Make Your Own Project-Based Lesson Plan

Develop an educational project that includes a specific

outcome while teaching academic skills

Gloria J. Edwards
Educator and Curriculum Development Specialist
Unlimited Learning, Inc.

Copyright 2002
Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership
Integrated Learning
http://www.integratelearning.org
Special funding provided by the U.S.
Department of Education, Star Schools.

Instructions based on the five-concept template created by Leecy Wise for Star
School teachers, Cortez, CO, 2001-2002
 Topic: Make Your Own
Project-Based Lesson Plan
Develop an educational project that
includes a specific outcome while
teaching academic skills.

Identify Grade level or Group Here

An integrated lesson plan covering #

sessions of approximately # hours each.

Your Name as Lesson Author Here

The following passage is included in all Integrated Learning lesson plans:

Lesson-Planning Approach
Students do not learn from what you do,
but from what you have them do.

This is a template for creating project-based lessons. Examples and important

information are set in text boxes, while the rest of the text can be used as lesson
template. Text and headings that are part of the “Integrated Learning” lesson format are
printed in color bands or bold text. For other examples of our project-based lesson
plans, refer to our website www.integratelearning.org .

Some learners perceive their “world” as a whole, where all things are interconnected
and dependent upon each other. These “integrated” students face major challenges in
coping with our dominant educational, social, and economic systems, which tend to
present information in a linear fashion without the necessity of integration into
meaningful context. Integrated students are at-risk of failing as they attempt to grasp
information in ways that do not match their experience. Among large populations of at-
risk students are many from Native American and similar cultures who do not regard
their world as a sum of parts but as a blend of all that they experience.

This lesson plan does include some traditional, linear approaches to delivering
information (checklists, rules, analysis, problem solving and organization). In addition to
the traditional, linear delivery of information, this lesson plan also includes some of the
following strategies, designed to appeal to at-risk students as they learn academic/life
skills:

Gloria J. Edwards -1-

Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
Go through this list to insure that all or most of the skills are addressed in your lesson,
and edit as necessary:
v Integration of technology
v Story telling/anecdotal information
v Non-competitive group and team work
v Performance-based assessment and rubrics
v Visual presentations and practice through technology and other means
v Project-based assignments that integrate family and community
v Activities appealing to multiple intelligences (Gardner)

Lesson Overview
v First, think of an educational project where students can design, build, create, or
otherwise use hands-on or production-oriented skills to make or do “something”.
Students learn in project-based instruction by doing, creating, thinking, and
making something that has a meaningful outcome for them. Academic skills
(reading, writing, math, science, etc.) are then incorporated into making
“something”. (For example, a Native American student can learn to read, write,
and perform math and science while building a traditional oven, or scrolling a
wood piece for a plaque, or creating a nature walk.)
v Created items can include anything made by hand: artwork, community service
projects, publications, designs, games, science experiments and displays.
Projects may also be developed out of relevant community or life events (the
change of seasons, traditional ceremonies or rituals, building community
playgrounds, rites of passage, working with animals). Projects that incorporate
emotional connections for the student enhance the learning process and
information retention. If projects related to traditional ceremonies or events native
to a culture are developed, care must be taken to include native perspectives and
sensitivities regarding the event.
v Second, briefly describe your project here in the Lesson Overview. What will the
students be doing/making? What will they use to do/make it? What additional
educational activities are included? What is the outcome and who is it for (self,
family, community, office, school, etc)? Remember to keep it simple while you
develop your project ideas. Projects that can be started and finished within a
reasonable amount of time, with a definite outcome will be the most successful
and positive for the student and teacher.

