Problem-Based Learning in the Life Science

Contents: Preface. 1. Describing the problem-based learning process. 2. Alignment with standards. 3. Facilitating problem-based learning.  4. Using problems in K– classrooms. 5. Elementary life cycles problems. 6. Ecology problems. 7. Genetics problems. 8. Cellular metabolism problems. 9. Modifying and designing your own problems. Image credits. Index.

Problem-Based Learning in the Life science offers a great new way to ignite your creativity. Authors Tom J. McConnell, Joyce Parker and Janet Eberhardt show you how to engage students with scenarios that represent real-world science in all its messy, thought-provoking glory. The scenarios prompt learners to immerse themselves in analyzing problems, asking questions, posing hypotheses, finding needed information, and then constructing a proposed solution.

In addition to complete lesson plans supporting the Next Generation Science Standards, the book offers extensive examples, instructions, and tips. The lessons cover four categories: life cycles, ecology, genetics and cellular metabolism.

But Problem-Based Learning in the Life Science doesn’t just explain why, how, and when to implement problem-based learning (PBL). It also provides you with what many think is the trickiest part of the approach: rich, authentic problems. The authors facilitated the National Science Foundation-funded PBL Project for Teachers and used the problems in their own science teaching, so you can be confident that the problems and the approach are teacher.