Sometimes, we're using project-based learning and other times, we're just doing projects. Here's a project based learning ideas checklist to help clarify.

A few years ago, the staff at my school began learning about inquiry research. We used the book, Comprehension & Collaboration: Inqu...

The genesis of a great project is the idea itself -- we're providing you with 50 smart project-based learning ideas for your classroom.

The biggest question, when I'm planning an IB PYP unit of inquiry is, at what level is my class in terms of experience and initiative when it comes to inquiry? In other words, which level of student inquiry will I be planning around - structured...

This post is part 1 in my inquiry series. To learn more about inquiry click through to see my many other posts about inquiry. If you are new to my blog,

For each of the 13 potential outcomes of project-based learning, I added a tip to help increase the chance that this potential is realized.

Teaching money is a lot of fun because there are so many money games for kids and, best of all, kids are so excited to learn how to count co...

Part of my role as Teaching and Learning Coordinator involves facilitating and supporting the planning of units of inquiry. Planning for inquiry can be difficult. On the one hand, over planning lim…

St Oliver Plunkett Primary School has shared two images that can help you populate your iPad with apps that support inquiry-based learning.

Blending technology and project based learning does NOT have to be a challenge. Get great tips and ideas for your elementary classroom by clicking on this link.

I wanted to build an authentic learning experience for the beginning of the year and ended up developing this unit which engages students in an inquiry where they explore the various aspects of their personal identity. Based on the depth of the inquiry, this unit would richly benefit student learnin...

What does it mean to have asthma? How do healthy lungs function compared to sick lungs? These are the questions my 8-year-old wanted to investigate today. This STEM Respiratory System Investigation was a great discovery of what can stop our lungs from working properly. We compared lungs with asthma to healthy lungs and talked about some other lung infections and how they can affect our bodies.

This introduction to poetry gives teachers ideas on teaching poetry minlessons that make a difference in how your students think about poems.

Yesterday I wrote about one of our activity trays with scales (balance bucket) and some coloured glass beads, shells and wood pieces. Here are some other Montessori and Inquiry-Based learning ideas that I love. These activities are also really easy to put together. Our scales were around $15, or you could use kitchen scales, and we simply use materials we already have at home! So many of these examples use natural materials but I also like the idea of using standard size blocks (#8) where the blocks are of equal weight. I adore the sensory table for younger children (#6)....

By: Diane Kashin, Ed.D, RECE. I love loose parts. I love playing with loose parts and sharing loose parts with other educators. My hope is when adults mess about with loose parts that there will be…

Let your upper elementary, middle school, & high school students better understand homelessness - while teaching tolerance and acceptance. Click for details!

Examples of biomimicry are increasingly influencing product design. Farms inspired by fish, swimwear by sharkskin, food by flowers... biomimicry shapes the look, function and structure of products we use every day. This beautiful poster sets stunning natural images alongside products to help students make the connection with nature in their own and others' work. With classic biomimicry examples, including the Eden Project, Bullet Train and Velcro, this is a must-have for any design and technology classroom. Quality guaranteed. Our poster of biomimicry examples is printed in Yorkshire on durable 260gsm paper with a great finish. We're so sure you'll love it that we offer a no-quibble returns policy.

In Playcentre the end of session korero is pounamu. It’s a time to stop and reflect, to connect, to share stories and to learn from each other. When thinking about documenting it, it’s …

Blending technology and project based learning does NOT have to be a challenge. Get great tips and ideas for your elementary classroom by clicking on this link.

These are some of the writing templates I use in my classroom during our play-based learning centres! The 15 page mini pack includes: - "I found" paper to use with your sensory bins (2 versions) You can see this page in action on my blog here: http://www.apinchofkinder.com/2017/12/christmas-activities-for-kindergarten.html - "My Structure" paper to use with your building centre (4 versions) - "My Creation" paper to use with any of your other building materials or loose parts (4 versions) - Writing paper to put out with your seasonal loose parts: Draw and write about your fall/winter/spring/summer picture! You can see this page in action on my blog here: http://www.apinchofkinder.com/2017/05/five-for-friday-may-12.html Please see the preview for a close up of ALL of the pages that are included! Please ask any questions prior to purchasing. Thank you! I hope you and your students enjoy using these writing templates!

