ABSTRACT
The major project was built around a Specific, Measurable, Agreed-upon, Realistic, and Time-based (SMART) goal. Students identified an area in which they felt they needed improvement—some wanted better time management skills; some wanted to improve athletically, academically, or musically. Research allows the reader to demonstrate advanced literacy. Students identify and fill in their own knowledge gaps in PBL and in research. Students researching lichen as field ecologists do will be required to make many trips outside to study trees in the immediate area over a defined period. Zeroing in on a viable question with which to begin research can be harrowing, and it may be one of the most difficult aspects of conducting research. Students should start reading authoritative essays expressing opposing viewpoints on their chosen topic. Gale offers a database of essays from its popular print series Opposing Viewpoints.