Gloria J. Edwards -2-

Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
Here are some examples of Lesson Overviews: “Students can create a travel game
using a common road map of the state or area of their choice. The students will be able
to interpret map symbols, calculate mileages and scales, use creative writing, and
develop map interpretation skills using a fun and creative approach. The game may
also be applied to other maps (country or world maps) once the basic game has been
created.”
OR
“Students will make a poster describing how to activate 911 and give emergency
directions from the local emergency response center to a community center or public
place. Students calculate mileage, record distances, evaluate most effective and
alternate routes, and describe notable landmarks. Students use a word processing
program and graphics to design the poster. The lesson also includes reading
instructions on handling emergency situations and making emergency calls.”

Lesson Objectives
Name of Project: State the Name of the Project here. (Examples: Make a Quilt, Make
a School Newsletter, Design a Flower Garden for a Community Center, Design and
Create flying objects, study and write poetry or other creative writing…)

Project Objectives: When students complete this project, they will be able to…
(Use action words here to itemize the skills and abilities that students will develop to
complete their project. Again, you may use ideas from www.integratelearning.com
(and the other websites listed here) for inspiration on projects, activities, and
outcomes).

v Identify project components and needs.

v Interview community members or people outside the school if necessary.
v Locate place where project is needed.
v Measure and Calculate all math and numbers needed for project.
v Assemble required materials.
v Design and Create the project itself.
v Apply scientific method where required.
v Write instructions, summaries, statements, findings, or creative writing.
v Read and Research relevant background materials.
v Use technology to research websites, make videos, tape recordings, or use computer
programs.

Here is an example:
Project: Create and play a travel game with common road maps.
Project Objectives: When students complete this session, they will be able to…
v Understand and Use a road map.
v Create travel games using a common road map.
v Work together as a group to accomplish game creation and completion.
v Research and Interpret general map symbols and meanings.
v Calculate map mileage and scale.
v Write creative playing cards depicting game rules and travel events.
v Use technology to research maps and map interpretation.
Gloria J. Edwards -3-
Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
Include this next section to show the reader specifically how other academic
skills will be incorporated into the project:

Integration of Other Functional/Academic Skills : (Critical thinking is required

throughout the lesson. Each one of these fundamental academic skills can be
integrated with the other to produce a project-based outcome.) Students will be able
to…

Math: Use math to make necessary calculations for measurements,

numbers, or equivalents as necessary for project completion.

Reading: Read information on mate rials related to the project.

Writing: Write statements, steps, summaries, outlines, scientific

procedures, etc for project. Writing outcomes can include reports,
presentations, posters, computer-generated brochures or
publications. There are endless possibilities for project-based
reading and writing!

Technology: Use computers as part of project –based learning to give students

hands-on opportunities with technology. Search the internet for
relevant sites, use computers to write publications, brochures,
design and make spreadsheets, or anything a computer can do to
assist in a project outcome.

Science Apply scientific method/observation to experiments, procedures,

observation, deductions, and conclusions.

State/National Standards
Colorado State Standards are available on:
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeassess/sci.htm#standards

Take some time to go through your school or state standards and see which are met by
your project. Many standards can be easily met with projects that are meaningful to the
student, using academic and functional skills as part of project research and
development. List those applicable standards here for use by teachers and
administrators.

Here are examples from Colorado State Standards:

Reading and Writing

1. Students read and understand a variety of materials.
2. Students read, select, and make use of relevant information from a variety of
media, reference, and technological sources.

Gloria J. Edwards -4-

Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
 3. Students write and speak using conventional grammar, usage, sentence
structure, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
4. Students apply thinking skills to their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and
viewing.

Mathematics
3. Students use data collection and analysis, statistics, and probability in
problem-solving situations and communicate the reasoning used in solving
these problems.
4. Students use a variety of tools and techniques to measure, apply the results
in problem-solving situations, and communicate the reasoning used in solving
these problems.

Science
1. Students understand the processes of scientific investigation and design,
conduct, communicate about, and evaluate such investigations.
3. Life science: Students know and understand the characteristics and structure
of living things, the processes of their life, and how living things interact with
each other and their environment.
5. Students know and understand interrelationships among science, technology,
and human activity and how they affect the world.
6. Students understand that science involves a particular way of knowing and
understand common connections among scientific disciplines.

