Driving Question to Facilitate Student Inquiry and Common Core… My Post From PBL World In Napa, CA

Greeting from Napa, California and PBL World which is hosted by BIE (BUCK institute for Education). BIE is the leader in facilitating Project Based learning Professional Development throughout the world. Since I am a member of the BIE National Faculty  I am enjoying facilitating and networking with educators from across the world at this premier conference.  In this post I address the concept of “Driving Questions”  I know it is a read you will enjoy and share. I have evn included some amazing links including some to the BUCK Institute (BIE). To ensure you do not miss one of these valuable posts or other resources covering Web 2.0, STEM, 21st century learning, and technology integration please sign up for 21centuryedtech by email or RSS. As always  I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on. Have a great week – Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)

Quick Note – I have been getting a lot of request asking if I will make a visit to your school, organization, or conference. Please be aware that I am available to assist you in providing professional development and presentations. I have had the opportunity to network in person across the country and invite your inquiry at mjgormans@gmail.com. You can also visit by Booking Site for even more info.

Driving Questions: Uncovering Amazing Content Under Through Inquiry

I really like Diving Questions. In fact, I like them so much more then Essential Questions. You might ask why? I think it just might be my affection for the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy. You may remember that in the revision the different levels were changed into action. In fact, I strongly believe that learning is a verb and is based on action. Take away the word “Question” and Driving is a verb loaded with action. The word “Essential” standing alone is only a word devoted to describing… a colorful but inactive adjective.

Another reason I am fond of “Driving Questions” is that they allow students to work together in the amazing process of divergent thinking. As students bring this process around to identify answers and ideas that finally converge, they are suddenly back on the path to even higher order divergent thinking. It is amazing to watch students become aware that answers can bring on even more questions. Seems to me that it is a lot like moving up Bloom’s Taxonomy. In fact I like to go beyound the inquiry cylce and think of it as the inquiry spiral. What a match for Common Core Learning!

Last,  I like “Driving Questions because there are  so simple, that they can be difficult to construct. Let me explain. The Driving Question in Project Based learning is often the hardest concept to get across to teachers. Even after a workshop devoted to PBL… questions will come across my email asking for help in constructing and refining the Driving Question.

Why are driving questions so difficult? Perhaps it is the powerful and simple concept they ride upon in a world where teachers have been taught to use so much of their “educationese language” Educators must work at being aware of the important standards in their content area without blurting them out. It is at this point that educators come across that often talked about idea of of uncovering, not covering, the standards.  Educators are so often told to practice this methodology, but are seldom told how to do it.

This is the power of the Driving Question and its importance in PBL. The Driving Question must be simply stated so that students can uncover the content standards themselves. The Driving Question should not give away the contents standards which students may not really care about. It should engage the students and create wonderment through relevancy to their world. It should drive them to “uncover the standards” Through carefully planned PBL the teacher then facilitates this learning experience. The added bonus of building important 21st century skills is a natural outcome. In order for students to “uncover the standards” they will need to communicate, collaborate, think critically, and provide creative thought.

Please feel free to explore the links below to even better understand the Driving Question. Also on the pages that follow you download the beginnings of my rubric for assessing your DQ. Any feedback you have would be appreciated. Enjoy the Tubric that was created from the awesome people at BIE. That’s right… it is a tube and a rubric designed to create Driving Question. You may even wish to look at the video.

• Article defining concepts of the Driving Question - 
  http://www.jetspost.com/eportfolio/pbl/driving_questions.htm
  
• BIE and Driving Questions 
  http://www.bie.org/diy/getting_started/writing_a_driving_question/
  
• Practice with Driving Questions 
  http://pbl-online.org/driving_question/dqexplore/dqexplore1.html
  
• Take a look at this free Tubric and accompanying video from the institute that is the world leader in PBL… The BUCK Institute (BIE)
• Please feel free to look at my beginning efforts an article with rubric on Driving Questions.

