PBL Showcase - Teacher and Learners Share How to Pick a PBL Unit Idea | Build a Well with Voice and Choice | E98

 Today, I talk to 2nd Grade Teacher Kelly Misheikis from Unionville Elementary School in Bloomington, Indiana, and two of her former 2nd-grade students. Kelly and her class solved a runoff problem at their school's pond and raised over $10,000 to dig a well in Africa so girls could go to school instead of carrying water.  I also have a "need to know" question: "How do I bring PBL ideas to my classroom?" There's nothing wrong with the kids coming up with ideas, but that's an advanced exercise. A facilitator can craft a well-thought-out idea that looks at standards, solves a real-world problem, and has available community partners.    Episode Highlights:  [02:38] Today's "Need to Know": How do I bring PBL ideas to my classroom? [02:59] The idea can come from anywhere. Kids having to come up with a PBL idea on their own is definitely an advanced tactic. [04:07] The idea has likely been crafted by the facilitator who's looked at the standards, real-world problems, and community partners. [07:48] Kelly Misheikis teaches at Unionville Elementary School in Bloomington, Indiana. She has two students who participated in the PBL with her today.  [08:02] The project was called Save Water, Secure the Future. What can students do to conserve water, make it more accessible, and prevent pollutants? [09:50] There's a large pond in front of their school and runoff from the parking lot was going into that pond. [11:06] The school also has a vision called E.A.R.T.H. Earth, art, resources, technology, and health. Each grade studied a continent, and the second grade continent was Africa. [13:12] One of the students shares her story of gathering water with a bucket at the pond. The experience was life changing.  [15:54] The kids had a goal to raise $10,000 for the Georgie Badiel Foundation. They even spoke with her. [19:59] The kids thought it was awesome and got donations from several family members.  [21:11] They also researched and planted plants around the pond to soak up the runoff, and they also relocated the trail.    Resources & Links Related to this Episode PBL Simplified: 6 Steps to Move Project Based Learning from Idea to Reality What is PBL? Ask Ryan Magnify Learning YouTube Magnify Learning Ryan Steuer Twitter @ryansteuer Magnify Learning YouTube Leadership Playlist Kelly Misheikis Unionville Elementary School Instagram - @unionville_es Twitter - @Unionville_ES Facebook - @unionvilleelementary Save Water, Secure the Future! The Water Princess Georgie Badiel Foundation Unionville Elementary Honor