iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Despite the natural fast-paced read element to short stories, this type of literature typically contains the same components of a standard novel including characters, conflict, plot, and a theme. In this Building Literacy: Create a Short Story PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will develop a short story using their knowledge of literary elements and work through the process of writing a story: character development, narrative arc, developing visuals, reviewing one another’s work, and presenting their final product.

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. (6-8R3; RL)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

From images, to text, to color palette, there is a lot to consider when designing a comic book. How are comics similar to a short story? How are they different? In this Building Literacy: Design a Comic Book PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will investigate the history of comics and various comic texts before creating their own masterpiece. With attention to how established comic artists perfect their craft, these modules will help unleash creativity and provide a new means of expression. Finally, students will bring all of their hard work together as they create their very own comic convention.

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.(NYS Next Gen. ELA: 7W3b)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

How does a story change when it’s developed into a play? In this Building Literacy: Develop a Play PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, that’s exactly what students will explore as they become playwrights. Before writing their play, students will take a closer look at the history of theatre and play structure, then they will write and perform an original one-act play. Considerations will be made to set design, costuming, sound, lighting, casting, and blocking. Students can even consider how they could convert their play into a movie. It’s time to “break a leg!”

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Develop and synthesize original ideas in a drama/theatre work utilizing critical analysis, historical and cultural context, research, and western or nonwestern theatre traditions. (National Core Arts Standards: HS AdvancedTH.Cr2-III.a)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Within the last 40 years, video games have been an essential part of our media entertainment. From arcades to home consoles, and now to our smartphones, video games have found many outlets in which new audiences can be reached. In this Create a Video Game PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will create their own compelling video game from start to finish using Bloxels, and then create their own official video game reviews.

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Determine the key ideas or conclusions of a source; trace the source’s explanation or depiction of a complex process, phenomenon, or concept; provide an accurate summary of the source. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: 9-10RST2)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Escape room games are a fun amusement, but they also provide an opportunity to explore the history of new gaming formats, problem-solving skills, and even storytelling. In this Design Your Own Escape Room PBL iBlock, students will learn more about the history and culture of this “new” form of entertainment, and then plan, design, and construct their very own!

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Evaluate applications of cryptographic methods. (NYS Comp. Sci. & Digital Fluency: 9-12.CY.4)

Evaluate the effectiveness of an image or images to influence ideas, feelings, and behaviors of specific audiences.(National Core Arts Standards: VA.Re.7.2.IIa)

Escape Room iBlock now with Breakout EDU

Breakout EDU provides an opportunity for students to play active roles in their classrooms. Watch engagement soar as students become immersed in the game – asking questions, solving problems, and participating in group discussions.

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Board games are experiencing a tremendous revival, fueled by new styles of gaming. A shift from luck and conflict to strategy and cooperation has brought new players into the genre. In this Designing a Board Game PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will plan a game, research game mechanics, design their play area and pieces, and then determine how to play-test their creation. Finally, they’ll examine how to package and publicize their game, and maybe even present a sales pitch to interested buyers.

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Demonstrate persistence in developing skills with various materials, methods, and artmaking approaches in creating works of art or design. (National Core Arts Standards: VA.Cr2.1.7a)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

The sound an instrument produces has a lot to do with the materials that it’s made of. An instrument made of wood has a very different sound than one made of brass. What about a plastic instrument? In this Engineering 3D Printed Instruments PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will investigate the science of sound, how instruments produce sound, and the difference materials can make in producing that sound. In addition, students will explore the anatomy of particular instruments, and become familiar with the foundations of music composition and 3D design.

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information. (NGSS: 4-PS4-3)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Wearable technology has changed quite drastically since the first items hit stores. Some of the most drastic changes and innovations in “smart” wearables have been focused on making them aesthetically pleasing while also serving a purpose, whether that’s fashion, health, or entertainment. In this Fashion for Function: Smart Wearables PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will design a unique piece of wearable technology that fulfills a function. Who knows — maybe one day it will climb to the top of gift idea lists!

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this Fashion for Function: Smart Wearables PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock:

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (NGSS: MS-ETS1-2)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Are you looking for a creative, project-based way to teach your students about computer-aided design? In this iBlock, students will construct a geometric self-watering planter in Tinkercad. This Geometric Self-Watering Planter PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlocks project will utilize advanced skills in CAD software and challenge students to think mathematically while designing.

Here is a sample NGSS standard for this iBlock:

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (NGSS: MS-ETS1-2)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

As a young child, you probably remember an adult asking you those famous words, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As we continue through school, we learn about employment opportunities and aspire for a “dream job.” However, many candidates often become overwhelmed with the process of landing their dream job before they even realize if it is a good fit. In this Get Your Dream Job PBL iBlock, students will explore and identify how to determine if a career is tailored to one’s desired lifestyle goals, skills, and passions. They will create a vision board, build a portfolio, craft application materials, participate in a mock interview, and even showcase their hard work at a career fair! Students will definitely be future-ready with this experience!

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Integrate and evaluate visual and technical information (e.g., in research data, charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: RH7)

Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary to express the appropriate complexity of the topic. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: 9-10W1c)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Animals of all sorts are an exciting topic for young students, especially animals as impressive as dinosaurs in this Design a Dinosaur PBL iBlock! In this project-based learning iBlock, students will embark on a journey to discover unknown facts and features about different types of dinosaurs. They will learn about different dinosaurs and their features, and from there, design their own dinosaur and the habitat it would call home. To guide their design, students will research several dinosaur species and determine the features for their own species. Once they have decided upon the features, they will move on to the design of their dinosaur’s habitat. For both tasks, students will be challenged to add creativity through different artistic elements.

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Ask questions based on observations to find more information about the natural and/or designed world(s). Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. (NGSS: K-2-ETS1-1)

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Make observations to provide evidence that energy is conserved as it is transferred and/or converted from one form to another. (NGSS: 4-PS3-2.)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Storytelling has been around for centuries — it is a fundamental part of being human and an essential learning tool. Our ancestors would tell stories that were passed down from generation to generation with nothing more than their imaginations. Now, we are still telling the same stories, but in new and innovative ways that both speak to our past and look forward to the future. In this Storytelling Through the Ages PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will develop a new story and work through the process of storyline creation, character development, narrative arc, developing props & visuals, and presenting their final product. Finally, students will bring storytelling into the 21st century by coding a robot or program to tell their story!

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: 3-5SL1)

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Learning opportunities are everywhere, even inside your candy jar! In the Cotton Candy PBL iBlock, students will research the history of sugar, its molecular structure, and even candy making machinery before trying their hand at making their own sweets, including cotton candy! Students will then expand their product lineup by creating or perfecting a treat to showcase at their very own Candy & Sweets Expo. If desired, computer-aided design (CAD) can also be used to make candy molds and/or displays. Graphical software can be used for packaging products as well. This is a great opportunity for students to explore important science, physics, and historical concepts in the Cotton Candy PBL iBlock.

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Solids may be formed from molecules, or they may be extended structures with repeating subunits (e.g., crystals). (NGSS: MS-PS1-1)