are specific to each grade and each pack. The resources listed in the Reading and
Activities Chart found on page 2 of every lesson plan supply texts at a range of complexity for the
grade level. Both grade-range resources and grade-specific resources provide teachers with the tools
they need to help students become experts at working in groups and on grade-appropriate content
at the same time.
Each pack provides multiple text types and experiences with primary and secondary sources. The
Reading and Activities Chart on page 2 of every lesson plan provides a list with summaries of core
student resources that are specific to each pack, including an Anchor Text at a reading level within
the grade-level expectations.
Labels of resources as either primary or secondary vary based on content, area of discipline, and other factors.
Refer to the chart on page 2 of each lesson plan for specific primary and secondary resources in each pack.
The Anchor Text serves as the cornerstone of each pack and should be read aloud by the teacher, used
in guided reading, or be read independently by all students. The project-based nature of the packs,
which includes the goal of empowering students in their own learning, means that students will likely
need resources outside of those featured in the packs to complete their projects.
Additional suggested reading lists (such as those included as Appendix B to this overview) provide
varying levels of key or supplemental information for research into the Driving Question in each pack.
Providing students with a list of available research sources online (especially if your school or district
has access to specific resources that require a paid account) and from the school library is another way
to supplement what students are reading to research the Driving Question.
Research Bookmarks guide students through evaluating their sources to think
critically about what they have read. Three different bookmarks provide questions
to answer who, why, what, how, when, or where and set a purpose for reading and
re-reading a text. Students use the bookmarks when reading closely to determine
who wrote the source and why, what kind of source it is, how it tells or shows
information, and when or where the source was created. Knowing that information
ensures students dive more deeply into each text they research to answer the Driving
Question. Research Bookmarks are provided at different grade ranges. Each grade
range contains questions to address appropriately complex text and ideas. Students
should try to answer at least one question from each bookmark about every source
to determine whether a source will support their projects.
Project-Based Learning
Research Bookmarks
GRADES 23
Evaluate My Sources
Use these bookmarks to remind yourself about what questions to ask as you read
primary and secondary sources for research. These questions help you to think about
what you learn. They also help you to draw conclusions or make inferences about the
topic. Once you have answered these questions, you can analyze and evaluate the
information you will share with others in your project presentations.
Evaluate My Sources
Who?
Evaluate My Sources
What?
Evaluate My Sources
When?
Think. Analyze.
Evaluate.
Learning AZ All rights reserved.
Think. Analyze.
Evaluate.
Think. Analyze.
Evaluate.
www.readinga-z.com
www.readinga-z.com
Project-Based Learning
Overview (continued)
Assessment and reflection opportunities in the form of a Peer Review
Sheet, Presentation Rubric, and Pack Rubric; evaluation and writing
opportunities at the end of each team meeting and project; and the
projects themselves help teachers determine how students perform with
21st century skills, content area skills, speaking and listening skills, and
presentation skills called out in Common Core State Standards and other
nationally recognized content standards.**
ng
Project-Based Learni
GRADES 23
Presentation Rubric
Peer Review Sheet
Project-Based Learning
GRADES 23
Date
Teamw
Project
Assessment
ork Presentation
Rubric
Project-Based Learni
ng
tion.
box that bestto Common Core Speaking and
a project
Choose the according
Use the Presentation
Rubricpresenta
to score
project presentations
Name
a box in each row.
below before watching by checkingName
performand 21st Century Skills. Team Project Planners, Teamwork Rubrics, Peer Review
1. Review the chart Listening
standards
teams
Instructions:
Instructions:
chart how well
Use the
2. Mark on the
Sheets, and practice presentations
help students
become
with the expectations on this rubric Date
chart familiar
team.
Use the
to help
chart Almos
s!track if you were ready
t your below
every time
rates the whole and help you assess these skills.
teamSucces
for your teams
meets.
Needs
meeting.
There
Getting Started
GRADES 23
More Work
Needs Work
Almost There
Meets Standard
The Team . . . The Team . . .
