People often wonder, is Youtube an effective learning tool for my classroom? In today’s classroom, Youtube can be a valuable resource for instructional strategies, lesson resources, and so much more. The Project Based Learning classroom can utilize many of the traditional YouTubers to help support their PBL units. Here are just a few Youtube channels that can specifically benefit a Project Based Learning classroom.
1. My Elementary Project Based Learning Video Uploads
Last year, I did a ton of Facebook Live videos all about Project Based Learning in the classroom. You can access all them by joining my Elementary Project Based Learning Facebook group here or see a few of them on my YouTube Channel linked here.
2. PBL Simplified
PBL Simplified is playlist of professional development videos that are packed with helpful explanations and knowledge, plus they are short which makes them perfect for quick review or fast answers. Magnify Learning does a great job of breaking down the information into manageable and digestible bites. This channel is perfect for new to the classroom teachers and student teachers in PBL schools!
3. Soul Pancake/Participant
No one inspires like Kid President! These videos by Soul Pancake, no hosted on Participant's channel, make amazing entry event videos and even better re-entry event springboards! You have probably seen Soul Pancake videos on social media, but so many of their videos can be entry events or support a project by answering important Need to Knows. Be sure to watch the videos fully, to ensure age appropriate content.
4. Buck Institute
The Buck Institute is a great professional development resource. This channel contains videos that cover all of a facilitator’s need to knows for Project Based Learning. From quick brush ups on how to write a driving question to videos that explain PBL in a way that parents can understand. I may not follow all of the Buck Institutes thoughts for PBL, but this channel is a resource I rely on regularly to help refresh my PBL brain. The below video is a wonderful tool for introducing PBL to incoming facilitators, caring adults (parents), and community partners.
5. Sci Show Kids (primary and some intermediate) Sci Show (some intermediate and secondary but be wary of language)
Once you have established your driving question and dove deeply into your Know and Need to Know list, it is time to start workshops, lessons, and scaffolding to find answers to your Need to Knows. I am a HUGE advocate for STEAM integration with PBL. I feel like they are natural partners that when put together achieve the very best in relevant and authentic learning. Sci Show kids has some great videos that delve into topics that can support your PBL or launch a STEM activity. Some of the topics covered include, deep sea creatures, pollution, the function of stems, and earthworms.
6. Edutopia
Edutopia does a phenomenal job of illustrating strategies and examples of authentic, rigorous, and helpful Project Based Learning in today’s classrooms. But, don’t miss the best part of this incredible channel! After you watch a powerful video, scroll down to the description. They link resources, blog posts, additional videos, and more, most of which are free and can support utilizing what you watch on YouTube into your own teaching.
7. Mystery Doug
As a believer in Inquiry Based Learning as a powerful tool, I LOVE Mystery Doug! The videos and lessons answer real questions posed by students in elementary grades. If only to teach students how to ask questions about the world around them, Mystery Doug is an amazing catalyst for classroom discussions and a wonderful tool to support your PBL.
Mystery Doug is also the channel I go to to help support my "I Wonder" board at the beginning of the year. Read more about implementing your own inquiry based learning "I Wonder" board here.
8. A Classroom Channel!
A powerful tool in PBL with Youtube can be your own channel. After you get media releases for your kids, help them make videos to show what they have learned from your project or to help spread awareness. Youtube is a part of the culture students experience daily. How amazing for them to feel like they are making a true difference by posting on the very tool they use so regularly?!
YouTube is an incredible resource for students in Project Based Learning classrooms. Moreover, it is a powerful tool for PBL facilitators too. In addition to the resources above, be sure to start your own PBL playlist and gather videos that you find helpful. You can follow my lists on my Youtube channel here.
What YouTubers do you use in your PBL classroom? Share in the comments below.