Getting off to a GREEN start

Yesterday was the kick-off to the Project-based learning initiative for the TAG classes. It was such a pleasure to meet each of the teachers and their classes. I felt we got off to a great start!

The decision to "go green" with the Protecting the Planet project was unanimous. Students helped us brainstorm ideas for the project and in grades 2-4 we used Smart Boards to record those ideas. In grade 1 we introduced students to the laptops and got them to start their very first PowerPoint.

Next week at our planning meeting we are going to develop a time line for the project. In order to be ready for this, each teacher needs to determine:

1. An essential question: You can use the generic question for the project (What can kids do to help protect our planet?) or you can make a specific one for your class.
2. A final product to showcase: This can be anything you want, such as a PowerPoint presentation, a movie, a website or wiki, a publication (book, brochure, newsletter), or a combination of products. You may have some non-technology products as well.
   
3. How students will be grouped: You can pair students or create small cooperative groups of 3 or 4 students, depending on what your final product will be. Each group can have a specific focus topic that relates to your essential question.
   

I encourage you to discuss some of the above with your students and to let them participate in some of these decisions. This will give them ownership into the project.

Finally, take time to practice with your Smart Board this week. Connect the Smart Board to a computer and use it for anything you might be teaching during the week.

I look forward to seeing you all on Friday. Have a great week!
--Susannah