Problem-Based/Inquiry Instruction Lesson Plan

Lesson Background:
Your Name: Richard Williams, Ryan Barcus Subject: Social Studies Lesson Title: The problem of the playground. Materials Needed: Computers with internet connections (1 computer for each small group) Graph paper (1 sheet per small group) Notebook/plain paper Pencils/pens Grade: 5

Prerequisite Skills: Ability to conduct research on the computer, using a search engine Ability to work in small groups (3-4 students per group)

Logistics: The class will need student access to computers; preferably at a 1:4 ratio. This may be achieved either by using the computer lab, or having enough computers in the classroom, or some combination of both. Schedule time in the computer lab as appropriate. Lesson Goal (not ABCD objectives): Given a set of parameters, which include a limited budget and tools for research, student groups will create a list of new equipment for the school playground. Students will need to consider both the cost of the equipment and the cost of installing it. Student groups will then present their list along with their reasoning to the class. Parameters: It is assumed that the equipment will be professionally installed and that the contractor will automatically adhere to all safety codes and that all appropriate materials will be used. Also, it is assumed that the old playground equipment has been removed (no need to budget for removal/cleanup), and that the original playground area is available to them for installation. Maintenance costs are not considered in this exercise. Students may assume a fixed cost of $10,000 for installation. The entire school (300 students, in grades K-5) will be using this (so size, space and durability may need to be considered).

Total funds available: $35,000 (including installation costs). This leaves $25,000 for the students to spend on playground equipment.

Interaction With Students: 1. Orient students to the problem or dilemma? Students! We all know the playground equipment is old, and some of it is unsafe. We need new equipment. The problem is that we have a limited budget of $35,0000 so we cant buy everything we want. Explain the parameters to the students: that the old equipment is already gone, and that the new equipment will be professionally installed at the fixed cost of $10,000, and that all 300 students from grades K-5 will be using this. Remember that the all of the 300 students in the school (grades K-5) will use this. What would you recommend for the school to purchase, and why?

2. Organize students for study: Students work in small groups. They should keep in mind the ages of the children that will be using the playground. Students will need to brainstorm what equipment they want, and then find out where they can buy it from and how much it will cost. After the research portion, then they will need to compile their list. It is likely that there will be several drafts of the list, so they will need continual access to the computers during this lesson. There will be 4 students per group, with each group sharing one computer. In order to form groups of 4, the teacher will consider grouping students of similar ability and strengths/weaknesses and place them together. It is not advisable to place the best-performing and lowest-performing students in the same group. The students should be in groups of similar ability level, keeping diversity in mind. The groups may wish to draw out their proposed playground on graph paper (this is optional, but helpful for organization).

3. Assist independent and group investigation: (Input/Modeling so kids know what to do) Once you are in your groups (dont move until I tell you), you will go to your computer and begin to research playground equipment. You will need to find out how much each piece that you want costs. Teacher models this by using the computer with the overhead projector, and showing the website: http://www.kidstruction.com/ Click Playground Equipment at the top of the page. When the next page loads, go to the menu on the left side and show how the catalogue is divided by both age and cost. Click Ages 5 to 12 Years and then under $5000 to model this. Teacher may also model using Google and typing in School Playground Equipment and demonstrating how to follow links. Student groups may use Google or another search engine to find other playground equipment companies to search for the equipment that you want. Remember your budget, and the fact that students from grades K-5 will be using it.

4. Develop and present artifacts and exhibits Students, now that you have brainstormed some items and done some research, now you will create your list. Again, it is suggested to draw out the proposed playground on graph paper (though not required for this lesson). As you list each item, provide a written justification (reason) of why that is the best piece of equipment for the playground. Each group will stand and present their list to the class, along with their justification for each piece of playground equipment that they chose.

5. Analyze and evaluate the problem-solving process: Great work class! Now, lets discuss what we did as a large group: What did we do? (We solved a problem) Did the teacher tell you exactly what to do, step by step? (No) So, how did we solve it? (listen for different responses) You were given parameters, such as number and ages of kids, and a budget and then told to come up with a solution. Did everyone come up with the same solution? (No) Why not? (possible answers: we think differently, we all took different approaches, we all wanted something different, we have different experiences and knowledge, etc.) What was the hardest part of solving this problem? (listen for different responses; possible answers could include the fact that there were no step by step instructions, or that it was open-ended with no one right answer) What other problems or challenges may have more than one solution? (possible answers: science experiments, social problems, relationships (friends, family), how to spend money or time)

6. Assessment/Closure: As everyone presents, lets look at what the groups did similarly and what they did differently. Listen to the reasons and see if they make sense to you. Turn in your lists and any other paperwork (graph paper, etc.) Use the attached checklist to review the lists. The assessment may be done during the small group presentations to save time.

7. DIFFERENTIATION of Content, Process or Product: a. Adaptation for students who need extra help, time, or attention? For students that have difficulty writing, allow them to participate verbally (and for those that are less verbal, allow them to participate in writing) Teacher may give extra prompts to aid brainstorming

Teacher may give prompts/suggestions for research Teacher may provide clear, written directions (written on the board)

b. Extension for students of high ability? Students may design the playground and draw on graph paper where all of the equipment will go. Ensure that it will fit in the allotted space.

8. References Consulted Playground equipment websites: http://www.kidstruction.com/node/27 http://korkatblog.com/playground-planning-guide/#budget

Checklist Criteria Met Did the group stay under budget? (<$30,000) Can students from all grades (K-5) use at least one piece of equipment? Did each group member participate? Not Met