International Project-Based
Learning Opportunities List
Grade 3 Toy Design Unit
What is it?
A sample lesson from the 3rd grade Toys Unit from Multiple Literacies in Project Based Learning where students investigate friction.
Strategies For Globalization
Have students research and investigate traditional toys from around the world. Engage students in a discussion about the similarities and differences between the toys they are familiar with and the traditional toys from around the world.
Biomimicry
What is it?
This PBL Unit from Teach Engineering introduces students to biomimicry and how engineers often imitate nature in the design of innovative new products. They demonstrate their knowledge of biomimicry by practicing brainstorming and designing a new product based on what they know about animals and nature.
Strategies For Globalization
There are many ways to globalize this unit! One way is to go Glocal and have students draw inspiration from biomimicry solutions in other countries such as the Bullet Train in Japan or Water Collection method inspired by the Namibian Desert Beetle. After learning about the technological marvels around the world, students can identify a local problem and design a product based on one of the animals they have learned about. Another way to globalize
to have students research an animal or plant endemic to different countries and identify how a certain adaptation can be mimicked to solve a local or global problem.
Middle School Air Quality Unit
What is it?
A middle school science unit from Project-Based Inquiry Science that tasks students to learn about and investigate air as matter, the properties of air, pollutants and their sources, air quality in Los Angeles, New York, and Denver, and local laws that serve to improve air quality. Students work collaboratively to design a plan to improve air quality in their community.
Strategies For Globalization
This is a great opportunity to go Glocal - by guiding students in understanding global issues by investigating a local issue. A great place to begin glocalizing the unit would be in Learning Set 4: “How Does Air Pollution Affect Other Regions?” Have students engage in the thinking routine Projecting Across the Distance to consider the impacts of air quality on other communities around the globe. At the end of the unit, challenge students to design a plan that can also be used to improve the air quality of another city in a different country in addition to their city.
The Hunger Project
What is it?
This interdisciplinary PBL unit for K-12 is designed with three pathways in mind: English, math, and science. This PBL unit from PBL Works invites students and teachers to explore solutions for hunger and malnutrition around the world.
Strategies For Globalization
Draw explicit connections to the Sustainable Development Goals to help guide student thinking. This unit is already globalized, but there are many places within the unit to add more opportunities for further globalization. For example, in the science pathway, students can investigate how geography and weather in different countries/regions affect/influence the diets and region-specific cuisines of the people who live there.
Making Space For Change
What is it?
In this grades 3-5 PBL unit from PBL Works, Students create an environmentally sustainable redesign for a community space, such as a park, library, public square, empty lot, or community center. Students visit the space; research the local context, needs, resources, and constraints; and investigate principles of environmentally sustainable design as they develop their solutions for presentation to key stakeholders.
Strategies For Globalization
Take your students on a virtual field trip to explore sustainable community spaces across the globe using VR Gorilla or similar virtual/360 websites. Consult with civil and structural engineers using Skype A Scientist.
Local Community Resource List (Los Angeles, CA)
1) Los Angeles World Affairs and Town Hall High School Program
The mission of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall (LAWACTH) is to educate members and the public on the most important international, national, and regional issues through engaged nonpartisan conversation. LAWACTH offers high school students from public, charter, and magnet schools the opportunity to attend free events with a wide range of international leaders, political figures, and experts in business, science, and government. This is an ideal space for grades 9-12 students to practice the four key components of Global Ed: investigate, recognize perspectives, communicate, and take action.
2) California Global Education Project
California Global Education Project designs and leads quality professional learning that inspires and supports PK-12 educators from across the disciplines to prepare all youth to be globally competent, engaged members of our interconnected and changing world. Check out their resource and professional learning pages to get ideas on how to globalize your classroom or existing curricula.
3) Global Friendship Through Space Education
Global Friendship Through Space Education (GFTSE) is a California-based 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 2002. It is dedicated to promoting friendship among young people from different countries and cultures through the study of space-related science and technology. Educators can book a virtual conference with distance learning experts or fellow students on a variety of topics.
4) Sister Cities of Los Angeles
Did you know that Los Angeles, CA has 25 sister cities in 6 continents combined? Sister Cities of Los Angeles (SCOLA) is a diplomatic platform for the City of Los Angeles that seeks to promote cooperation and direct engagement with its global partners on issues of mutual interest, particularly around business and commerce, tourism, education, and culture. Use this map to identify a sister city to learn about with your students, and try one of these projects from the Sister Schools Project Packet.
5) Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles
Explore the many Cultural Centers in Los Angeles that host regular events and offer programs for both youths and adults to celebrate the diversity of cultures present in the City of Angels. Take your class on a field trip to one of the cultural centers to participate in a program, or connect with a center to receive resources to bring back to your classroom!