10 Performance-Based STEM Projects for Grades 4-5

INTRODUCTION Why Project-Based Learning? Why STEM? Why STEM and PBL? How This Book Is Organized Project 1: Communicate Effectively Project Outline: Magnetic English Suggested Timeline Lesson: What Is Poetry? Lesson: Lines and Stanzas Lesson: Rhythm/Rhyme Lesson: Tone and Mood Handout Product Rubric Project 2: Focus on Inquiry and Collaboration Project Outline: Pumpkin Catapult Suggested Timeline Lesson: What Is a Catapult? Lesson: Building a Class Catapult Handouts Product Rubric Project 3: Understand Multiple Content Areas Project Outline: Strands of the Same DNA Suggested Timeline Lesson: Math and Science Connections Handouts Product Rubrics Project 4: Explore Contemporary Issues Project Outline: An American Quilt Suggested Timeline Lesson: What Is a Melting Pot? Lesson: Why Do People Immigrate to the United States? Lesson: Analyzing Immigration Data Product Rubric Project 5: Use Technology, Math, and Reasoning Project Outline: Brainteasing Patterns Suggested Timeline Handouts Product Rubric Project 6: Use and Analyze Models Project Outline: Isn't It a Wonder? Suggested Timeline Handouts Product Rubric Project 7: Record and Analyze Data Project Outline: Fantasy Baseball Suggested Timeline Lesson: Determining Baseball Statistics Handouts Project 8: Investigate Change Over Time and Patterns Project Outline: Egg Drop Challenge Suggested Timeline Handouts Product Rubric Project 9: Use Computer Models or Simulations Project Outline: What Are the Consequences? Suggested Timeline Lesson: Cause and Effect Handout Product Rubric Project 10: Construct and Explain Systems Project Outline: The Game of Economics Suggested Timeline Lesson: Economics in Games Lesson: Writing Clear Instructions Handout Product Rubric DEVELOP YOUR OWN STEM PROJECTS REFERENCES ABOUT THE AUTHOR NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS ALIGNMENT COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS ALIGNMENT