Websites
The purpose of this section is to provide internet resources for students and teachers to
conduct research and acquire i nformation online, and to familiarize students with
technological resources. Choose websites and computer activities that are at an
appropriate reading level for your students, and offer enough background information
and links for researching the project. A handout of useful and interesting websites that
focus on project-based and multiple-intelligence based education is presented as an
attachment to this lesson.

Required:
List required websites here.

Support:
List websites that offer further reading, activities and information on your project.

Pre-requisites (Skills required to process project)

Include skills required to process and complete the project

Examples:
Read at fifth grade level or above.
Possess basic computer skills to conduct word processing and search the web.

Gloria J. Edwards -5-

Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
Required Materials
List all materials needed for your project here. You may include any materials needed
to build, make, or otherwise complete your project, as well as places, catalogs, or
websites to acquire your materials.

Handouts
Refer to your handouts throughout your lesson plan. Handouts can include science
experiments, detailed instructions, project designs and templates, references, and any
additional material to complete the lesson. Handouts are intended to complement and
provide supplemental material for the actual lesson plan covered here. Remember to
include all handouts. Examples include:
Handouts for this Lesson:

Handout One: Website Resources for Innovative Teaching and Learning (end of this
lesson)
Handout Two: Lesson Rubric (each lesson must have a rubric to assess project
accomplishment and understanding)

Required Equipment/Technology
List technological equipment here, such as network accessible computers, word
processing, graphics, or spreadsheet programs and printer, additional programs, or
video cameras, needed to complete the lesson.

Gloria J. Edwards -6-

Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
 THE LESSON
Here is the nitty-gritty of the project development and instruction! The lesson format
has been laid out in three major steps: Preparation, Practice, and Performance. This
simple sequence provides learners with a way to approach, organize, and implement
their project successfully. In this section, write out concise steps for both students
and teachers to follow to develop their project. “Activity” refers to the specific activity
for the students to perform, “Instructor Notes” are notes and references for teachers.
“ET” stands for Estimated Time to complete each step of the project (not how many
“aliens” it takes to complete each step

Note: As you plan your lesson, REMBER: Students do not learn from what you do
as much as from what you have them do. (ET= Estimated Time)

Preparation (Prepare for project here.)

As you design your lesson plan, include all handouts and references to handouts or
supporting materials clearly so that other instructors can navigate your plan easily. For
example, if you present students with a model (good idea!) of what you expect them to
produce, include the model or replica or photo of it in the lesson plan, referring to its use
in the preparation section.

Activity Instructor Notes ET

1. Discuss the topic of your project. Introduce the project to your Take
Think about what you already know group. This is the time to about 20
about the subject and why it is introduce and discuss the main minutes
important. How can this project be concepts behind your project (i.e. to an
meaningful for you? Ask yourself teamwork, health, community hour.
“How can I do this?” “What do I need improvement). Establish prior
to do this?” knowledge of the subject with
your group. The goal here is to
make this project personally
meaningful to the student. Point
out ways that the outcome of the
project will relate to them. A
great way to capture interest is to
include a joke, fable, or
storytelling related to the topic.
Many students begin to relate to
the lesson ONLY when they are
engaged in group discussion,
story-telling or other
conversational devices.
2. Discuss lesson rubric. Introduce the rubric at this point 10-15

Gloria J. Edwards -7-

Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
 to let the students know what is minutes
expected and important in the
lesson. Use the rubric to explain
specific assessments. (Rubrics
are performance-based
assessment devices that judge
progress on performance, not
isolated knowledge about the
topic.)
3. Prepare for your project. Choose You may divide your class into 20
your place, people, things, or groups at this point if necessary. minutes;
methods to complete it. Outline or Assist the students in thinking may
list the steps you or your group through their preparations. need to
will need to take. Remember to Remember, students learn by extend
include people as helpful resources if doing: when you find they are at into
you need them! an impasse, ask them “How can another
we accomplish this step? How session
can we get this done?” Allow the
students to experience self
direction and construct their
place in community involvement.

