PBL for HS Chemistry Class

1. Project Based Learning
Acids and Bases
by Deepesh Shrestha

2. What is Project Based Learning
(PBL)?
Project Based Learning is a student
centered and self-driven pedagogy that
fosters the deeper understanding of subject
content, promotes real life application and
develops problem solving skills in which the
learners explore the learning standards
themselves in a definite timeframe to
achieve the projected goal.

3. Why PBL ?
Interesting
Engages student actively in learning
Student centered; hands-on activity and students’ voice
and choice
Develops problem solving skills and application of
knowledge to real life
Develops organization and communication skills

4. Essential Components of PBL?
Knowledge and skills
Inquiry based learning pedagogy
Authenticity
Student centered and innovative
Student voice and choice
Feedback and reflection.

5. Students of grade 10 learn about acids and bases
and its uses in daily life by with help of a project
based learning activity for about two and half
weeks. They will write an individual report
answering the essential questions and make
visual presentations like poster and
presentations on a number of topics.
My PBL: Acids and Bases

6. My PBL Acids and Bases
Learning goals:
Identify acids and bases in day-to-day life.
Make an acid-base indicator using house-
hold substances.
Understand neutralization and apply the
knowledge to explain working of antacids.
Uses of acids and bases.

7. Introduction to the project:
Demonstrate how can litmus papers, universal indicators
or pH meter can be used to identify the acid or base.
Demonstrate effects of acids or bases on egg in a petri-dish
to make them aware of hazardous effects and safety.
Bring as many as day-to-day life substances like lemon,
vinegar, baking powder and give a task to leaners to
identify if it is acidic or basic.

8. Inform the students about the essential questions or
learning goal of the project, timeline or deadline,
products.
Talk about different 21st skills they have to adopt to
accomplish the project and share the assessment rubric.
Also clarify the role of learners and role of instructor
as facilitator through out the project.
Introduction to the project:

9. Hands 0n activities:
This project involves three inquiry based labs:
Identification of acidic or basic nature of day-to-day life
substances like window cleaner, yoghurt, milk etc.
Making acid-base indicator using household substance like
beetroots and flower petal
Understand neutralization reaction to explain working to antacids.

10. Collaboration
For most of the activities learners need to work
together as a group in lab activities and for
making presentation or posters.

11. Use of Media and technology
Media and technology are essential part of this
activity. Learners use them for research work
and making the presentation and posters.

12. Real Life application
One of the task of this activity is to identify the
acidic or basic nature of the substances, use
flower petal or beetroots for making acid-base
indicator and use the concept of neutralization
reaction to understand the working of antacids.

13. Making Poster or Presentation
As a final product of this project students are required
to make posters or presentation

14. Reflection and Feedback
 Timely feedback and self-reflection help to produce
desired product.
 Rubric also gives guideline to accomplish the
project.

15. Role of Instructor as Facilitator
PBL is self driven pedagogy, instructor only facilitate
the learning process. The facilitator only gives hints
and guide but does not give answers.

16. Innovation and
students’ voice and choice
It is a student centered activity, they design lab
activities themselves and have freedom to decide the
outlook of the final product.

17. Conclusion
PBL makes learning interesting, students are engaged
in learning actively because it connects the learning
process with daily life. Students develops important
21st century learning skills like collaboration, problem
solving, communication and teach-integration.