Thoughts from Atlanta

Problem. Project. Product. These words are used interchangeably sometimes but mean very different things. Problem based learning is a whirlwind to learn. It focuses on solving a real world problem, relevant to students  Entrenched ideas and tools like pacing guides and textbooks are not completely discarded but definitely diminished. Connections to community are especially relevant in problem based learning, the first question asked while brainstorming topics is "what matters to our students?"

One of the groups I had the opportunity to work with had the broad topic of "cycles". We brainstormed how this could be applied in science, social studies and math. Civilizations can be described in cycles, governments and societies have risen and fallen with time. We found a tool published by Stanford that can give students a hands on approach to understanding transportation in the roman empire. http://orbis.stanford.edu/

We've also had the chance to see what common things make a STEM school work well. We hope to bring what we've learned here back to Tech High and continue the constant improvements at the school.

• Grade level common planning among cohorts of teachers seems to be crucial when converting a school to STEM.Giving teachers time to work together on projects and then the flexibility to implement them together is a great start to the collaborative atmosphere that problem based learning requires. The schools we worked with have an entire week during the summer to lay out the plans for next year
• Creating a cohesive atmosphere for students gives them another reason to be passionate about school. Teachers picked out themes, planned cross subject projects and aligned their problems with common core standards.
• Mixed grade level advisories are a great way to establish and maintain a sense of culture and identity in a school.