Project-Based Learning...Town Planning Commission Proposing new Town on Base of M. Lassen

I began the event with a Google presentation on two volcanoes (Popocatepetl and Mt. Vesuvius) in which millions of people live within view. I started with introduction to past eruptions, etc. and then showed pictures of cities within view. We then discussed what perhaps brought people to live so close to a volcano and whether or not they would chose this location to live.

I then showed them a letter that was asking for their assistance from Plumas County to assist in assessing the risk.

I created a Google Site for my students to do research from (with links) and this is where they could find content rubric and other tips for collaborative work.

As a class we discussed qualities of a leader and then each group chose one person as team leader. We discussed other important positions (presentation manager, tech, lead researchers).

I am teaching minilessons and then allowing research when I have access to computers and/or library. I am hoping students will find more reason to understand lesson content knowing the information will be applied to their project.