A new Challenge

So, we're off on a new edventure (coined?). Starting next week, 7th graders are taking on a Project Based Learning unit on plants. This year, instead of our traditional instruction intertwined with some outdoor activities and labs, students are going to be creating their own hydroponic setup and nurturing a plant with this setup.

So far, the amount of THINKING that goes into this has been massive. WHAT do we want them to do, HOW MUCH should they be directed as opposed to discover on their own, what are realistic expectations for 13 year olds, and how can we be sure they are actually LEARNING (after all, that's what they're supposed to be doing in school- right?)

Now that MY ideas of what the students will produce are all set, we'll see what they can come up with on their own.