Project based learning is one of the best ways to approach teaching because it creates memorable experiences as opposed to rote memorization of information. One of the reasons PBL's are so effective is because projects most often incorporate several learning styles and when planned well, use a cross-curricular approach.
So, when a colleague asked me to create a project for their classroom that included reading, writing, AND science, I was excited to come up with something educational and fun. Thus, the All About Ants project was developed! The following project based learning experience incorporates reading, writing, and science.
We began by introducing the project with a teacher-led presentation about ants and their life cycles.
Then, to get students moving around, I made an ant life cycle scavenger hunt. We placed ant life stages around the room, and students had to walk around matching the cards to their worksheet. It was a great way for them to review some of what they had been learning in class and to incorporate NGSS 4-LS1-1 standard.
After students learned a little bit about ants, we began the research portion of the project. Because we wanted BOTH ELA and NGSS standards met in this project, I decided to create 12 close reading articles for students to use for their research. You can either allow students to pick the ant they want as a small group, or use the ant card selection sheet I created to mix it up so students pick an ant at random. Then students worked together with their small group to answer the questions on their guided note taking form. It was a great way to practice reading comprehension and note taking for our middle elementary students. The students really loved learning about all these unique types of ants!
Next, we took a couple of days for students to work together to create a digital presentation with their research. Our third grade and fourth grade students were just learning how to create Powerpoint presentations so this was a great way to practice their new skills.
Each student had to add a slide with information, which was perfect in a Google Classroom setting, because they could work off the same slideshow. The students created roles and read through a checklist which helped them stay organized, practice solving-problem, and work on communication skills. We had students write their information on note cards for their presentation and read through the digital presentation rubric before presenting to the class.
The last part of this project is probably the students' favorite because this is where they get to design their own 3D model of an ant. Not only does this hit science standard NGSS 4-LS1-2, but it required students to plan and describe their ants. They had to include sensory organs and design internal and external features that helps their ant survive in the environment.
Another great thing about this project is that it gives you a lot of work you can display for parent-night at your school. You may even want to consider purchasing an ant farm like we did for the duration of the project!
The following standards are incorporated in this project, but it would also be great in a 3rd grade classroom as well!
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.R1.4.1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.R1.4.3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.A
NGSS 4-LS1-1 NGSS 4-LS1-2
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