What is a PROJECT-BASED UNIT?
A project-based unit (PBU) is an interdisciplinary unit that requires students to perform and apply Internet-based research in order to complete a final project to demonstrate their learning.
PBUs are produced by teams made up of Everett, Malden, and Medford teachers and Salem State College faculty. Together they:
The major goal of the PBU development teams is to design PBUs to improve student learning by using technology to enhance academic content and skill knowledge.
For teachers implementing a PBU there are two separate and distinct segments as well as a guide:
Student Component
This is based upon the WebQuest model, allows students to conduct teacher-directed, Internet-based research to sharpen their problem-solving and analytical skills. Using an inquiry-based approach, students investigate problems and issues in a step-by-step manner as outlined in the PBU. Students' synthesized learning is evidenced in the successful completion of a culminating PBU project.
Teacher Component
This offers detailed directions and notes to teachers interested in implementing the unit. The rationale for the development of the PBU is also explained in this section, along with the specific district curriculum outcomes and student technology competencies that the PBU is designed to address.
iGUIDE
The IGUIDE was developed to give the teacher a brief glimpse into the PBU. The central focus of the unit is revealed as well as the activities in which students will be engaged. Skills needed by both teacher and students in order to use the unit successfully are listed in addition to the type of class for which the unit was designed. Photos of sample student products are usually provided.
Tritec's PBU Builder was designed as an electronic unit-planning template to assist teachers in the development of project-based units. As a resource for teachers, PBU Builder makes it easy to store, access, and maintain PBUs. Users may search for PBUs by Theme, Title, Contributors, Grade Level, Subject Area, and Timeframe. IGuides provide an introduction to each unit including information about technical requirements.
Within PBU Builder are the Technology Competencies, Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the District Curricula. The Technology Competencies data base may be searched by topic, priority (elective or required), level (introduced, reinforced or mastered) or by grade level. The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the district curricula are searchable by subject and/or grade level.
Everett K-8 teachers are to implement at least one of the PBUs listed at their grade level. For additional PBUs see PBU Builder at http://pbubuilder.org.
Grade 1 |
Grade 2 |
Grade 3 Decisions, Decisions, Decisions* (The Boston Tea Party)
|
Grade 4 Layers of the World - Biome Breakthrough
|
Grade 5 The Saugus Iron Works Great Adventure* Quiero ir a Casa (Spanish, ELL) |
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 First Ladies of the Renaissance
|
Grade 8 Layers of the World - Sensing Zeugma |
| * recommended |
