Are you a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade teacher looking to incorporate STEM placed-based and project-based learning into your classroom? Are you looking for professional resources to help you get started in this type of teaching/learning? Keep reading to find out how to incorporate STEM project-based learning!

What is Multiple Literacies Project-Based Learning?

Dr. Annemarie Palincsar, distinguished educator and researcher at U of M, and Dr. Joe Krajick, director of Create for STEM, teamed up to create science project-based units that incorporate both language and mathematics literacy for upper elementary students. This approach, called Multiple Literacies Project-Based Learning (ML-PBL), engages students in phenomena to help them make sense of the world using writing; speaking and listening; representing and viewing; along with math skills. ML-PBL also includes English learner supports and lessons with an emphasis on equity. From figuring out why there are so many squirrels in our area but not stegosauruses, to learning about current weather and climate in regards to gardening, students will explore a vast array of phenomena. 

“Multiple literacies project based learning provides students with rich experiences that motivates them to use complex ideas of science to explain the phenomena around them.”

The Student Experience in Multiple Literacies

Below is a list of 5th grade units that are project-based and place-based. The 3rd and 4th Grade Unit information can be found on this link.

• Pre-Shadows
• Ecosystems
• Chemistry of Taste
• Stars (with Shadows)
• Chemistry of Fire

“MLPBL really encourages students to talk and share ideas with each other. They are constantly building on prior knowledge and reflecting on their own learning. They also learn how to respectfully disagree with someone else’s thinking while learning new science concepts.”

-Colleen Heyboer, Northview Public Schools, 4th Grade

Create for STEM Institute, funded by the Lucas Foundation, just completed an efficacy study that showed that by using this science resource, there was an increase in standardized test scores and social emotional learning. The results of the study can be found in this article, and this video shows more about ML-PBL. 

How Can You Get Started?

Multiple Literacies Project-Based Learning is a free resource! But, it is highly recommended that teachers attend a professional learning event to learn more about implementing ML-PBL, and to receive help in planning their first ML-PBL unit.

So, where can you attend a ML-PBL professional learning event? At the MiELA Network Institute in June of course! Join teachers and instructional coaches that have used and supported this resource for three years. 

MiELA Network Institute will be a virtual event this year on June 23 and 24th. Click here to reserve your seat today!

#MultipleLiteracies #SocialEmotionalLearning #Literacy #Science #MiELAnetwork #WeLeadLearning #KentISDpd

This blog post was written by Wendi Vogel, Science Consultant at Kent ISD and edited by Sara Sefcik, PD Hub Intern and Amanda Walma, Professional Development Coordinator at Kent ISD.