The Most Tragic Example of PBL

I am sad to even think about this and write about this but because the tragic Parkland event occurred close to when this unit on Inquiry learning started I can't help but notice the incredible real-world examples of what teens are capable of when they choose a topic they are passionate about.  As I summarized in the first post, PBL should have a real world connection that is student driven with an authentic audience.  The speech that Emma Gonzalez wrote for the March for Our Lives is a perfect example of Project Based Learning done right.  We can talk about rhetoric and delivery and purpose and style but Emma nailed it with her six minute pause.

I can think of countless PBL units that these students have exemplified:  How to use social media to create change, How to Organize a Protest Event, How to Write an Effective Speech.... The list can go on and on.  I have seen outstanding posters, posts, speeches and blogs.  Not for an A or for credit on an assignment but because of intrinsic motivation.  The best work always comes from the root of motivation and PBL starts with (or at least should start with) motivation.