Project Based Learning: How to Build a Functioning Society

By: Mrs. Heather Brukner
from Yeshivat Noam

Category:
Real-World Learning

Subject(s) of entry:
Social Studies

Pedagogy:
PBL - project based learning

Grade(s) to which this was taught:
5

Grade(s) for which this will be useful:
5, Elementary school

“We shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all the people are upon us." Using this quote by John Winthrop, the founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, as inspiration, my 5th grade students at Yeshivat Noam research and discover, through project based learning, what it takes to create a successful colony during early Colonial Times. Students are split into groups of Pilgrims and Puritans. Each group member is responsible for researching an important role : Leadership/Government, Trade, Food Provider, Shelter Provider, or Family Roles. Throughout the process students research a guiding question, make classroom presentations and together plan a Pilgrims and Puritans Fair teaching people that creating a successful colony is not so different from keeping a society successful today!"

Entry Narrative