WV State Standards: Math: M.O.7.3.5, M.O.7.1.5, Science: SC.S.7.2.3, SC.S.7.3, Technology: 21C.O.5-8.3.LS2 National Standards:  Math: 1 Science: 11 Technology: 3 Blooms Taxonomy: Evaluation, Synthesis, Analysis, Application, Comprehension, Knowledge 21st Century Skills: Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity; Critical Thinking and Systems Thinking; Problem Identification, Formulation, and Solution; Thinking and Problem-Solving; Communication; Information and Media Literacy; Interpersonal and Collaborative; Self-Direction; Accountability and Adaptability

Overview:

The purpose of this learning experience is to increase student knowledge of problem based learning in real-life math and science applications.  Students will work in groups to develop a cost effective plan to rebuild their classroom after a disaster, while staying within the project requirements. This is an engineering problem because the students are working on design, analysis and construction for a practical purpose--designing the Ultimate Classroom.

Objective(s):

The purpose of the first lesson is to introduce the problem, define parameters for stated requirements, as well as brainstorm some solution possibilities.  Students will use online resources to research pertinent information to aid in solving the problem.

Time Required:

This lesson will take two to three 45 minute class periods.

Pre-Requisite Skills:

Students will need to have basic technology, Internet skills, writing skills and basic math concepts in geometry as well as problem solving experience. 

Students will use the Internet to conduct research and gather information.  Students will then use their research information to complete a word processed document of their findings. 

Problem scenario packet (student pages Problem, Requirements, Price Quote Sheet, Calculation Sheet, 1 teacher page Unit Overview)

1. Begin by handing out the problem packet for our motivational activity using student scenario, requirements and price quote sheet titled Miller-Konchesky-Jaworski Middle School.  (One three page packet per group.)
2. Students will be directed to work in groups to read and analyze the problem.  They should talk freely in their groups and discuss.
3. When students are ready, debrief as a whole class, discussing possible solutions to the problem.
4. Students will be given time to search for price quotes from internet sites such as:
   • www.lowes.com
   • www.officedepot.com
   • www.homedepot.com
   • www.schooloutfitters.com
   • www.business.com
   • www.worthingtondirect.com
   • www.schoolspeciality.com
   • www.epaintstore.com
5. Students will fill in price quote sheet and Calculation Sheet

Differentiated Instruction:

The teacher can work more closely with remedial groups as well as reducing the number of requirements. The teacher can extend this unit in a number of ways for enriched groups such as giving more detailed requirements (i.e. Given three different budgets solve in different manners; what outcomes would result and have a class competition to showcase results). Students can also make a 3D model of their room.

Author's Notes:

Please feel free to change this unit is any way that will suit your classroom.  All lessons will take a number of days to complete.  Enjoy this Problem Based Learning Activity.

• Completion of final project packet and classroom model according to rubric
• Teacher will use pre and post assessment tool (on overview page) completed online in a computer lab
• Students will turn in completed price quote sheet and calculation sheet