STEM PBL Units enable students to make STEM connections locally and regionally by completing STEM projects and corresponding STEM PBL Activators. The framework of our STEM PBL Units includes a meaningful STEM challenge, authentic inquiry, student choice, applied development, and public engagement. Additionally, all STEM PBL Units contain 3-D printing connections, career connections, and alignment to the national career clusters.
In the Solar Transportation STEM PBL Unit, students are challenged by completing any of the three Activators chosen by them or the teacher. PBL Activators available include Storing the Sun, where students research ways of storing solar power without the use of batteries; Solar Conversion, where students convert a battery-powered toy vehicle to be powered by solar panels; and Solar-Powered Amusement Ride, where students design a solar-powered amusement park ride and build a working model where the cars are powered strictly through solar power and are guided by a ground track system.
The unit comes with materials and equipment needed for a class of 24 students, a teacher’s guide containing activity details and instructions, and a guide with three STEM PBL Activators containing starter ideas, cross-curricular connections, a concept map, and career cluster alignment. A Getting Started with STEM PBL e-learning course comes with the purchase of a unit.
Click here to take a look at how Pitsco’s STEM PBL compares to PBLWorks Gold Standard, HQPBL, and the Legacy Cycle.
Click here to download a blank STEM PBL Planning Form.
Note: E-learning course access will be provided via email upon shipping confirmation.