PBL

Problem-based Learning is an innovative approach to empower students with the skills for the twenty-first century as it challenges the students to identify the problem, analysis the issues that need to be addressed and do the relevant research themselves.  Students are challenged as they problem-solve the problem.  They learn also to work as a team and to source for the data in the books, on the websites or even doing field work, interviews or surveys.  With the given data that they have found, the students further need to synthesis and evaluate their findings before summarizing it for their oral presentation on powerpoint.  Indeed, students are challenged to think out of the box as they use the various higher-order thinking skills including critical and creative thinking to analyse and solve the problem.  Below are some problems and resources provided by various teachers in my PBL classes that you may wish to use in your class.


Problem 1:   Plastic or Jellyfish  by Brian Lui, Mohd Yoonus, TM Valan & Tang Siao Shi

An article appeared in the internet showing jellyfish-like plastic bags “swimming" in the ocean. Annually, many marine life die as a result of such plastic bags.  How can you differentiate the plastic from the jellyfish in the picture as shown below?  You are an Environment Ambassador for your school. What can you do?

Websites
1.    The dangers of Plastic Bags
http://www.badlani.com/blog/2007/06/30/what-prompted-rebecca-hosking-to-start-her-anti-plastic-bag-campaign/

2.   Australia against Plastic Bags http://www.areyouready.com.au/home.php

3.   Facts about Plastic http://www.areyouready.com.au/download.php

4.   Pocono Record's Slideshow on Plastic Bag Effects http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/ MULTIMEDIA02/80505016

Videos  
World Oceans Day Statement on Plastic Pollution http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxdwVQtNfng&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fsaynotoplastic%2Ewordpress%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded


NETS It! by Rubiyah Khamis, Sim Kok Heng, Chen Wei Chong, Ivy Low Shimin

The national netball team is currently training everyday for the Youth Olympic Games. However, their health and performance have deteriorated recently. What can you do to help them?

Websites       

1.  Countdown the top Ten Injuries In Sport
http://www.better-exercise-fitness-for-life.comtop-ten-injuries-in-sport.html

2.  Supplements affecting sports health
http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/sports/sports_supplements.html  

3.  What role do proper clothing and footwear play in preventing sports injuries?
http://www.videojug.com/expertanswer/preventing-sports-injuries-2/what-role- do-proper-clothing-and-footwear-play-in-preventing-sports-injuries

4.  Athletics and the Weather
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/sport_leisure/athletics.shtml

5.  Sports and Nutrition – Fueling Your Performance
http://www.youngwomenhealth.org/nutrition-sports.html

6.  High-performance sports conditioning  High-performance sports conditioning

7.  Desire and lifestyle affect health   www.nwph.net/nwpho/inequalities/health_wealth_ch20_(2).pdf

8.  http://www.psychology.org.au/community/lifestyle/