Practice and Process (Preliminary information is gathered,

background research tfor project is conducted.)
Activity Instructor Notes ET
1. Review handouts as needed. Develop handouts to supplement As
the lesson plan. Handouts should needed
include directions for activities
such as laboratory work, steps to
complete artwork, or other
specific sequences for the
students to follow. And
remember, creativity and fun is a
good ingredient to include for
learning success!
2. Research websites Incorporate website content into As
basic academic skills such as needed
reading and writing assignments.
3. Conduct additional activity to You may have the students As
develop understanding and conduct brief activities that needed
completion of project. enhance understanding of the
project such as a laboratory
experiment, science activity,
interviews, field trips, or other
activities that allow the students

Gloria J. Edwards -8-

Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
 to become familiar with the
subject.

Performance (show end product)

Activity Instructor Notes ET
1. Put together the pieces of the Review the steps needed to As
project (build, write, develop, complete the project. Have the needed
interview…whatever steps are students organize all their
needed to complete the project). Do material into a final format.
the computer work and/or hands-on
work.
2. Submit final project for first review, Review all project materials for As
edits, and changes. changes and improvements. needed.
3. Make changes to project as
needed.
4. Present the completed project to
class, school group, community or
other involved group. Good job!
4. Review Lesson rubric. Do self- Review lesson rubric As
assessment. needed

Lesson Assessment Strategy

These are general questions to use in assessment of your lesson. If

your lesson is to be used by other teachers,
Preparation, Presentation and Overall Implementation (Instructor)

1. Are the instructions and expectations for the class clear from the beginning?
2. Am I spending sufficient time on modeling the skills I want students to acquire?
3. Is there enough variety in the lesson to appeal to most learning preferences?
4. How many learning intelligences am I addressing?
5. Are students “connecting” to lesson objectives? How?
6. How is this lesson “integrated”?

Performance and Practice (Student)

1. Do all students have the skills to follow instructions? If not, what measures am I
taking to address the challenge?
2. Are all students participating in the activities either by active observation or by
voicing their thoughts?
3. Am I identifying the strengths of each student and pairing/grouping people
accordingly? What results am I getting?

Gloria J. Edwards -9-

Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
 4. How are students performing? Are all of them able meeting 80% of the lesson
objectives? If not, what am I doing to help them achieve more?

Technology

1. Is the technology working?

2. How are students reacting to the technology, and what do I need to remember
when I teach this lesson again?
3. How are students applying or wanting to apply their technical skills in other
areas?

Activity Checklist
a. Discuss the topic of your project.
b. Discuss rubric, goals, and expectations.
c. Outline steps needed to complete project.
d. Get permission if needed.
e. Review handouts.
f. Read websites.
g. Do activity if included.
h. Build/do/make/project.
i. Review/edit your project.
j. Present project.
k. Review lesson rubric. Perform assessments.

Congratulations! You have just reviewed your first project-based lesson plan. We
hope this will help you in developing projects for the health, happiness, and learning for
your own students! To contact us, make suggestions, and find out more about project-
based experiential learning, visit us at www.integratelearning.org ! See you there!

Gloria J. Edwards - 10 -
Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
Handout One: Related websites

Web Site URL Description/Notes

http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Lincoln_HS/Burleson/Lessons/wind/ Webquest

http://www.aag.org/ARGUS/ARGUS.html Geography

http://www.geology.usgs.gov/index.shtml US Government site including geology projects