We use tools in our classroom that help encourage our students' thinking -- but are you making their thinking visible? We use anchor charts and other strategies, but are you doing all of these? There's one way to find out!

Focus on Inquiry is available as an Interactive PDF and an Enhanced eBook, both have embedded media. Please read through and decide which format would be best suited for you.

Let your upper elementary, middle school, & high school students better understand homelessness - while teaching tolerance and acceptance. Click for details!

Take your students on adventures that they will never forget, even though they'll still be in the classroom. These PBL activities integrate math, ELA, Writing, research, technology, imagination, critical thinking, organization, planning, and design for an experience unlike any other. Project Based Learning Activity Bundle, 10-Pack. This includes: (click on each to see full description) Build a Ski Resort Design a School Library Design a Water Park Discovery In the Rainforest Earth Day Invention Running A Lemonade Stand Save Christmas Shark Security Force Snake Search: Around the World Valentine’s Day Party Planner As students work through each activity, they will make their own decisions and choose the outcomes based on their choices. By the end, all students will have completed the projects, but each version will be based on the their imagination, creativity, knowledge base, engagement level, and many other factors. Most of these projects are very open-ended, yet they still force the students to imagine, create, design, and solve issues facing them. There aren’t always right and wrong answers because each student could create their own outcome. See More Projects in my custom category:  PROJECT BASED LEARNING MORE LIKE THIS: ZOO DESIGN: Area, Perimeter, Map Skills, Project Based Learning, & More! THE ISLAND: Project Based Learning for Writing, Math, Reading, Science, & SS GEOMETROCITY: Create & Build a City Made of Math Using Geometry FINAL FRONTIER, 3 part project: ELA, Math, Science BUILD A TINY HOUSE: Project Based Learning Activity with Geometry, Area, and Perimeter DESIGN AN OBSTACLE RACE COURSE with Area and Perimeter RUN A TACO TRUCK: Decimals, Area, Perimeter, Geometry, and Guacamole PRODUCE A TV SHOW: Development, Script Writing, and Build a TV Set BUILDING MY BLOCK: Your Neighborhood PBL for Math and ELA TREEHOUSE CONSTRUCTION: Design Your Dream House In the Trees, A PBL Project Based Learning 10-PACK BUNDLE Project Based Learning, Build a Ski Resort Project Based Learning, Design a School Library Project Based Learning, Design a Water Park Project Based Learning, Discovery In the Rainforest Project Based Learning, Earth Day Invention Project Based Learning, Running A Lemonade Stand Project Based Learning, Save Christmas Project Based Learning, Shark Security Force Project Based Learning, Snake Search: Around the World Project Based Learning, Valentine’s Day Party Planner Project Based Learning 10-PACK BUNDLE, PART 2 Project Based Learning Activity: Plan a School Party Project Based Learning Activity: All About Bats Project Based Learning Activity: Arctic Adventure Project Based Learning Activity: Plan a Field Day Project Based Learning Activity: President For A Week Project Based Learning Activity: Run A Toy Drive Project Based Learning Activity: Plan Thanksgiving Dinner Project Based Learning Activity: Let's Go Camping Project Based Learning Activity: Monster Squad Project Based Learning Activity: Island Survival Project Based Learning 10-PACK BUNDLE, PART 3 Project Based Learning Activity: Create A Classroom Community Project Based Learning Activity: Design A Video Game Project Based Learning Activity: Alive In The Desert Project Based Learning Activity: Endangered Animal Awareness Project Based Learning Activity: Habitats Around The World Project Based Learning Activity: Design A Miniature Golf Course Project Based Learning Activity: Run A Music Festival Project Based Learning Activity: The Ultimate Playground Project Based Learning Activity: Design A Theme Park Project Based Learning Activity: Water World, Save the Earth Project Based Learning 10-PACK BUNDLE, PART 4  Project Based Learning Activity: Insect Infestation Project Based Learning Activity: Into the Wilderness Project Based Learning Activity: The Animal Shelter Project Based Learning Activity: Making Your Mindset Project Based Learning Activity: Cardboard Creation  Project Based Learning Activity: Bears Everywhere  Project Based Learning Activity: Design An Arcade  Project Based Learning Activity: Create A Summer Camp  Project Based Learning Activity: Plan A Vacation  Project Based Learning Activity: Design A Treehouse GRAB A BUNDLE: Project Based Learning 10-PACK BUNDLE Project Based Learning 10-PACK BUNDLE, PART 2 Project Based Learning 10-PACK BUNDLE, PART 3 Project Based Learning 10-PACK BUNDLE, PART 4