Edutopia Links For DQ

The Right Way to Ask Questions in the Classroomposted by Ben Johnson
How to Write Effective Driving Questions for Project-Based Learningposted by Andrew Miller
How to Refine Driving Questions for Effective Project-Based Learningposted by Andrew Miller
New to PBL – Help with driving question!! Art + Math

Thank you for joining me in this PBL series on “Driving Questions”. I hope you found this formation something you can use in your school and to share with other educators.  As always , I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on to someone who will benefit.   Watch for other posts in this series!  To ensure you do not miss one of these valuable posts or other resources covering PBL, STEM, 21st century learning, and technology integration please sign up for21centuryedtech by email or RSS. Have a great week… enjoy the Drive To Inquiry! – Mike (
http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/
)

Step A… Seven Steps To Website Evaluation For Students… Promoting Digital Citizens

Welcome to a new series that is must read for any  educator wanting to facilitate web page evaluation by students.  It will include information along with a poster for each step you can use in the classroom  Best of all, it will support students becoming scholarly digital citizens.  First, to ensure you do not miss one of these valuable posts or other resources covering PBL, Digital Curriculum, Web 2.0, STEM, 21st century learning, and technology integration please sign up for 21centuryedtech by email or RSS.  As always,  I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on. Have a great week – Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)

Quick Note  I have been getting a lot of requests asking if I will make a visit to your school, organization, or conference. Please be aware that I am available to assist you in providing professional development and presentations. I have had the opportunity to network in person across the country and invite your inquiry at my booking information page and at mjgormans@gmail.com. Please note that I do need plenty of advance notice as my schedule does fill quickly.

The Seven Steps to Web Site Evaluation – Step A

Welcome to the web site evaluation page evaluation series of posts. As I speak with educators across the nation I find there is a need for all teachers to emphasize proper web site evaluation by students. As part of my Digital Native/Digital Immigrant Presentation I call on Digital Immigrants (You and Me) to use their life long experience and education to show Digit ital Natives (Our students), how to make the best use of information they find on the web. In fact finding the information is a whole other topic and you can learn in some future posts
I believe that web evaluation must be a simple process that can also be applied to memory. Thus the reason for my (A-G) approach. This series is devoted to teaching these skills and I have spent hours preparing resources that you are free to use. I have divided this series using my A-G approach.  Please, if you ever have the opportunity, visit me at one of my conference presentations, check out one of my webinars, or invite me to your school district to help inform your entire faculty. It really is time to help kids understand that there are no whales in Lake Michigan, the Southwest Tree Octopus is nonexistent, study of cats and bearded men did not really happen, moon creatures failed to film the lunar landing, and Columbus was not born in Australia. Please enjoy, share, and use!

A Is For Author
One of the most important findings in determining the usefulness of a web page is discovering:

1. Who Wrote It – Look for an author of the article. Remember the author is the one who wrote the article. It may not be the same person as the publisher of the web site. It may even be someone that is no longer living. It is important to determine if the article being researched has an author. In some cases there may not be an author listed. In this case one must investigate organization or sponsor. If there is an author listed one must still investigate the organization and sponsor.
2. Who Is The Sponsor Of The Site – Many times one may not find an author but should be able to find the sponsor for a written article. The sponsor usually has an interest in the information given. It may actually be the author, and in many cases used for written citations. The sponsor may be found anywhere on the page. Sometimes it is in the title, often times at the top, and still other times buried deep in contact information. Remember, every page should have a sponsor.
3. What Host Has Provided The Space Where This Website Resides– This refers to the host of  the site. In many cases it could be a third party that is not related at all to the author or the sponsor. Do not confuse the host with being the author, backing the sponsor, or having any interest in the article being researched.

After the author, organization, and sponsor are determined, a researcher must next determine the following in regards to the author, organization, and sponsor.
1. What Credentials Does The Author Possess – Credentials refer to author background allowing them to be considered a possible expert. This may include degrees earned in the subject area, important biographical information, occupational status, past efforts and work, and collection of other writings and publications. This information can be found possibly at the site and should also be confirmed through research elsewhere on-line.

