Project Planning Simulation

Kayle Jordan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Project Planning Simulation

Teach organization and teamwork

In this lesson, students will work in teams to simulate real-world task management by planning and executing a project. This hands-on activity will help students develop essential skills in organization, teamwork, and strategic planning, which are crucial for their academic and future professional success.

Audience

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Time

1 hour

Approach

Teach organization and teamwork

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Project Planning Worksheet, Team Roles Cards, and Reflection Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction to Task Management

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what task management is and why it's important.
Ask students to share examples of tasks they manage in their daily lives.
Introduce the concept of project planning and how it relates to task management.

Step 2

Team Formation and Role Assignment

10 mins

Divide students into small teams of 4-5 members.
Distribute Team Roles Cards to each team and have them assign roles (e.g., Project Manager, Recorder, Timekeeper, etc.).
Explain the responsibilities of each role.

Step 3

Project Planning Activity

25 mins

Provide each team with a Project Planning Worksheet.
Instruct teams to choose a simple project (e.g., planning a school event) and outline the steps needed to complete it.
Encourage teams to use post-it notes to organize tasks and assign responsibilities.
Circulate the room to offer guidance and support as needed.

Step 4

Team Presentations

10 mins

Have each team present their project plan to the class.
Encourage students to ask questions and provide feedback to their peers.

Step 5

Reflection and Discussion

5 mins

Lead a class discussion using the Reflection Discussion Questions.
Ask students to reflect on what they learned about task management and teamwork.
Discuss how these skills can be applied in other areas of their lives.

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Worksheet

Project Planning Worksheet

This worksheet guides students through the process of planning a project by outlining tasks, assigning roles, and setting deadlines.

What is the main goal of your project?

List the major tasks needed to complete the project.

Assign roles to each team member for the tasks listed.

Set a deadline for each task.

Worksheet

Team Roles Cards

These cards describe the roles and responsibilities of each team member in the project planning activity.

Project Manager: Oversees the project and ensures tasks are completed on time.

Recorder: Takes notes and documents the project plan.

Timekeeper: Monitors the time and keeps the team on schedule.

Communicator: Presents the project plan to the class.

Resource Manager: Ensures all materials are available and used effectively.

Discussion

Reflection Discussion Questions

These questions help students reflect on their experience and the skills they developed during the project planning simulation.

What was the most challenging part of planning your project?

Encourage students to think about specific tasks or team dynamics that were difficult.

How did your team work together to overcome challenges?

Discuss strategies used for effective communication and problem-solving.

What skills did you develop during this activity that you can use in other areas?

Focus on skills like organization, teamwork, and strategic planning.