Teamw ork
facts with
I didorthe
Rubric
Tells details
factsreadin
not
Tells stories or
Report
provides supporting
g and
my tasks.
on
topic
supporting
details
facts and details
inmy
complete sentenc
g and
Tells ideas in
sentences
sentences
readin
and details
tasks. Ideas are in complete
I did my fair
support ing facts
sentences
share of the
Tells ideas with
work.
well
e topic
DoesInot
use prepar
audio or
audio
or visuals that Creates audio or visuals that
was
Details describ
Creates
sUses Props
our meetin
visuals
or they do not ed for support
ideas,
thoughts,
or
enhance facts or details
Picture
and
g.
s
I came with feelings
Uses Sound
support
t way
resources and
topic
is said in a differen
my but
projec
Shows what
Does
look at audience
Looks at audience
looks t planne
Looks at audience and does
notMy
about the facts
research
r.
than what is said
at notes aand
lot too
often look at notes
Seems very nervous and was done,
Shows more
I was ready not
Looks and Moves stands
to discuss
very still or moves
Seems a little nervous
confident
and Seems
I partici
or details
. and moves
pated in
the moves
a lot
fidgets a little
with purpose
teamordiscuss
ion.
listene
Looks and Moves
often look
SpeaksItoo
quietlyd with care,
Speaks clearly, but
Speaks clearly and at a pace
too
e and does not
spoke
inquickly
slowly
turn, and stayed
or too
that is easy to understand
Looks at audienc
Mumbles
or incorrectly
I asked
Speaks Clearly
on topic.
questio nswhen
pronounces
words
Correctly
pronounces
most
at notes
I did not unders Chooses words and phrases
with purpose
I explain ed
nt and moves
words
for effect
tand.
Seems confide
my
own ideas and
Does
answer or answers Answers with details
or facts
Answers in complete
linked
could
y
Inot
my ideas
to what
decide
Speaks Clearl
with details or facts
that dowhat
that
fit the question
sentences
with details
or
that is easy
others
the
were
said.
main ideas
and at a pace
the question
facts that fit the question
Answers Audience not fitThis
Speaks clearly
and
helped me to Shows positive feelings,
tell details from
orbut
Shows
really nervous or
seems aze
little
nervous
less Shows strong, positive
what was said.
to understand
what
organi
was discuss
I
negative
feelings make
confident
feelings
helped
te sentences
ed.
sure my whole
Speaks in comple
effect
team participated.
Whole team does not
Whole team participates,
Everyone on team
and phrases for
I helped manag
Chooses words
participate
but not equally
participates equally
teams
ce Presents as
do note the
time. seem to
Team
members
Team members
Team members know when
I helped
details
Answe rs Audien
with
es
identif
a
Team
or speak
to listen or speak
I helped
figure out
the question
or facts that fit
who
would do what
I offere d
positive feelings
tasks and when.
to help others
Shows strong,
do their work
if neede d to meet
Team
Presen ts as a
Reflec t on
our teams goals.
ate equally
the Discus sion
speak
Membe rs particip
to listen or to
What I did best
r knows when
Each membe
s for this meetinMake clear, specific
Feedb ack Frametions better.
Be helpful. g was
to make their presenta
tell teams how
Use feedback to
What I could
Instructions:
to help you.
do better for
the chart above
the next meetin
suggestions. Use
g is
tand)
t about
Have you though Learning AZ All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.
Learning AZ
www.readin ga-z.com
www.readinga-z.com
Learning AZ
All rights reserved.
www.readin ga-z.com
Partially Integrated
Separated
Learning AZs Project-Based Learning Packs fit best with a partially integrated model of PBL because
they feature language arts standards along with content area standards for science, social studies,
the arts, or math. If you use fully integrated PBL, our resources provide a framework that is easy to
build upon and saves time when planning a fully integrated unit. If you use separated PBL, our packs
will help support your instruction with language arts skills, but your focus will be on the content area
skills addressed in each pack.
Sample Schedules
8:30 Morning Meeting/Board Work
8:45 Literacy Block
10:00 Recess
10:00 Recess
11:30 Lunch
11:30 Lunch
2:45 Dismissal
2:45 Dismissal
** For a complete list of standards used to inform each pack, see Appendix A.
Learning AZ All rights reserved.
www.readinga-z.com
Project-Based Learning
Overview (continued)
Forming Teams
Whole-class participation in the entry event and Anchor Text discussion ensures that all students
start a project with a solid foundation of knowledge. Use the whole-class activities to identify key
points of interest that will help you divide students into small groups of three to four team members.
Each team of three to four students should be based around a common interest to ensure student
engagement and success.