2. What Is The Credibility Of The Sponsor  – The sponsor should also be a reliable source of information. This is especially true if the sponsor is the author, or no author is given. One may also want to reflect on the purpose and intent of the sponsor in supplying the information. When in question about a sponsor, further research should be performed on the internet.

Web verification is important when determining credentials and reliability of both author and sponsor. Realize when searching a name in a search engine such as Google that the first and last name should be entered in quotes. One example is “Robert Lee”, or in this case possibly “Robert E Lee” Be aware that one must validate that this credential search may turn up names that are unrelated to the person being searched. Double check and optimize the search with other keyword such as “Robert E Lee” “Civil War”One must also be certain to search and validate the sponsor using this same manner.

Another form of credential verification can be found on the sponsor web site where article was hosted. It may include author biography and credentials. It may also include mission and purpose of the sponsor. Realize that any information found on the site in regards to author and sponsor should be verified using third party sources including web, databases, or hard copy reference.

Please be aware that I will be listing and providing resources for those next 6 steps. Please keep coming back and here is that poster I promised. On one side you will find a colorful poster and the other an article for your students. Please feel free to use and to share.

Download Poster Here:  a1_poster_info

Enjoying the series?… Please let me know by email, response, and sign up… and please share with a  Retweet!

Thank you for joining me and if you have an idea that you feel is important please leave a comment or pass it on to me in an email. I hope you found this information something you can use in your school and to share with other educators.  As always , I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on to someone who will benefit.   To ensure you do not miss a future valuable post or other resource covering PBL, Digital Curriculum, STEM, 21st century learning, and technology integration please sign up for21centuryedtech by email or RSS. Have a great week… enjoy the Discussion! – Mike (
http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/
)

Part 5… 14 Amazing Project Sites…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources

Welcome to a series that is must read for any PBL or STEM educator.  It will include information to reflect and build upon as you consider both PBL and STEM.  Best of all, it will finish with over 50 amazing resources you will want to investigate.  First, to ensure you do not miss one of these valuable posts or other resources covering PBL, Digital Curriculum, Web 2.0, STEM, 21^st century learning, and technology integration please sign up for 21centuryedtech by email or RSS.  As always,  I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on. Have a great week – Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)

Quick Note  I have been getting a lot of requests asking if I will make a visit to your school, organization, or conference. Please be aware that I am available to assist you in providing professional development and presentations. I have had the opportunity to network in person across the country and invite your inquiry at my booking information page and at mjgormans@gmail.com.

The STEM and PBL Series

• Part 1…. Connecting It All…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 2… Secondary Ideas To Build With…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 3…  17  Challenges and Competitions ….A  STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 4…  23 Formative Digital Resources ….A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 5… 14 Amazing Project Sites…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources

Part 5… 14 Amazing Project Sites…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources 

I hope you have enjoyed the series and if you missed any post, feel free to click above! This last of this series allows you to explore some PBL units. By searching through STEM subjects in these sites’ databases or directories you can come up with a PBL unit to use, remix, or possible implement a lesson from. I am always looking for new resources and invite you to send anything I should have included my way. Thanks for joing me on this PBL and STEM journey. I hope you can see that when mixed correctly you end up with the “How To” of the Common Core. Please enjoy the resources. I think you will find then STEMtastic!

BIE Tools – PBL Project Search – Here you will find a collection of 450 proven lesson plans to set any PBL desire into action. Look at the database found on the right hand side of the page.

West Virginia PBL Project Data Base  – This is a wonderful site where teachers can search through the subjects of reading, language arts, math, science, social studies, dance, visual arts, theater, and music. You can select from grade two all the way through grade twelve. These are PBL projects made by teachers for teachers!

Learning Reviews – This website claims to connect kids to learning on the web. It really connects kids to awesome, engaging, rigorous, and relevant projects. It points to numerous websites on the internet that house some great PBL possibilities. Be sure to check out all of the subjects and grade levels.

