When learning is relevant, the possibilities are endless. That was what our first project in 3rd grade at Washington Discovery Academy taught us. While the students thought they were conveying a very important message on digital safety, we were sneaking in complex non-fiction text and a variety of technology “mini-lessons.” Through the project, the students decided on the five main safely rules that they wanted to focus on. Then they just started to create. I was extremely surprised how easily the students navigated through Weebly, iMovie, and Keynote as they decided how they were going to present their findings. Their end products were nothing less than creative and informative. Consequently a project that started as an authentic need, ended up teaching us a valuable lesson about keeping the heart of learning authentic.

To see more examples, visit our PBL webpage.

By: Jenny Mevis, 3rd Grade, Washington Discovery Academy