Alternative Energy PBL

This week, the ASPIRE 5 students continued their first science PBL (Project Based Learning) voyage of the year.  Our driving question is, "How can Glenhope Elementary use more alternative energy sources."  We started last week by compiling a list of what they already knew, what they wanted to know, and how they wanted to learn.  From there, the students took a day to research the various types of renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydro-electric, biofuel, and geothermal.  Next, the students drew their vision of Glenhope Elementary with alternative energy structures.  We were going to walk around the school, but rain forced us to rely on satellite images from Google Earth.

The next step required students to shop for alternative energy sources that would supply the school with 200 kilowatt hours.  The next day, students compared their costs to the current traditional energy expenses for a school the size of Glenhope.  They also predicted 25 year costs, and the potential savings of alternative energy sources.

During the past two days, groups have created 3-D models of their Glenhope energy plans using the Sketchup program, which allowed them to add alternative energy structures to images of the school.  Next week, they will explore the barriers that may stand in their way such as city ordinances and hidden costs.  The class will also present their findings to other grades in the ASPIRE academy.  My goal is for all of you to see their products Thursday at Curriculum Night.

PBL is a great strategy for gifted learners.  It allows them to explore a topic in depth, gives them the freedom to choose an area of focus, and confronts them with real-world problems that affect their lives.  PBL also requires students to work collaboratively, and improves their public speaking skills.  Overall, this has been a great introduction to PBL.  In the future, students will have the opportunity to learn from professionals in the field we are studying, and present to members of the community.  For now, I believe the ASPIRE 5 class has gained confidence in this method of learning, and I am excited about their ability to offer amazing solutions to problems facing our school and community.