Pre-Planning Questions for "Dream Vacation"

1. What standards are being addressed?
2. What technology resources are available?
3. How long will preparation of instructional resources take?
4. What other resources are available for the planned project?
5. What is a realistic planning time frame for PBL?


1. Addressing Common Core standards: 4.W.3 Writing narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences, 4.W.8 Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources, 4.NBT.4 Fluently add and subtract multi­-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm, 4.NBT.5 Multiply a whole number of up to four digits by a one­-digit whole number, and multiply two two digit numbers, using strategies based on place value and the properties of operations. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and /or area models.

2. Students will have both computers and iPads to complete research and writing assignments. Both tools will be equipped with internet access. 


3. Setting the project up itself should take two to three days. I will visit several PBL websites to get more information and ideas to incorporate with this project. I will also meet with our media center director to discuss what other information she has to offer. Together we can set up some good resources and sites for the kids to find appropriate information.


4. Other resources include the library collection of reference books, information provided by guest speakers, as well as information students have collected from experiences. We will have the librarian, as well as the technology coach there to assist when needed. 


5. From start to finish I would like to plan this project for about ten days. Ideally this would be completed at the tenth day. However I do understand that sometimes the completed project takes longer and I am prepared to extend the time frame if needed.