Here are more than 30 websites with free PBL examples, guidance, rubrics, and templates.  To see project-based learning lessons sorted by subject (I thought I would include Language Arts and Social Studies since they can connect with STEM) go to:

• PBL Language Arts Projects by grade level
• PBL Science Lesson Ideas by topic
• PBL Math Project Ideas by topic
• PBL Social Studies Project Ideas by grade level

Others

• Talladega School Collection - Great collection of PBL resources, projects and ideas.
• PBL Academy – Collection of PBL projects including a concentration of math ideas
• High Tech High School - Selection of PBL projects from High Tech High in San Diego, California
• Envision Schools - Collection of projects from Envision Schools
• Wested - Nice selection of exemplary PBL projects
• Virtual Schoolhouse - Online and blended PBL ideas for projects
• Edutopia - Article pointing to ideas for High School with regards to PBL
• Global Schoolhouse - Whether you’re just starting out, or ready for advanced levels — this tutorial will help you  implement collaborative, project-based learning on the Internet.
• Project Foundry – Any school investigating PBL must take a look. It is the last of my Land Of PBL only because it does carry a cost. Project Foundry is an online learning management and student portfolio system that allows innovative educators to scale authentic, integrated, individualized learning. It really works well in a connected online environment. You will find that this fee-based system includes integration with online tools such as Google Apps and Moodle.
• Cases Online - A collection of great STEM related activities that will satisfy students at all levels.
• CIESE - The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education has wonder units that are PBL based.

Enjoy the series?… Please let me know by email, response, and sign up… and please share with a  Retweet!

Thank you for joining me and if you have an idea that you feel is important please leave a comment or pass it on to me in an email. I hope you found this information something you can use in your school and to share with other educators.  As always , I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on to someone who will benefit.   To ensure you do not miss a future valuable post or other resource covering PBL, Digital Curriculum, STEM, 21^st century learning, and technology integration please sign up for21centuryedtech by email or RSS. Have a great week… enjoy the Discussion! – Mike (
http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/
)

Part 4… 23 Formative Digital Resources … A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources

Welcome to a series that is must read for any PBL or STEM educator.  It will include information to reflect and build upon as you consider both PBL and STEM.  Best of all, it will finish with over 50 amazing resources you will want to investigate.  First, to ensure you do not miss one of these valuable posts or other resources covering PBL, Digital Curriculum, Web 2.0, STEM, 21^st century learning, and technology integration please sign up for 21centuryedtech by email or RSS.  As always,  I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on. Have a great week – Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)

Quick Note  I have been getting a lot of requests asking if I will make a visit to your school, organization, or conference. Please be aware that I am available to assist you in providing professional development and presentations. I have had the opportunity to network in person across the country and invite your inquiry at my booking information page and at mjgormans@gmail.com.

The STEM and PBL Series

• Part 1…. Connecting It All…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 2… Secondary Ideas To Build With…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 3…  17  Challenges and Competitions ….A  STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 4…  23 Formative Digital Resources ….A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 5… 14 Amazing Project Sites…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources

Part 4…  23 Formative Digital Resources ….A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources 

Project Based Learning is built on lessons/activities rich in formative learning experiences along with student interaction and production.  Note that I did mention formative learning, two powerful words for the 21st century classroom. It can best be described that formative learning molds, or forms, the learning experience. The goal is of course a successful summative assessment. I would like to go beyond that by stating,” that real learning takes place.”

Remember, formative learning may include check off sheets, conferencing, observations, discussions, exit slips and a multitude of other items including traditional quizzes. There can also be formative learning experiences that include labs, inquiry, gaming, internet activities, use of any manipulative, simulations, and anything else that could be used as a scaffold for student success in the lesson.

It is the formative learning that is a key to the PBL Essential Element of “revision and reflection”. It is this element that allows student to take risks, have minor setback, innovate, apply strategy, remix, evaluate, succeed, and learn! Enjoy the multitude of formative possibilities below.  I would like to learn from you. Please share with me any others  websites you think should be included to facilitate STEM.  Remember that formative is more than assessment… it is learning. It can come in many ways!

