Refer to Chapter 2 for guidance on breaking down your content standards into specific objectives and learning outcomes. Below, we've outlined how the project corresponds with different subjects. Utilize this list to coordinate the project with key instructional turning points, allowing you to determine the optimal times to introduce content-based lessons that align to your standards and enhance student understanding.

Social Studies:

• Civic Knowledge and Skills: Understanding the roles, rights, and responsibilities of citizens, and how citizens can influence community decision-making processes.

•  Community Awareness: Analysis of how local issues affect individuals and groups within the community.

•  Government Structure: Knowledge of local, state, and federal government structures and how they address community issues.

Science :

• Environmental Science: Understanding the impact of environmental issues on the community and exploring scientific solutions where relevant.

• Health Science: Investigating public health concerns that might affect the community.

Language Arts:

• Research Skills: Effective gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information from a variety of sources.

• Writing and Communication: Clearly communicating ideas, proposals, and action plans through written and oral presentations.

• Collaborative Discussions: Engaging in discussions that further understanding and help refine ideas and solutions.

Mathematics (if applicable):

• Data Analysis and Statistics: Using quantitative methods to analyze community problems and measure the impact of solutions.

• Numbers and Operations: Utilization of various types of numbers and arithmetic operations tailored to the project's requirements and data analysis.

• Operations and Algebraic Thinking: Apply arithmetic operations, algebraic expressions, and problem-solving strategies specifically adapted to meet the demands of the project.

Use the information from the Standards to assess what existing resources you can incorporate into your lessons. Refer to Chapter 3 for guidance on how to weave your current curriculum resources into this Project-Based Learning experience.

Storyline: 

In this PBL project, you will become active citizens and agents of positive change in your community. You will immerse yourself in the world of civic engagement by identifying a pressing issue that affects your local community. Through research and collaboration, you will explore potential solutions and develop action plans to address the problem effectively. This project aims to instill a sense of responsibility, empathy, and empowerment, enabling you to make a meaningful impact on your surroundings.

You will have to

1. Understand civic engagement

2. Identify a community issue

3. Research and analyze solutions

4. Develop action plans

5. Implement your action plans

6. Celebrate civic engagement

Driving Question: 

1. Initial Inquiry:

What is civic engagement and how can we identify a community issue?

2. Reflection & Iteration: 

What creative ideas can we brainstorm to address a community issue?

How have our ideas evolved throughout the process of brainstorming and planning?

3. Driving Question:

How can we use our voices and actions to create positive change by addressing an issue that affects our community?

Turning Points: 

1. Launch Storyline, Need to Know Questions and Introduction to Civic Engagement:

• Objective: Learn what civic engagement involves and why it is important.

• Activities: Start with the storyline and driving question, then have students formulate their "Need to Know" questions. Utilize the various forms of instruction outlined in Chapter 4, leveraging your existing resources for content lessons. Incorporate guest speakers from local community organizations, explore online webinars, and hold discussions about notable civic leaders and movements.

2. Community Issue Identification:

• Objective: Identify and select a local issue to address.

• Activities: Review and refine the "Need to Know" questions based on the previous turning point. Utilize the various forms of instruction outlined in Chapter 4 and leverage your existing resources for content lessons. Create and administer surveys, conduct interviews with community members, and research to identify the most pressing local issues.

3. Research Existing Solutions:

• Objective: Investigate how other communities have addressed similar issues.

• Activities: Review and refine the "Need to Know" questions based on the previous turning point. Conduct research, analyze case studies, and interview experts to gather data and insights on effective solutions.

4. Developing Action Plans:

• Objective: Create a detailed action plan to address the chosen community issue.

• Activities: Review and refine Need to Know Questions based on previous turning point. Hold workshops on project planning and management, create timelines, set goals, and explore budgeting.

5. Implementing Action Plans:

• Objective: Put the developed plans into action within the community.

• Activities: Review and refine Need to Know Questions based on previous turning point. Plan and organize events, collaborate with local authorities and organizations, and execute the planned activities.

6. Monitoring and Adjusting:

• Objective: Track the progress of the action plans and make necessary adjustments.

• Activities: Discuss challenges and successes, adjusting strategies as needed based on feedback and outcomes.

Community Partners: 

Various community partners could include (Select one or two).

1. Local Government Officials and Departments: Partnering with city council members, mayors, or local government departments (such as parks and recreation, urban planning, or public works) can provide students with insights into civic operations and challenges faced by the community.

2. Community Centers and Libraries: These local hubs often serve as the heart of community engagement and can provide valuable resources, as well as potential interview subjects for the students.

3. Local Businesses and Chambers of Commerce: Engaging with local businesses and commerce groups can help students understand the economic aspects of their community and the role businesses play in civic life.

4. Historical Societies and Museums: These organizations can provide historical context to the community’s development and major landmarks, enriching students' understanding and research.

5. Environmental and Public Health Organizations: Partnering with organizations focused on environmental conservation, urban green spaces, or public health can help students explore aspects of community wellbeing and challenges.

