Exploring Massachusetts Through Project-Based Learning: Geography, History, Government, Economics & More

Carole Marsh

Ιουν 2016 · Gallopade International

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Exploring Massachusetts through Project-Based Leaning includes 50 well-thought-out projects designed for grades 3-5. In assigning your students projects that dig into MassachusettsÕs geography, history, government, economy, current events, and famous people, you will deepen their appreciation and understanding of Massachusetts while simultaneously improving their analytical skills and ability to recognize patterns and big-picture themes.

Project-based learning today is much different than the craft-heavy classroom activities popular in the past. Inquiry, planning, research, collaboration, and analysis are key components of project-based learning activities today. However, that doesnÕt mean creativity, individual expression, and fun are out. They definitely arenÕt!

Each project is designed to help students gain important knowledge and skills that are derived from standards and key concepts at the heart of academic subject areas. Students are asked to analyze and solve problems, to gather and interpret data, to develop and evaluate solutions, to support their answers with evidence, to think critically in a sustained way, and to use their newfound knowledge to formulate new questions worthy of exploring.

While some projects are more complex and take longer than others, they all are set up in the same structure. Each begins with the central project-driving questions, proceeds through research and supportive questions, has the student choose a presentation option, and ends with a broader-view inquiry. Rubrics for reflection and assessments are included, too. This consistent framework will make it easier for you assign projects and for your students to follow along and consistently meet expectations.

Encourage your students to take charge of their projects as much as possible. As a teacher, you can act as a facilitator and guide. The projects are structured such that students can often work through the process on their own or through cooperation with their classmates.

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Carole Marsh is the creative force behind more than 15,000 children's books, state-aligned curriculum, and supplemental educational materials. Founded in 1979, Marsh's popular series, Real Kids! Real Places!, originated from her own children's request for her to write books for kids. It is aimed at young readers ages 7-14. This original series now has 50 titles. Since its inception more than 36 years ago, Carole has created eight additional mystery series, all including real characters, historical and factual information, and tons of hilarious mishaps!

Carole Marsh instinctive kid-friendly approach toward making reading and learning both fun and educational has earned her considerable attention in the literary world. She is a six-time winner of the Teacher's Choice for the Classroom award from Learning Magazine; two-time Academic's Choice Smart Book award winner; four-time award winner from Creative Child Magazine and the 2015 Moonbeam Silver Medal award recipient.

A Georgia native, Marsh was honored by the Georgia Writer's Association with the Georgia Author of the Year award in 2007. Having garnered these and other prestigious awards for superior products, as well as respect in the educational market, Gallopade has grown into an international, multi-million-dollar publishing concern highly favored by the educational community.

In 2015, Gallopade introduced Bluffton Books, an imprint with over 15 titles. Bluffton Books is a culmination of more than 37 years of writing. With an eclectic mix of themes and reading ages, Bluffton Books has appeal to a wide variety of audiences.

With more than one million of her mysteries sold to date, Carole Marsh's ever-increasing nationwide readership is testament that her motto "give 'em what they want to read" is truly a secret for success.