• Activities
• Simulations
• Games
• Reflections
• Journals
• Peer review
• Videos
• Peer and Teacher interaction
• Readings
•  Critical and Creative brainstorming and thinking

Resources

• Siemens Discovery STEM Academy – Vast amount of lessons, multimedia and activities, along with webinars, that are some of the finest for both student learning and teacher professional development.
• eGFI Dream Up The Future – A huge database that will engage students with its colorful and student centered interface. Make sure to check all the links, including all the STEM resources found in the Teacher Resource area.
• NSF Resources For STEM Education – A great collection of teacher resources, instructional materials, assessment, and up-to-date research regarding STEM.
• PBS STEM Education Resources Center – Great information from PBS including engaging lessons, activities, and of course those award winning PBS videos.
• NSDL – The National Science Digital Library has some outstanding resources that include numerous links to some great STEM programs and organizations.
• Design Squad Nation – Another great service from PBS filled with some entertaining and engaging ways to integrate STEM into any classroom.
• Museum of Science – Great database to search for lessons and ideas involving science, math, and engineering from one of the finest science museums located in Boston.
• Discover Engineering - Let your students discover engineering in some very exciting and engaging ways. From skateboards to roller coasters the activities and videos will bring you back for more.
• Google Science Fair - How about a virtual science fair that can go beyond your classroom, district, state, and even nation? This is an event that will turn on the 21st century skills and the new Common Core!
• KhanAcademy - Ready to flip the STEM classroom? Then check out these thousands of videos from Khan! Every area of Science and Math can be explored in short informative video clips. Do a total flip or just reinforce skills in a short student controlled lesson.
• TeachersDomain - Want to continue the flip? Then visit this site from WGBH, a PBS station in Boston. You will find videos, activities, and simulations! Best of all, you can archive it in your own classroom at the Teachers Domain Site.
• PBS Teachers - Brand new site filled with lots of resources and videos. Search by grade level and curriculum area. Teachers can create an online classroom filled with outstanding and engaging material.
• WolframAlpha - Not your typical search engine. This is a computational search engine that is a plus for any STEM educator. It is easy to use and its ability to find data is just plain fun!
• CIESE- Dedicated to improving K-16 STEM education through the meaningful and effective integration of technology, CIESE fosters the use of research-based instructional methodologies and technologies to improve and pioneer novel technologies to explore and better understand their impact on improved education and society.
• My Science Box- At My Science Box you’ll find complete, scaffolded lesson plans to teach a 4-6 week middle school science unit through activities, projects, and field trips.
• Cases Online - A collection of inquiry-based lessons to engage students by exploring the science behind real-world problems. Promotes self-directed and life-long learners, critical thinkers and keen problem solvers. Cases are grounded in Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Investigative Case-Based Learning (ICBL),
• Physics Online - Check out the projects link for some ideas that just might start a project.
• Molecules Matters - provides PBL instruction and support for students and teachers with an emphasis on nanotechnology.
• Science Net Links – A premiere site for STEM resources. What a wonderful place for educators to find quality teaching tools, interactives, podcasts, and hands-on activities, and best of all… it’s free!
• MIT+K12 - An amazing site that allows teachers to ask MIT students to make a video to make a difference.  A site filled with amazing possibility and engagement!
• MIT BLOSSOMS - This incredible Video Library contains over 50 math and science lessons, all freely available to teachers as streaming video, Internet downloads, DVDs and videotapes.
• NeoK12 - Wonderful site with multimedia, simulations, and activities to help with formative learning. Blog Link For Write Up. Example
• Molecular Workbench - Hundreds of simulation activities to allow students to  better see science.
• NASA Wavelength - NASA has hit a home run with this sites containing thousands of STEM based resources.
• Physics Central - All things physics with awesome application to real life
• Encyclopedia of Life - A multimedia goldmine of life on earth
• Figure This - Activities based on real life math applications
• Interactives - Great visuals that help students understand math and science theory.
• Nobel Prize Labs - Great simulations that activities that connect to various Nobel Prizes.
• Illumination - Great set of lessons and activities for all grade levels.
• Illumination Web Links - Great set of web links and lessons sorted by standards.
• Seeing Science - Fantastic ideas to help students really see science
• Odyssey of the Mind - A selection of challenging activities based on design to push critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication with groups of students.

