Teachers


 * So, teachers, what are you supposed to do with this?**



This project is designed so that a team of students will evaluate evidence that is directly related to the 5 essential facts listed in the SOL above. In fact, the question in this mystery is a reworded version of the Essential Question. The point of this assignment is for students to become engaged with the topic and create a product (movie, Power Point, [|Voicethread], or there own wikipage that answers the main questions, but then hypothesizes on what could happen if something like this broke out in current times.

The site provides the students with the 4 steps they need to go through to complete the project as defined by HCPS Staff Development Department at: [].

First, students will need to define the problem given to them on the Home Page. This allows them to put the issues into their own words and figure out what task they want to do. It also sets them up for answering the main questions.

Second, students will need to design their task. This is an important step because it is here that they need to formulate their ideas for the presentation they will make and decide who is doing what work. They will also need to create a time line for themselves and follow through with their commitments. You as the teacher need to make sure they clearly state what they want to do and how they plan on doing it within the restrictions needed for the class.

Third, students will "do" the project. This can be done in class or at home. They need to follow their time line and make sure the people tasked with work do what they are supposed to do. You manage the teams at this point. Also, it is at this point where they may be asking you the questions you might normally have done in a lecture. However, now that they are asking you the questions, they are more likely to remember it rather than just listening to a lecture.

Fourth, the evaluation. This is not just the grade. For this assignment, you can either create a rubric for the kids or they can make their own (found in the define or design task). So a grade will be required, but mostly students will decide and discuss how well they did implementing their goals and completing the project. Did they work well together? Did they complete each task on time? At this point, they can also ask you about the grade. Did they think something was worth an "A", but you thought it was "B" worthy? Why, how are you seeing things differently? This step is important so that when they work on another Problem Solving activity for you, they can sharpen their skills.