Project-Based Learning for Elementary Grades

A school librarian, Madigan here offers a solid introduction to project-based learning (PBL). Included are 15 flexible PBL projects that can be used with students in grades K through 6. The book is divided into two parts, with an introduction that provides the pertinent standards—AASL and Content-Area—for each PBL project. Part I covers the basics, such as the parts of a PBL project and the logistics. Part II contains the PBL projects. In addition to the parameters, each project contains individualized tips and can be broken into a mini project of up to five lessons or an extended project of up to 11 lessons. The projects are fun, versatile, and invite collaboration between school librarians and classroom educators. For example, the Animal Habitats project incorporates English/language arts, science, and technology, as it entails designing a new exhibit on animal habitats for a natural history museum. Chapters on how to create a PBL project, virtual projects, and collaborative projects can be found in Part II as well. Appendices include five worksheets, one of which is an Assessment Rubric, and an index.