Next Post… 14 PBL Sites That Just Might Have Some STEM Ideas…. Sign Up, Share, Retweet

Thank you for joining me and if you have an idea that you feel is important please leave a comment or pass it on to me in an email. I hope you found this information something you can use in your school and to share with other educators.  As always , I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on to someone who will benefit.   To ensure you do not miss a future valuable post or other resource covering PBL, Digital Curriculum, STEM, 21^st century learning, and technology integration please sign up for 21centuryedtech by email or RSS. Have a great week… enjoy the Discussion! – Mike (
http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/
)

Part 3…17 Challenges and Competitions… A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series…Goldmine of Resources

Welcome to a series that is must read for any PBL or STEM educator.  It will include information to reflect and build upon as you consider both PBL and STEM.  Best of all, it will finish with over 50 amazing resources you will want to investigate.  First, to ensure you do not miss one of these valuable posts or other resources covering PBL, Digital Curriculum, Web 2.0, STEM, 21^st century learning, and technology integration please sign up for 21centuryedtech by email or RSS.  As always,  I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on. Have a great week – Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)

Quick Note  I have been getting a lot of requests asking if I will make a visit to your school, organization, or conference. Please be aware that I am available to assist you in providing professional development and presentations. I have had the opportunity to network in person across the country and invite your inquiry at my booking information page and at mjgormans@gmail.com.

The STEM and PBL Series

• Part 1…. Connecting It All…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 2… Secondary Ideas To Build With…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 3…  17  Challenges and Competitions ….A  STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 4…  23 Formative Digital Resources ….A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources
• Part 5… 14 Amazing Project Sites…. A STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources

Part 3…  17  Challenges and Competitions ….A  STEM, PBL, Common Core Series… A Goldmine of Resources

I know you have been waiting for the resources. I do hope the past two posts have helped you build a foundation and have provided some reflection. I am sure you are aware that there are some wonderful opportunities to engage your students online in the STEM arena.  I decided to go through the internet and find what I feel are some of the very best and share them with you!

I often tell people you do not have to enter a competition to use the resources, although the completions are a lot of fun! In fact, many times a resource in a competition can be the perfect tool for a scaffolding activity.This is a perfect opportunity for some formative learning… which I will address in my next post with about 23 awesome resources. Another great reason to sign up!

Remember that with the end of the school year many of these competitions are over… but you can learn about them and start putting possibilities on your calendar for next year. Also remember many of these contain great resources that can be used anytime.   I really hope you enjoy the list and please let me know of something I should have included. I invite the opportunity to double the list with your help!

Challenges and  Competitions

1. Siemens We Can Change The World Challenge – Great site loaded with resources, standards, and ideas. Enter the competition or just use the resources that are provided. Applicable to all levels of K-12 education.

2. Kids Science Challenge – Awesome and inspiring challenges involving bio-designed scientific inventions, sports on Mars, and detective science. Be sure to check out the great podcasts listed in Pulse of the Planet.

3. Young Scientists Challenge – Great resource for students in  K-8. Lessons, multi-media, and other materials that can be incorporated into PBL units.

4. National Engineer Week: Future City – Great Project-Based Learning Activity incorporating STEAM along with Language Arts and Social Studies. Engage students with Sim City Software, model building, and a new curriculum designed to integrate disciplines.

5. Google Science Fair - The Google Science Fair challenges students aged 13-18 to carry out a scientific investigation on a real-world problem or issue that interests them. The competition asks them to carry the investigation forward through rigorous experimentation, recording and conclusions. Students compete with peers in their age group from all over the world to win scholarships, internships and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

6. National STEM Video Game Challenge - Inspired by the Educate to Innovate Campaign, President Obama’s initiative to promote a renewed focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, the National STEM Video Game Challenge is a multi-year competition whose goal is to motivate interest in STEM learning among America’s youth by tapping into students’ natural passion for playing and making video games.