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/lesson.htm#misc A must! Find out about great resources for teachers

http://www.yourhomework.com/ Post assignments and enhance teacher-parent-student communication

http://wwwpsychwww.com/mtsite/index.html Mind tools to help you think excellently

http://www.privatelessons.net/computer.asp Private lessons channel: learn computer technology and other courses online

http://www.geocities.com/robertcgalloway/pedagogymiller2.html Bob Galloway’s site has a summary of one of Miller’s works

http://www.whole.org/ Whole.Org is a good source of information

http://www.haven.net/edge/council/miller.htm Public Education, Alternative Schools and Democracy

http://www.neat.tas.edu.au/HENT/world/dds/freedom.htm Freedom and Structure in Holistic Education

http://www.spinninglobe.net/chall1 -4rev.htm Challenging the Giant

http://www.thecommunityschool.org/articles/AR_2000.pdf The Community School

http://www.thecommunityschool.org/ This school is in Maine and appears to be very successful…school homepage

http://www.askeric.org/Virtual/Lessons/Guide.shtml Ask Eric Writ e a Lesson plan

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/WriteLessonPlan.htm Lesson Plans Page: 10 steps to developing a quality lesson plan

http://www.proteacher.com/020001.shtml Pro Teacher lesson planning

http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/month3/implementation.htm Teaching to academic standards

http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/lesson_plans.htm The USGS has some interesting interdisciplinary lesson plans

http://cuip.uchicago.edu/wit/2000/curriculum/homeroommodules/assessEdSit This U. of Chicago has an interesting rubric

es/lessrubric.htm

http://intranet.cps.k12.il.us/Lessons/StructuredCurriculumTOC/structuredcurr Chicago Public School system has developed a series of handbooks

iculumtoc.html

http://www.csum.edu/~vceed002/ref/plans/plans.html Sourcebook for Teaching Science

http://www.tapestryweb.org Institute for Philosophy, Religion, and Life Science: integrated knowing

Gloria J. Edwards - 11 -
Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
Handout Two: Lesson Rubric
Name:
Teacher:
Date:
Course:

Name of Your Project or Lesson Here

(Describe here the task or performance that this rubric is designed to evaluate.)
Beginning Developing Accomplished Exemplary Score

1 2 3 4
Description of
identifiable
Description of Description of
Stated performance Description of
identifiable identifiable
Objective or performance characteristics identifiable
performance
Performance characteristics reflecting performance
characteristics
development characteristics
reflecting a reflecting the
and reflecting
beginning highest level
movement mastery of
level of of
toward performance.
performance. performance.
mastery of
performance.
Description of
identifiable
Description of Description of
Stated performance Description of
identifiable identifiable
Objective or performance characteristics identifiable
performance
Performance characteristics reflecting performance
characteristics
development characteristics
reflecting a reflecting the
and reflecting
beginning highest level
movement mastery of
level of of
toward performance.
performance. performance.
mastery of
performance.
Description of
identifiable
Description of Description of
Stated performance Description of
identifiable identifiable
Objective or performance characteristics identifiable
performance
Performance characteristics reflecting performance
characteristics
development characteristics
reflecting a reflecting the
and reflecting
beginning highest level
movement mastery of
level of of
toward performance.
performance. performance.
mastery of
performance.

Gloria J. Edwards - 12 -
Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.
 Description of
identifiable
Description of Description of
Stated performance Description of
identifiable identifiable
Objective or performance characteristics identifiable
performance
Performance characteristics reflecting performance
characteristics
development characteristics
reflecting a reflecting the
and reflecting
beginning highest level
movement mastery of
level of of
toward performance.
performance. performance.
mastery of
performance.
Description of
identifiable
Description of Description of
Stated performance Description of
identifiable identifiable
Objective or performance characteristics identifiable
performance
Performance characteristics reflecting performance
characteristics
development characteristics
reflecting a reflecting the
and reflecting
beginning highest level
movement mastery of
level of of
toward performance.
performance. performance.
mastery of
performance.

Other rubric styles are available at www.webquest.matrix,

www.integratelearning.org, and other sites listed in the above attachment.

Gloria J. Edwards - 13 -
Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership 2002
“Developing a Project-Based Lesson” using Leecy Wise’s template for Star Schools teachers.