Can creativity be cultivated in our current school system?

Helping K-2 Teachers Like You Save Time, Grow Instructional Skills, and Teach With Confidence!

Inquiry Cycle Display Use this resource as an interactive display for your PYP classroom. Instructions 1. Print and cut out all pieces (Use A4 or A3). 2. Laminate each piece and assemble. 3. Use tape on the back to hold the pieces together. 4. Use a split pin to attach THE spinner to the front of the display. 5. Display and use with your inquiry. I value your feedback very much as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. You will also earn points towards your next TPT purchases. Be sure to visit Mr PYP and FOLLOW our shop for updates, sales and free resources.  Please download the product preview before purchasing for a closer look at this product! Contact me if you have any questions regarding this resource, I am always keen to help. Thanks,  Mr PYP **************************************************************************************** Other Resources available: Inquiry Cycle Display Inquiry Cycle Display - Puzzle De Bono's Thinking Hats Learner Profile Report Comments Transdisciplinary Skills - Light Bulbs Key Concepts Display - Light Bulbs Key Concept Display - Lego Men Learner Profile Display - Scrabble Tiles Learner Profile Puzzle Key Concept Keys Transdisciplinary Skills - Tool Boxes Essential Agreement Posters Approaches to Learning - Light Bulbs Report Comments French Key Concepts Key Concepts Magnifying Glass Lined Paper with Aboriginal Dot Art Border Lined Paper with Halloween Border ****************************************************************************************teaching, resources, PYP, International Baccalaureate, lesson plans, activities, games, handouts, worksheets, assessments, rubrics, units, projects, curriculum, guide, materials, student engagement, inquiry-based, differentiation, creativity, critical thinking, inquiry cycle, critical and creative thinking, lesson, plans, interactive, educational, meaningful, engaging, comprehensive, comprehensive, innovative, teacher-created, classroom-tested, best practices, flexible, cross-curricular, primary years program, MYP, teachers pay teachers, online marketplace, TPT, education, lesson ideas, teacher tools, teacher-to-teacher, instructional resources, teacher-authors, digital resources, smartboard, lesson ideas, math, reading, writing, science, social studies, language arts, ELA, STEM, PBL, project-based learning How to get TPT credit to use on future purchases: Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product.

Assigning student led projects are a basic component of the Common Core Standards. This packet helps students work effectively plan and work through project assignments. The packet includes pages for group plans and a group contract. Other pages help students plan for resources and research. Finally 3 separate rubrics inform students how to prepare for assessment of the project, collaborative work and presentations. Choose which pages fit your need for each separate project. Carol S Oaks http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Acorns-To-Oaks This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/.

Anyone who knows me, reads this blog, or uses my resources knows that I am passionate about differentiation. I think that is because I grew ...

Curious about project-based learning for your ESL class? You should be, because this teaching and learning method can be incredibly inspiring and effective. Check out our eight easy steps to getting started with project-based learning in your ESL class. We also address misconceptions and include downloadable PDFs.

