Donna Sterling Institute

The Power of Problem-Based Learning for Teaching STEM

Frank Niepold, teaching climate lead for NOAA’s Climate.gov web portal will speak on climate resiliency. This will model how to identify a current problem. Using a current science topic, climate science, the leaders will next demonstrate how to develop a problem-based learning unit that is adaptable for elementary through high school. Engineering, mathematics, and reading in the content area are all essential to PBLs - we won’t break them out; we’ll embed them! You’ll find that PBLs strongly support the 5 C’s: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration and Leadership, and Character. There will also be an example of a developed PBL.

In the afternoon, teachers will begin developing their PBL on a topic of their own choice. Teachers may work in groups or solo. Participants will be assisted by veteran PBL teachers. Participants may have the opportunity to have their PBL published!

Registration includes breakfast and lunch on November 14th.