Step 1: Key knowledge, understanding and skills. Look at curriculum guides, standards, etc. and Identify the concepts.

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(concepts are usually nouns, 1 – 2 words we use to categorize and organize our world)

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Step 2: Conceptual Questions. Write conceptual questions (about the relationship between and among concepts above).

For stems click here.

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Step 3: Challenging Problem or Scenario. What real-world problems or scenarios will students tackle for their project? How does the problem represent the relationship between and among concepts?

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Step 4: Initial context. Think of one learning experience or context that will illuminate the answer to the conceptual questions and plan for students to articulate the relationship in their own words, using evidence from the context (deeper learning).

“I understand that… (concept)

(concept) For example…”

Generate, Sort, Connect, Elaborate

p. 81, elementary

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Step 5: Transfer Contexts. Think of at least two additional contexts or learning experiences that further illuminate the answer to the questions (learning transfer).

Students can choose from among

these contexts to design their final project solution. p.84, elementary;

p. 64-65, secondary.

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Step 6: Reflection, Feedback, Revision. How will students reflect on their learning including their ongoing conceptual understanding and ability to transfer to a new situation? p.132 - 135, elementary;

p. 111-117, secondary.

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Step 7: Public Product. How will students make their work public and how will they explain the concepts and the conceptual relationship in the presentation or display?

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