I created this video overview of PBL for the teachers at my school. We implemented a new program in the elementary school that uses this effective teaching approach.
Here are some video examples of PBL projects we have done so far:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYyk4fLjIwR8UD-s91xJxagsmEqK7CgUG
Update #1:
I also want to mention that the Kindergarten Driving Question was changed during the year. Instead we came up with, "How will you, as an engineer, create a Rube Goldberg machine?" It remains motivating and interesting, and requires core knowledge, but also easier to understand and a little more open-ended.
Additionally the PBL 101 Workbook is not available anymore. However you can find more PBL workbooks on the BIE.org site. https://shop.bie.org/store-c2.aspx
Update #2:
We have discarded the Kindergarten unit that used the example driving question shown in the video. We felt that it had a weak PBL scenario as well as a weak connection between the subject areas involved. Instead here are some driving questions we introduced to our students this year.
- How can we help our school become environmentally-friendly? (Kinder)
- How will you create a nature-inspired tool that can be used during a family activity? (1st Grade)
- How can you, as IDEO Toy Lab inventors, create a toy for kindergarten students? (2nd Grade)
- How can you develop a city plan that will improve the local community? (2nd Grade)
- How can we as architects, design a schoolhouse for a specific region? (3rd Grade)
- How can you as engineers design and create an “Apple” recording device for ELLs? (4th Grade)
- How will you prepare yourself to become a NASA Martian? (5th Grade)
- How will your team of game designers create a Breakout EDU game specifically for younger students? (5th Grade)
- How will you as environmental engineers, design, build and market a product that helps the environment? (5th Grade)
You can find videos that describe these PBL projects here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYyk4fLjIwR8UD-s91xJxagsmEqK7CgUG
OK GO’s music video: https://goo.gl/qwCSK
Buck Institute for Education website: www.bie.org
Flowchart of a PBL Project: https://goo.gl/tT4iGX
Essential Elements of PBL: http://bie.org/about/what_pbl
Essential Elements of PBL Checklist: http://goo.gl/9gLbcU
