Driving Question - Characteristics

Backyard Nature PBL Driving Question

The Backyard Nature PBL is based on an authentic problem, the loss of the plant identification labels, and by replacing them,  the walking experience of everyone using the nature trail will be enhanced. According to the concepts that we were asked to keep in mind in this week's course reading, this driving question fits all of the criteria of a quality driving question. It is open-ended, provocative, gets to the heart of the subject, is challenging, interesting, and meets the standards. 

Open-Ended

The driving question allows students to discuss ways that they can create an understanding of the natural beauty that exists on the nature trail. 

Provocative

Students will see themselves as teachers and designers and feel pride and ownership in a part of the school that everyone enjoys using.

Get to the Heart of the Subject

The question addresses the need to create an understanding of the native plants on the nature trail, which is the end product of the PBL.

Is Challenging

Students will have decide on the best course for locating and labeling the plants, the most suitable materials for creating the labels, and design techniques for the labels and plant guide, and coordinating a community walk. All of these skills will involve prior knowledge, research skills, artistic talent, engineering and math knowledge, and lots of teamwork.

Is Interesting

Students will be working on a project that will enhance the quality of a part of the school grounds that they use and enjoy. This will make the project authentic to the students and increase their interest in completing it and in doing their best work.

Meets the Standards

The PBL driving question will meet the standards for the 3rd grade plant unit and the 4th grade NH studies.

Sub-Questions

1. What is a native plant?
2. What is an endangered plant?
3. What technology tools will your group need?
4. What features will we use to identify the trees and plants?
5. How will we record our findings?
6. What materials would be best to label the plants?
7. How will we create the labels?
8. Where will the labels be placed?
9. What is needed to showcase the marked trail?
10. How can we organize a community walk to showcase your work?

The sub-questions can be used by the groups to create the entire unit. They will be used as a guide to lead the groups through their research, planning and design process.