A common interest might be defined as the role each group takes to answer the Driving Question, a
topic within the project, a type of project presentation, or any other method that allows students to
support their individual interest while working in teams. For example, in the Make More Chocolate
pack for grade 2, students are required to answer the Driving Question: As producers of chocolate,
how can we make more? Teams might be formed by having students identify producers from the
Anchor Text or other sources and which kind of producer they would like to represent in their
projects, such as farmers, factory workers, or candy shop owners.
Teachers might consider using roles, such as illustrator, discussion leader, summarizer, etc., (similar
to those used in Reading AZs Literature Circles) to help facilitate group work or provide a firmer
structure for each students role within a group. Roles that have real-world job equivalents help
students understand how what they learn applies beyond the classroom.
Driving Question
Possible projects
As producers of
chocolate, how can we
make more?
Scientist
Writer
Illustrator and Designer
Editor
Farmer
Grant writer
Scientist
Accountant
Factory Foreperson
Model Designer
Model Builder(s)
Presentation by new
candy store trying to
convince a chocolate
factory to give them the
best price on chocolate.
Resources such as the Teamwork Rubric and Team Project Planner help team members be aware of
the tasks and participation of each member of the group. Both resources provide a way to track not
only who is doing what and when, but they also help students hold each other accountable for equal
participation.
www.readinga-z.com
Project-Based Learning
Overview (continued)
Supporting Projects
Each packs lesson plan includes suggested project ideas for students to present what they have
learned during the course of a Project-Based Learning Pack. Project ideas are simply listed, and some
may require more or less support from you depending on your students experience with the options.
Explicit instruction and support might be required. Review project choices ahead of time to ensure
that you are prepared to support each type of project. You may choose to limit students project
choices, but be sure to let students have some choice in their project presentation options to keep
them motivated. You might look at entry event ideas or resources listed in the Reading
and Activities Chart for a pack as a starting point to give your students a
framework for their projects.
ng
Project-Based Learni
GRADES 23
(continue
Investigation Planner
d)
Investigation
Planner
Team Name
Organize
ion from your sources.
Outline
My Name
evaluate informat
Question Project
My Name
you analyze and
Review your Driving
Bookmarks to help Instruct
what you learn.
Use the Research
Team Name
presentation from ions: Write the Driving Question
Instructions:
research
details of your project
in
Project-Based Learni
ng
GRADES 23
Questi ons
Main Idea
Driving Questi
on
I.Q. #1
I.Q. #2
Where could
I find
the answe r?
Conclusion
Instructions:
Title
I.Q. #3
Where could
I find
the answe r?
Source s
for research.
Author
Title
Where could
I find
the answe r?
Author
www.readin ga-z.com
Author
Learning AZ
All rights reserved.
continued on next
page
www.readin ga-z.com
Written with support from Kathy Lohse, a Project-Based Learning Coach and consultant who works with teams
of teachers to develop long-range projects for their classrooms in kindergarten through fifth grade
Appendix A
Standards Referenced
www.readinga-z.com
Project-Based Learning
Overview (continued)
Appendix B
Additional Suggested Reading for Each Pack
Books provided for each pack come from Reading A-Zs Leveled Books unless otherwise noted. Each
packs Anchor Text appears below the pack title in blue.
Grade 2 Packs
Disappearing Coral Reefs
Coral Reefs
The Force of Water
Coral Reefs
Coral Reefs
Ocean Poems
Natural Wonders of the World
The Amazing Undersea Food Web
M Is for Mexico
Lets Change Together
Can I Vote?
Police Officers
Laws for Kids
Police Officers
The Creature Constitution
Safe Biking with Dad
Police Officers
Joeys Stop Sign
The Creature Constitution
The Creature Constitution
The Bill of Rights
Level N
N
Q
U
U
V
X
Z
M
E
G
H
J
J
K
L
M
P
U
M
H
I
J
L
L
M
Gandhi
Level N
Makusanis Lesson
O
Martin Luther King Jr.
P
Gandhi Q
Turtle Tom
R
Martin Luther King Jr.
S
Ricardos Dilemma
T
Gandhi U
Bullying Hurts Everyone
V
The Gossip Monster
V
Nelson Mandela
W
Rosalind Franklins Beautiful Twist
X
The Life of Cesar Chavez
Y
Historic Peacemakers
Z
Triple Threat to Trash
Landons Pumpkins
New Again
Using Less Energy
Art Made from What? (Shared Reading)
Landfills: What a Load of Garbage!
