Project-Based Learning in Science

Increasingly, schools are requiring students to produce science portfolios to reflect their body of work in scientific study. This book introduces students to the portfolio concept and how to select and present what they wish to include. It also covers the four types of project-based learning, controlled investigations, field investigations, design investigations, and secondary-research investigations, with projects drawing on the Next Generation Science Standards. A dozen hands-on projects connect readers with real-world skills they can apply in their community. Engaging sidebars provide students with interesting additional information related to the projects.

Throughout history, scientists such as Marie Curie and Isaac Newton recorded their hypotheses and predictions, kept track of data during experiments, and protected precious samples from the field in journals. This instructive volume covers the four main areas of science: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering Design. Students will learn how to create their own science journals. They can choose from a variety of hands-on experiments, such as creating a model of the new ninth planet to designing a water filtration system, in order to broaden and deepen their learning experience and share newfound knowledge with their peers.

Controlled investigations, the classic sort of science experiment that involved controlled and dependent variables, have been the source of much scientific knowledge over the years. Learners will engage with science through controlled investigations using Project-Based Learning, or PBL, a student-centered pedagogy that involves active and inquiry-based learning. Each project asks student groups to consider an essential question to form a hypothesis and use technology, research, and experimentation to prove or disprove the hypothesis. Sidebars give learners context for what they're learning in each chapter, and a comprehensive list of useful, PBL-friendly tools is provided for reference.

This book empowers teens by tapping into their interests and imaginations through opportunities to design unique science projects. Intriguing hands-on projects are closely tied to the Next Generation Science Standards. Fun projects like growing hydroponic plants and attention-grabbing topics like slime and electromagnetic trains draw students into active learning. Curiosity-sparking sidebars include high-interest topics like space exploration and satellites. Through project-based learning students develop strategies for testing, analyzing data, and using critical thinking. Readers learn to present their discoveries with peer presentations. The author, a degreed chemical engineer and professional project manager, voices genuine enthusiasm for science projects.

Taking a cue from notable scientists such as Charles Darwin and Jane Goodall, project-based learning in field investigations invites students to explore science outside the classroom. One way to inspire readers' excitement and curiosity about science is to empower them with the tools to find real-world answers to big questions. A field investigation is a scientific research process that involves a systematic collection of data from the environment that contributes to a better understanding of science concepts in the natural world. Twelve hands-on projects with subjects correlate to the Next Generation Science Standards, including field investigations in physics, life sciences, and engineering design.

Engaging in secondary research investigations allows students to actively explore far-reaching, real-world issues without specialized equipment or spending decades generating usable data. This resource's projects establish a step-by-step process to support the design and completion of research investigations in many scientific disciplines. Students will organize, analyze, and draw conclusions from raw scientific data while researching timely, relevant topics of personal interest. With tips on how to evaluate potential bias, organize and sustain a prolonged research project, and communicate scientific findings, this book prepares students to excel in advanced coursework, and also help launch them into the world as scientifically literate, conscientious global citizens.