Project-Based Learning Activity Sheet: Real Case Scenarios
Develop an understanding of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and its applications in real-world scenarios
Learning Objectives
- Develop an understanding of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and its applications in real-world scenarios.
- Enhance skills in critical thinking, collaboration, urban planning, and technical problem-solving.
- Familiarize youngsters with the concept of smart cities and sustainable urban planning.
- Introduce the role of municipalities and community involvement in city development projects.
5 min read
Course Overview
Definition of PBL and its importance in developing problem-solving skills.
- The role of municipalities in city planning and development.
- How PBL prepares students for real-life work environments.
Work with the GPT Assistant
GPT Assistant Features
A. Project Idea Generator
- Students brainstorm project ideas relevant to smart city elements, such as green spaces, efficient transportation, and sustainable buildings.
- Suggestions can focus on urban renewal, waste management, public transportation, and community-based initiatives.
B. Research Helper
- Provide curated summaries, case studies, and best practices in smart cities globally (e.g., sustainable transport initiatives or urban green projects).
- Guide students to databases and online resources, including case studies and examples from partner countries
C. AI Integration Support
- Offer recommendations on AI tools for project-related tasks (e.g., predictive models for traffic patterns or community sentiment analysis etc.).
- Provide youngsters with simple tutorials on using AI models or coding basics applicable to their projects.
D. Feedback Assistant
- Review student proposals and provide actionable feedback.
- Guide them on areas for improvement, emphasizing practical implementation of theoretical concepts learned in the module.
As a student working on a smart city project, you can use this model to generate innovative ideas and refine your concepts. Whether you’re exploring sustainability, transportation, waste management, or urban technology, I can provide project suggestions tailored to your interests. If you already have a rough idea but need help expanding it, I can suggest ways to make it more feasible and impactful. This is especially useful when brainstorming solutions for real-world urban challenges, such as traffic congestion, pollution, or community engagement.
Beyond idea generation, this model can help you with research by providing case studies, examples of successful smart city initiatives, and relevant online resources. If you need insights into how different cities implement AI, IoT, or green infrastructure, I can summarize key takeaways and direct you to useful materials. Additionally, if you’re
considering integrating AI or data analysis into your project, I can guide you through beginner-friendly tools and methodologies, helping you apply technology effectively even if you’re new to it.
Finally, you can use this model to refine your project by receiving constructive feedback on your proposal, presentation, or execution plan. If you have a draft, I can review it and suggest improvements to ensure clarity, feasibility, and a strong impact. I can also help you identify potential challenges and provide strategies to overcome them. Whether you’re at the brainstorming stage or finalizing your project, this model acts as a guide to help you create a well-researched and practical smart city solution.
KEY TERMS - GLOSSARY
1. Project-Based Learning (PBL)
- A teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and meaningful projects that foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- A branch of computer science focused on creating machines that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence, such as data analysis, pattern recognition, and decision-making in city management.
3. Brainstorming – A creative process of generating ideas, often used at the start of a project to explore multiple possibilities.
4. Case Study – A detailed examination of a real-world example, such as a smart city project implemented in another city, used to learn from existing successes or challenges.
5. Feedback Assistant – A feature of this assistant that reviews student proposals and provides constructive suggestions for improvement.
EXERCISE / ACTIVITY
Interactive Project Development Exercise:
- Students select an area in their local environment to improve as part of a smart city concept (e.g., park revitalization, waste reduction, energy-efficient lighting).
- Using AI tools, students analyze community feedback and create a preliminary proposal, incorporating smart technologies.
COMMUNITY PROBLEM-SOLVING WITH PBL
Objective:
Engage students in applying Project-Based Learning (PBL) by selecting and brainstorming solutions to a real-world community issue, while also exploring publicly funded municipal projects related to smart cities.
Instructions:
- Form Small Groups
- Divide students into small teams.
- Assign each group a local issue relevant to smart cities, such as:
🚦 Traffic congestion
🗑️ Waste management
🌿 Air quality improvement
⚡ Energy efficiency
🚲 Sustainable mobility
2. Research Publicly Funded Smart City Projects
- Each group should search for smart city projects that have received public funding in their city or country.
- Focus on projects funded by Next Generation EU—many are in early stages and open to analysis and suggestions.
- Where to look:
📌 Municipal government websites (Check for lists of approved EU-funded projects.)
📌 National databases (Look for platforms tracking Next Generation EU-funded initiatives.)
📌 EU Smart Cities Projects (Explore similar projects across Europe for inspiration.)
- Example: If a city has received funding for a smart waste collection system, students can analyze its design, suggest improvements, or propose complementary solutions.
3. Brainstorm Solutions Using the GPT Assistant
- Use the Project Idea Generator feature to explore possible solutions related to their topic.
- Example prompts:
- “What are some smart waste management solutions that use AI?”
- “How can cities use technology to reduce air pollution?”
- “Suggest innovative ways to improve bike-sharing systems.”
4. Develop a Project Proposal
- Based on their research and brainstorming, each group will outline a proposed solution, including:
- The problem they selected.
- The solution they propose, including relevant technologies (e.g., IoT, AI, smart sensors).
- Connection to an existing EU-funded project (if applicable).
- Expected benefits (Who benefits? How does it improve the community?)
- Challenges (What difficulties might arise in implementation?)
5. Prepare a Presentation
- Each group creates a short presentation or a visual poster summarizing their findings.
- They should clearly explain:
- The community issue.
- The proposed solution.
- How public funding (such as Next Generation EU) supports these projects.
Reflection Questions:
- How did your solution address the needs of the community?
- What challenges might you face in implementing this solution?
- Did you find any municipal or EU-funded projects similar to your idea? How could they be improved?
- What did you learn about public funding and its role in shaping smart cities?
- Why is it important for EU citizens to be aware of and engaged in publicly funded initiatives?
RESEARCH AND COMPARE SMART CITY CASE STUDIES
Objective:
Enhance research skills and expose students to global best practices in smart city planning.
Instructions:
- Assign students to research smart city initiatives in cities around the world, using the Research Helper feature of the GPT Assistant.
2. Students select one city and gather information on its smart city solutions (e.g., Amsterdam’s green infrastructure, Seoul’s citizen participation platforms).
3. Each student or group prepares a short presentation comparing their chosen city’s initiatives to their own city or community, considering what could be adapted locally.
Suggested Research Topics:
- Transportation systems (e.g., bike-sharing, electric vehicles)
- Renewable energy solutions (e.g., solar, wind energy)
- Public engagement and participatory governance
- Waste management and recycling initiatives
FINAL PROJECT - PLAN A MINI SMART CITY INITIATIVE
Objective:
Apply all learned concepts by having students design and propose a small smart city initiative for their local area.
Instructions:
- Students work in groups to select a manageable project, like improving a public park, reducing waste, or increasing bike access.
- Using the Project Idea Generator and Research Helper features, students:
- Define the project goals and intended impact.
- Research similar successful initiatives in other cities.
- Choose relevant technologies or community strategies to implement.
3. They create a proposal that includes:
- A project timeline
- Estimated budget and resources
- Potential community benefits and anticipated challenges
4. Each group presents their project to the class, simulating a pitch to a city council or community organization.
Reflection Questions:
- How did this project help you understand the planning process?
- What aspects of smart city design would you prioritize in a larger initiative?