DEVELOPING PROJECT GOALS Project based learning is...meaningful learning that breaks down the walls of the classroom and allows schools to be part of real life now." Laurette Rogers, formerly with the Autodesk Foundation Define the critical sustainability issues faced by students in their community or neighborhood by first surveying various sites or local natural features, such as:  water environments and water quality (streams, creeks, ponds, lakes) vegetation (forests, meadows, open space, parks) animal life (mammals, birds, aquatic life) human impacts (housing supply, transportation, population density) Use facilitation processes to define issues. After issues are defined, select one or more related issues to address, which will become the project goals. After your students determine the issues to address and the projects by which they will address them, review your curriculum requirements.  Framework elements in all subject areas to determine which ones can be met through the project. Help students research and contact community partners who can participate in a joint project that is related to the issues your class has identified.  Factor in availability of materials, time, field site access, and community project support. Set up a meeting with community partner(s) and students to discuss various approaches to the project. Refine project goals to incorporate needs of each community partner.  This type of evaluation/assessment is a critical aspect of the process. Work with students to continue to adapt project goals based upon their research and preliminary findings.  Such ongoing adaptation reflects real world continuous learning processes.  This process is enhanced by use of group facilitation processes such as The Discussion Method and The Workshop.  (See below.) When the project is complete, provide time for reflection and application of lessons learned to broaden context and increase retention of knowledge and insights gained.

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To contact us:  Email Harriet Goldman, Sustainability Curriculum Program Manager