From the Middle: Project Based Learning in Art and Band

Project Based Learning in the Content Area of Art: 

Mrs. Dunagan is an art teacher at the Middle School and Elementary.  She came up with the following Project Based Learning Unit for her intervention students to promote a positive culture and climate between various grade levels.

Topic:  Rocking Chairs for Elementary Classrooms to Promote Self Regulation

Driving Question: How can we design a rocking chair for an Elementary Classroom for students to
use for self regulation.

Project Summary: Students collaborate with an elementary teacher to create and design a rocking chair allowing students to rock to self regulate themselves. Students will sand, paint and design chairs to represent the different classrooms making them functional pieces of art.

Project Based Learning in the Content Area of Band: 

Mrs. Adam is the Middle School Band teacher that came up with the idea of helping students take more ownership in becoming a musician and how to become a better performer.  Students did an awesome job or playing in front of others and preforming for a judge.  We had several Level I and Level II performances. 

Topic:  Owning Your Solo

Driving Question: How can I convey emotions through music?

Project Summary:  Students will aid in selection of solo literature and perform their solo work, with accompaniment, for an audience, including an adjudicator, who will provide constructive feedback for student reflection.