More Challenges (Not as big of description… but some cool STEM activities)

7. CyberPatriots - Great PBL program based on code and cyber security from the US Air Force Association

8. Imagine Cup - A wonderful Microsoft Competition designed to push STEM and imagination.

9. Dupont Challenge - A  STEM program promoting “What is Your Challenge?”

10. Moody’s Mega Math Challenge - Program designed to go beyond the content and allow tor math connections to real world.

11. Who Wants To Be a Mathematician - Great opportunity to explore mathematical knowledge.

12. Science Talent Search - A great program that allows talented science students to express and demonstrate their talent.

13. Science and Engineering Fair - Intel brings this amazing competition to the STEM field.

14. APP Challenge - Do your students have an idea for an APP? Then look at this competition from Verizon.

15. Biomimicry Challenge - What can living organisms contribute to STEM and engineering? Check it out.

16. Got Game - A challenge devoted to students wanting to create that game.

17. National Science Bowl - The National Department of Energy offers this unique experience.

Next Post… 23 Engaging Formative Learning Resources Perfect For STEM and PBL… Sign Up, Share, and Retweet! 

Thank you for joining me and if you have an idea that you feel is important please leave a comment or pass it on to me in an email. I hope you found this information something you can use in your school and to share with other educators.  As always , I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on to someone who will benefit.   To ensure you do not miss a future valuable post or other resource covering PBL, Digital Curriculum, STEM, 21^st century learning, and technology integration please sign up for21centuryedtech by email or RSS. Have a great week… enjoy the Discussion! – Mike (
http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/
)

Teacher Appreciation… Make It More Than A Week

Welcome to a post that is dedicated to you… the teacher/educator. Please be sure to read and share and take that special moment to recognize a special person in your life.   Take a moment to also sign up for 21centuryedtech by email or RSS to follow all engaging posts and follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). You can share post with others with  a retweet . Last,  check out how I can provide PD at your school or conference at my booking information page . Until the next post… you are appreciated!  – Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)

Last week was teacher appreciation week, but it really must last longer!  Perhaps as an educator there is still someone you need to express some gratitude to.  It really doesn’t matter if you are in the central office, a school principal, support staff, or in the classroom. It is important to note that every one of these individuals are members of the teaching profession. All of us have learned from teachers as part of our formal schooling, worked side by side with teachers each day, and have been supported by teachers in our own school and across the world.

As you are aware, last week was a very special week for educators. Many individuals  celebrated and demonstrated their appreciation for those in the teaching profession. The importance of showing this gratitude is best described in the quote, “Teacher appreciation makes the world of education go around.” (Helen Peters). It is this world of education that awakens true discovery and promotes  learning that lasts a lifetime. Continuous education is a very special gift that we all hold and one that supports the enlightened society in which we live.

As educators, we must continue to show our sincere appreciation to those teachers who make the world of education go around for each of us. Perhaps it was a teacher from our past, a teacher who took a moment and mentored us as we entered the profession, or a teacher today who continues to support our continued learning. Celebrate teacher appreciation year around and  take a moment to express your thankfulness.  Send that special message of appreciation teachers who has been part of your life through out the coming months. In this wonderfully connected world it really is just an email, conversation, phone call, or snail mail away!

I would like to express express my sincere appreciation to all those educators who awaken those special moments of discovery in the daily lives of others. I thank those teachers who have given so much of their time, energy, and passion to ensure success in both their students and colleagues. It is also important to remember those preparing for the education profession, along with those who have given past service.

In the past week you may have had a student give you a word of thanks. Make sure you take a moment to show your appreciation to those special teachers you have had, and have work with.  As  we all express our appreciation we will find that our individual, yet collective, efforts will last much longer than a week… as it should be. It really is time to integrate teacher appreciation as part of our ongoing  professional culture. After all, “Teacher appreciation makes the world of education go around.”

