USING PROJECT BASED LEARNING IN A MIDDLE GRADE STEM BASED CURRICULUM FOCUSED ON LAUNCH, DECENT AND RECONNAISSANCE FOR PLANETARY EXPLORATION
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to increase underrepresented middle grade students STEM based interests in science and engineering careers through use of a rocketry-based curriculum that uses the Project Based Learning (PBL) method of instruction. Project-based learning (PBL) is an inquiry-based instructional approach where students work in small groups to solve real world problems with no clear solution (Jonassen, 2003). In PBL, students (a) collaboratively determine what they know and need to know, (b) research content and/or conduct scientific tests, (c) communicate the research results among themselves, (d) collectively determine a solution to their problem, and (e) present their solutions to a group of peers (Hmelo-Silver, 2004). Thus far, ,research on PBL in middle and high school settings has been primarily limited to gifted education classes (e.g. Gallagher et al, 1992; Pederson & Liu, 2003; Swicord 2014). On the other hand, many general education students are often excluded from PBL experiences (Pederson & Liu, 2003). Consequently, we know very little about the success of teachers using PBL in general education settings with this population (Ertmer & Simons, 2006)
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502210401
Entities
People
- William Sumrall
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Mississippi