Looking for fun and engaging Arctic Animal activities? This All About Orcas resource has everything you need for an interactive nonfiction unit in your classroom. It includes orca craft, nonfiction unit booklet, lap book, worksheets, answer key, graphic organizers, vocabulary puzzles, and writing activities. This comprehensive packet includes 4 pdf files: nonfiction unit booklet, craft guide, vocabulary puzzles, and writing activities booklet. Click here to save 20% with the Arctic Animals Bundle. Orca Nonfiction Booklet ☼ What are orcas? ☼ What do they look like? ☼ Where do they live? ☼ How long do they live? ☼ What do they eat? ☼ What do they do? ☼ How do they grow? ☼ Worksheets ☼ Answer Key ☼ Fun Facts ☼ Recommended Books and Videos ☼ Lapbook Guide ☼ How do orcas hunt food? ☼ What should you do when you find a stranded orca? ☼ How does whale watching affect orcas? ☼ Open Inquiry: I have a question! ☼ Here’s what I found ☼ Pair and Share: The Best Thing I’ve Learned ☼ Resources See sample booklet here: Penguin Orca Craft ☼ Assembly Guide ☼ Colored Patterns ☼ Tracing Patterns Vocabulary Puzzles ☼ Ten vocabulary terms ☼ Answer Key Matching Reading to Writing Booklet ☼ Before Reading ☼ K-W-L ☼ Can, Have, Are ☼ Note-Taking ☼ Identifying the Main Idea and Supporting Details ☼ Comparing and Contrasting ☼ Author’s Purpose ☼ After Reading ☼ Opinion Writing ☼ Expository Writing (Presenting Facts) ☼ Expository Writing (Explaining a Process) ☼ Story Writing ☼ Tracing, Drawing, Coloring ☼ Comic Strip Writing Looking for other arctic animals nonfiction units? You can find them here: All About Harp Seals All About Orcas (Killer Whales) All About Walruses All About Polar Bears All About Arctic Foxes Please don't forget to leave a feedback. TPT gives you feedback credits that you can use to lower the cost of your future purchases. I love to hear from you! Click Here To Follow Me. You will now receive updates about new products, freebies, and BIG discounts! Thank you very much, Ruby Jane ♥️

Over the last few years, as I've transitioned my Social Studies classroom to an inquiry based experience, I've gradually adjusted my summative assessments to evaluate student learning. This template allows you to create an inquiry for any Social Studies topic with a Mock Trial as the summative assessment. If you've always wanted to try designing your own inquiry, but have struggled with the structure, this template is for you! It scaffolds the process to make the design process much more manageable and understandable. It also lays out the full process of a Mock Trial. This will make designing a Mock Trial much more manageable. This resource is fully editable. I've included a PowerPoint version and a link to a Google Slides version. Create an authentic structured inquiry for any topic! This download includes: ● A 5 page editable template for laying out your own inquiry ● A fully detailed procedure for guiding students through the Mock Trial process ● a detailed rubric for grading all three roles - the prosecution/defense, witnesses and jury ●Signs for each section of the "courtroom" and a example courtroom layout If you're looking to purchase an inquiry with fully designed formative lessons, check out the following products: ● Shays' Rebellion Inquiry ● Andrew Jackson Mock Trial Inquiry ● Causes of the Revolutionary War Essay Inquiry ● Westward Movement Essay Inquiry NOTE: Feel free to use this within your own classroom. If you wish to share this Mock Trial template with other teachers, please have them purchase an additional license. Please make sure that this is only used with the classroom, and that they it is not posted online unless it is on a password protected site (like google classroom). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tips for Customers: Follow my store to be the first to know when I launch new products. Simply click the little green star next to my name, and my new products will appear on the front page of your TPT account. Did you know you can earn TPT credit towards future purchases? Make sure you’re logged into your account, and find your My Purchases page. For each purchase you’ve made, make sure to leave feedback. This feedback earns you credit towards future purchases - it’s like free TPT money! Feedback is very important to me, as it helps me to create new products. If you have any questions regarding a TPT product you’ve purchased from me, simply e-mail me at [email protected]. You can find more Social Studies resources, links, and discussion at my blog - peacefieldhistory.com.

Are you looking to elevate your Ecosystems and Biomes unit? This 4th or 5th grade project based learning unit for ecosystems incorporates science, nonfiction reading, research, writing, and the arts! Read to find out how I organized the research project, what our launch activity was, the driving que

At my school we call them learning buddies but you might know them as reading buddies or big buddies/little buddies. Whatever you call them, some times it’s hard to think of activities to do with them. I often found myself planning things on the fly so I decided to compile a list of activities that […]