Phenomenon Based Learning (PhBL) is a multi-disciplinary form of learning that approaches a topic (phenomenon) initially from a bird's eye view. PhBL was developed as a means to address the growing need for learning experiences which encounter and solve real-world issues while being aligned to 21st century skills. The topic or concept is deconstructed into distinct yet interdependent aspects. The learning then spirals full circle to encompass the topic or concept holistically.
PhBL SPOTLIGHT: Fun Theory
We are SO thrilled to share this PhBL concept that emerged from a design team collaboration here in Washington State as we support the opening of Cascade Charter School. Our design team developed multiple concepts for PhBL experiences before involving students and community members in selecting the most relevant concepts and contributing to their continued development for what will become the 9th grade PhBL curriculum.
We hope these concepts will seed some ideas with you!
Phenomenon: Fame/Celebrity
Guiding Question(s):
What is the Cost of Fame?
Is Fame Worth It?
Context Anchors:
Fences-August Wilson
Romeo & Juliet
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas
The emergence of the empowered Athlete
Films: Sugar, Whiplash, I Am Malala, He Named Me Malala
Influencers: Meek Mill, John Jay 1st Chief Justice
Ted Talk: What Makes For a Good Life
Women’s World Cup
Tangibles:
Biography/Profile piece of someone who used fame for change
Position Paper: Where I stand on fame
Quantitative analysis of celebrities’ satisfaction
Analysis of fame in other places/eras
Ethnology
Standards:
Speaking/Listening ELA
The brain chemistry of “likes”
Adult World Connections:
Interviews with local well-known community figures
Sociologists