6. Educational Institutions: Collaborating with local schools, colleges, or universities can provide additional resources and expertise, especially in terms of research and data collection.

7. Non-Profit and Volunteer Organizations: These groups can offer perspectives on community needs, social issues, and the importance of civic engagement and volunteerism.

8. Police and Fire Departments: Engaging with local safety officials can provide students with a sense of the community's safety measures and the roles these departments play.

9. Local Media: Local newspapers, radio stations, or community blogs can be partners in understanding community issues and communication channels.

10. Urban Developers and Planners: These professionals can offer insights into the physical and strategic planning of the community.

Real-World Project Ideas:

Various projects could include (Select one or provide choice to your students).

1. Community Awareness Booklet or Brochure: A detailed guide created by students, highlighting local landmarks, businesses, and community services, as well as identified strengths and challenges. This could serve as an informative resource for both residents and visitors.

2. Interactive Map: An online or physical map showcasing local landmarks, businesses, and areas of interest, along with descriptions or histories researched by the students. This could also include areas identified for improvement.

3. Documentary or Video Series: A student-produced documentary or series of short videos featuring interviews with local residents, tours of landmarks, and coverage of local issues. This could be shared with the community or used in local schools to foster a deeper connection with the local area.

4. Public Art Project: A mural, sculpture, or other form of public art that reflects the community’s identity, history, or aspirations, based on the students' research and engagement with residents.

5. Community Newsletter or Blog: A regular publication (either digital or in print) that features stories, interviews, and updates about the local area, based on the students' findings and ongoing research.

6. Recommendation Report: A detailed report or presentation to local government or community organizations, outlining observed community strengths and challenges, with researched recommendations for improvement or engagement.

7. Event Proposal: A plan for a community event, such as a clean-up, festival, or public meeting, designed to address a community need or to foster civic engagement, based on survey results and interviews.

8. Civic Engagement Toolkit: A resource for residents, especially youth, detailing ways to get involved in the local community, including volunteer opportunities, local government contacts, and tips for civic participation.

9. Social Media Campaign: A campaign designed by students to highlight community strengths, address challenges, or encourage civic engagement, using platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

10. Community Resource App: A mobile application developed by students providing information on local services, landmarks, business directories, and community events, accessible to all residents.

Scaffolding Student Learning:

Outline methods for differentiating instruction and provide both common and unique scaffolding techniques to support student learning throughout the PBL process. Strategies can include: 

1. Establishing clear learning objectives and success criteria. 

2. Leveraging mentorship opportunities.

3. Employing a gradual release of responsibility. 

4. Integrating expert panels. 

5. Utilizing modeling and examples. 

For a detailed discussion of comprehensive strategies, refer to Chapter 9. 

Managing Activities:

Consider the following when managing activities. 

1. Provide a safe learning environment so students are willing to take risks.

2. Outline clear learning objectives. 

3. Ensure rituals, routines and processes support your objectives

4. Organize regular check-ins at different stages of the project.

5. Address issues as they emerge, encompassing content, processes, and social and emotional concerns. 

For an in-depth exploration of strategies, consult Chapter 10. If additional instructional methodologies are required, refer to Chapter 4.

Technology Enhancements:

Various technology tools could include...

1. Interactive Presentation Tools: Google Slides, Prezi, or Microsoft Sway for presenting the storyline and driving questions.

2. Video Platforms: YouTube, Vimeo, or TED-Ed, ED Puzzle for educational videos and webinars on civic engagement.

3. Virtual Guest Speaker Platforms: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for virtual sessions with guest speakers from local community organizations.

4. Discussion Platforms: Padlet, Flipgrid, or Google Classroom for holding discussions and sharing insights about civic leaders and movements.

5. Survey Tools: Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Typeform for creating and administering surveys to community members.

6. Interview Recording Tools: VoiceThread, Rev, or Otter.ai for recording and transcribing interviews with community members.

7. Collaborative Research Tools: Google Docs, OneNote, or Evernote for compiling research findings.

8. Data Visualization Tools: Canva, Piktochart, or Tableau for visualizing survey and interview data.

9. Data Analysis Tools: Excel, Google Sheets, or Airtable for analyzing data and insights gathered from research.

10. Budgeting Tools: Excel, Google Sheets, or Mint for planning and managing the project budget.

11. Feedback Tools: Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or JotForm for collecting feedback during implementation.

Critique, Revision, Reflection and Feedback Mechanisms:

Outline strategies for structured critique, revision, reflection, and feedback during the PBL process. Activities may include:

• Maintaining journals

• Conducting peer reviews

• Using the PROFESS routine

• Holding reflection sessions to help students critically analyze their learning experiences and skill development

For detailed strategies, refer to Chapters 12 and 13.

Overall Project Rubric

Consider both traditional and authentic formative and summative assessments, ensuring they correspond with key turning points. Traditional assessments might include:

• Quizzes

• Exit tickets

• Tests

• Written reports

Authentic assessments could involve:

• Reflection journals

• Peer assessments

• Exhibitions

• Presentations

• The projects themselves

For more information, consult Chapter 14.