Project-based learning

“Themes and projects are strategies for breaking away rigid designated time blocks…Thematic teaching allows children to investigate topics thoroughly in an integrated manner…Project work has been shown to be a successful method of meeting standards” (Benson & Miller, 2008; Helm 2008).  Review Chapter 16 of the required text for more information about thematic teaching.  Locate a set of standards for math and science and describe a cross-curricular, student-centered project that meets those standards in an integrated way.

Option One:

Share three math content standards and three science content standards.  Then, develop a project that meets these standards.  Describe your project and identify two ways in which this project is developmentally appropriate.  Also explain your approach for making your project child-centered.

You may view the following resource for more information:
Project Based Learning for the 21st Century.

Option Two

Interview two early childhood teachers about long-term, cross-curricular projects that they have implemented in their classroom, and discuss the standards addressed in these projects.  Share the details of these projects with the class.