ABSTRACT
Defining a problem can be handled in many different ways depending on the needs of the class and curriculum. One option is to base it on standards. Consider the Common Core Standards in math and language arts and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). You could choose one of these as the basis of reader's problem. For example, here is a fifth-grade science standard from the NGSS: 5 ESS1-1 Support an argument that the apparent brightness of the sun and stars is due to their relative distances from the Earth. The best way to figure out what is needed for a project is to start at the end. As much as possible, the readers should provide students with choices in their products. This is where creativity comes into play as well as student empowerment. Providing students with choice engages them in the learning and will probably lead to a better quality product.
