Creature Creators
10/24/2020
Project-based learning, (PBL) a learning method that we strive for at PNA, is a way of thinking about school that moves us beyond traditional schooling routines and structures. One key aspect of PBL is the goal of “authenticity.” Working to make learning relevant and engaging, we try to have students show their learning and skills in ways that are authentic: more about doing than knowing. The experts at PBL Works define it in this way: "When people say something is authentic, they generally mean it is real or genuine, not fake. In education, the concept has to do with how “real-world” the learning or the task is. Authenticity increases student motivation and learning. A project can be authentic in several ways, often in combination. It can have an authentic context, such as when students solve problems like those faced by people in the world outside of school (e.g., entrepreneurs developing a business plan, engineers designing a bridge, or advisors to the President recommending policy). It can involve the use of real-world processes, tasks and tools, and performance standards, such as when students plan an experimental investigation or use digital editing software to produce videos approaching professional quality. It can have a real impact on others, such as when students address a need in their school or community (e.g., designing and building a school garden, improving a community park, helping local immigrants) or create something that will be used or experienced by others. Finally, a project can have personal authenticity when it speaks to students’ own concerns, interests, cultures, identities, and issues in their lives." This past week we began a final project to close out our science unit on animal adaptations. Capitalizing on students’ imaginations and fascination with fantasy and science fiction books, movies, and games, the project invites them to become creature creators, a real-life career. Our Driving Question: How can we, as creature designers, create a creature for a science fiction movie that will seem realistic?" After learning a little bit about the process that a creature creator uses (see this link for a little peek and to understand how these artists must use real life science knowledge,) here’s what students were invited to do: You have been hired as a creature designer for the next Hollywood blockbuster movie! The movie involves visiting many different fantasy environments. The movie director wants you to create a realistic animal or plant for the scenes on one of these planets during the movie. You have been asked to learn about the fantasy planets, learn about one planet's environment and habitat, and use your knowledge of animals' and plants' internal and external structures and adaptations to create a creature that could survive in the planet's ecosystem. You will need to make your imaginary creature realistic so that movie goers will be able to imagine that the planet is real. Use all the knowledge you have been gathering about animals' and plants' structures. Once you have created a scientific diagram and and a model your organism, you will deliver a presentation that explains your design and convinces the director that your creature should be built for the movie. Using what they have learned in science class about how animals’ internal and external structures help them grow, survive, and reproduce, students sketched creatures for their chosen habitats, thinking carefully about the environment and what their creatures would need to survive and thrive. They began building 3-D models of their creatures, a process that was challenging and engaging. Designs were adapted and re-thought, construction challenges were handled, and creativity reigned. Things did get a little messy! Next week students will finalize their models and scientific diagrams and prepare to pitch their creations to the teacher/director. Though we may not be creating an actual movie, applying scientific knowledge and being creative problem-solvers are very real processes these young learners will be called on to do in any of their chosen life paths. They are well on their way! Comments are closed.
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Martina HenkeMartina Henke has been a K-8 educator for 30+ years. A life-long learner, she loves working with kids of all ages, new technology, great books, fiber arts, and her wonderful family! Archives
April 2021
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