My Earth Day Birthday
The Three-R Plan
Growing Up Green
P
C
F
3
Q
Q
Q
U
Grade 3 Packs
My School, My Castle
Castles
Gordon Finds His Way
Hannahs Townspeople
The Homework Lesson
First Day of School
Robin Hood and the King
The Three-R Plan
Were in Business
Miguel and King Arthur
Level Q
G
J
P
Q
Q
Q
R
X
Level Q
R
S
U
Tsunamis
Level S
Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis
T
Volcanoes V
Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis
W
The Eruption of Mount Shasta
X
Plate Tectonics
Y
Volcanoes Z
Visitor or Invader?
Alaska: The Last Frontier
At a Touch Tank
Woods of Wonder
Arctic Life (Shared Reading)
Lost Cities
Expedition 60: The Subarctic
National Parks
The Jr. Iditarod
Galapagos Wonder
Seven Wonders You Can Visit
The Amazing Amazon
The Last Great Race
Natural Wonders of the World
To Drill or Not to Drill?
R
H
L
2
Q
R
S
U
U
U
U
V
V
W
www.readinga-z.com
Project-Based Learning
Overview (continued)
Grade 4 Packs
Crack the Codes
Arrows
Level U
Being Bilingual
J
Sending Messages
L
Sign Language and Hand Talk
L
A Man of Vision
M
Helen Keller
P
Arrows R
The Trouble with English
S
Whats In a Name?
S
Adventures with Abuela
T
The Mystery of Granville Library
W
The Internet
X
Arrows Y
Environmentally Friendly Cars
Electric Cars: History & Future
W
Where We Get Energy
K
A Nation on Wheels
P
Speed R
Alternative Fuel Cars
V
The World of NASCAR
W
W
W
3
N
P
P
R
S
T
T
W
Y
Z
Z
Money Games
Tanyas Money Problem
Jobs for James
U
F
Level M
O
O
R
S
T
T
X
X
Protect My Rights!
The Bill of Rights
Barack Obama
Barack Obama
The Creature Constitution
Good for Thurgood!
Barack Obama
Ben Franklin
Meeting Mrs. Pierce
Protests and Uprisings
Building a Nation
Abraham Lincoln: From Log Cabin
to the White House
U
K
O
P
Q
S
W
X
Y
Z
Z
Grade 5 Packs
Americas Army
The Gettysburg Address
Level X
Hugs for Daddy
K
Memorial Day
N
The Buffalo Soldiers
Q
The Buffalo Soldiers
T
Alices Birthday Cake
T
Veterans Day
U
Clara Barton: The Angel of the Battlefield
V
The Tuskegee Airmen
V
The Battle of the Alamo
V
The Buffalo Soldiers
W
Seeds of Revolution
X
Battling for Independence
Y
Abraham Lincoln: From Log Cabin
to the White House
Z
Explore History with Technology
The Mystery of King Tut
Ancient Egypt
What the Boys Found
Dont Wake the Mummy
Z
L
S
U
Pyramids
Level V
Mummies W
Otzi: The Iceman
W
The Bones of a King
Y
Heros Journey
Odysseus and the Bag of Winds
A Heros Name
The Legend of John Henry
Troika: Canine Superhero
Pecos Bill Rides a Tornado
Alia and the Furniture Troll
The Golden Flute
Robin Hood Wins the Sheriffs Golden Arrow
The Moon Bowl
Robin Hood Wins the Sheriffs Golden Arrow
Atlantic Crossing
Adventure in Bear Valley
The Eruption of Mount Shasta
Robin Hood Wins the Sheriffs Golden Arrow
Y
L
M
O
O
P
Q
R
S
U
W
W
X
Y
X
L
O
R
T
W
Y
Y
Z
Z
Z
www.readinga-z.com
Project-Based Learning
Overview (continued)
Appendix C
Technology Support Tips
Technology can provide important support for project-based learning packs for additional research,
organizing content, and creating presentation products. (Links collected 06/2014)
Library of Congress
Primary Source Sets
Read.gov
Americas Library
Science: Everyday Mysteries
Today in History
Science
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA Education for Grades K4
NASA Education for Grades 58
Image Galleries
eClips Videos for Grades K5
The Arts
Kids.gov Grades K5 Art
Smithsonian Education for Students
Presentations
Wordle
Prezi
www.readinga-z.com