Thank you for joining me  and please know that there are many in-depth posts coming your way regarding PBL, tech integration, educational transformation, 21st century competencies, Web 2.0, and STEM education.  Again your retweets, follows on twitter at @mjgormans, and subscriptions (which are free) are appreciated !  - Mike (mjgormans@gmail.com)

It’ True!… I Teach Because I Can’t Do Anything Else… Teacher Appreciation Post

Happy teacher appreciation week! I wish to share with you one of my favorite annual  postings that I dedicate  an amazing world of educators. I hope you find this reflection one that you will continue to enjoy and share with others!   Also, please take a moment to subscribe to this blog by RSS or email and  join me on twitter at mjgormans . I have some great posts coming your way involving PBL, STEM, tech integration, and a continuing series on Professional Learning Communities!  Most of all, thanks for being one of those over 20,000 visitors a month and over 8200 subscribers.  I would appreciate it if you pass this special post on to others through and email or a retweet!  Also, remember that I can come to your conference or school district and provide engaging authentic and purposeful professional development . See booking info and please contact me anytime at (mjgormans@gmail.com). Thanks so much.  Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)

It’ True!: I Teach Because I Can’t Do Anything Else! – Michael Gorman - (21centuryedtech.wordpress.com)

Ok, so it’s true! I have spent nearly thirty-five years teaching and in education because I cannot do anything else! In fact, while I travel around the country providing professional development involving all sorts of exciting educational possibilities I also still work at my school district providing learning experiences for students and educators. The idea of not being able to do anything else actually is something I have recently learned,  something I did not know  when I  presented my very first classroom lesson! I actually  began my undergraduate career in the College of Business with an eye on marketing. In the early stages of my teaching career I became licensed to sell securities with the idea of becoming rich!  Little did I know that because I could only teach, I would find richness beyond monetary wealth! I dedicate this list of reasons to all of those great educators who teach, because they cannot do anything else! Again please retweet and share with all of our colleagues that really can’t do anything else!

The List

I can’t be a banker or work in the financial business because while I might enjoy counting money and financial growth, I would rather count and measure the success of my students.

I can’t be a doctor or dentist because because while I enjoy seeing people smile as they leave and are healed, I get even more satisfaction if I see a smile when they first sit down.

I can’t be a professional athlete because while I do enjoy competition, I get even more satisfaction coaching young people to play each game with honor, integrity, and respect.

I can’t be a computer programmer because while creating new digital applications is exciting, finding ways to integrate technology to inspire real learning is rewarding.

I can’t work in agriculture or landscaping because while supplying food and natural beauty is appreciated by all, I enjoy planting seeds of life-long learning knowing that it will nourish one’s life.

I can’t work as a cook or chef because while I appreciate the art in a great meal, I most enjoy finding just the right ingredients that allow for a child’s success.

I can’t work in sales or marketing because even though I have learned from their great people skills, I would rather sell students on their abilities and possibilities.

I can’t be a pilot even though I appreciate them as I travel to new places, as I would rather facilitate young people as they climb in altitude and arrive at new destinations.

I can’t be an artist despite my appreciation for the beauty they bring,as I have found that my art is the ability to inspire and nurture children as they discover their innate abilities.

I can’t be a scientist or inventor because, while I am aware of the great advances they bring, I wish to create  innovative learning experiences that always end in success.

I could go on and on! As you can see, I really do appreciate all of the other professions and realize there are so many more I can’t do. After all, as teachers we really are preparing students for what they will do best in the world. Possibly in the future those we teach will not be able to do anything else, because we have assisted them them in becoming the very best at what they do!  As I continue my journey I have expanded my teaching horizon and understand that genuine educators, whether they be teachers, administrators, or educational leaders, continue to teach and inspire others, because they really can’t do anything else.

Thanks for joining me on another journey dedicated to learning in the 21st Century! As always I invite you to follow me on Twitter (@mjgormans), I will return the favor and we can teach each other! I also encourage you to sign up for this blog by email or RSS.  I invite you to share this posts with others through email or a retweet!  Thanks for your visit and know that I will keep  sharing, teaching, and facilitating all learners, after all, I can’t do anything else! – Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)