Project-Based Learning
Empowering students to raise awareness about the number one killer of teens – motor vehicle crashes. Students will research top contributors in teen crashes and develop solutions to this issue through Project-Based Learning.
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens. In Virginia, 1,527 teens between the ages of 15 and 20 have lost their lives on the Commonwealth’s highways over the past 15 years, an average of 102 killed per year. Speeding, inattention, distracted driving, underage drinking, and failure to use seat-belts are the top contributors in teen fatalities.
One key component in preventing these tragic crashes is a peer-to-peer education program where students develop and implement safe driving projects specific to the needs of their schools and communities.
Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) is Virginia’s peer-to-peer education and prevention program for young driver and passenger safety. YOVASO is a traffic safety and prevention program of the Virginia State Police that can be incorporated into classrooms through a Project-Based Learning format.
For more information, click the button below to take you to our Project-Based Learning Landing Page, or contact Krys Murray, YOVASO Education and Strategic Planning Coordinator at krystal.murray@vsp.virginia.gov.
Overview: Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to research and respond to a problem or challenge. –Buck Institute for Education
Learning Comes to Life: Through Project-Based Learning, teachers make learning come alive for students. As a result, students develop deep content knowledge by developing a public product or presentation for a real audience. – Buck Institute for Education
Creativity Among Students: Project-Based Learning prepares students for academic and personal success by encouraging them to rise to the challenges of their lives and the world around them. –Buck Institute for Education
The YOVASO Project will empower students to raise awareness about the number one killer of teens: motor vehicle crashes. Students will research top contributors and develop solutions to this issue through Project-Based Learning.
Overview: Working in groups, students will organize Public Service Announcement videos or Freestyle Projects that will promote and deliver traffic safety messages to the school body and members of the community.
Resources: YOVASO will provide teachers with access to our convenient online platform via Schoology online learning website, a detailed manual featuring a lesson planning guide, assignments, and grading rubrics, and free YOVASO incentive items from the current traffic safety campaign.
Activities: The YOVASO Project Features: A project introduction via PowerPoint, Pledge Banner Signing to encourage students’ commitment to upholding traffic safety standards.
Outcomes: Through The YOVASO Project students learn team building skills, project and time management skills, and ultimately learn to become problem solvers for issues plaguing their communities!
Step 2: Register. Once your interest form is submitted and approved, teachers will receive a welcome email that includes a link to register all participating classes.
Step 3: After registration is complete, teachers will receive a follow-up email with Schoology access instructions and codes, and a link to The YOVASO Project Manual.
Step 4: Teachers will review the project manual to determine the best fit for The YOVASO Project into their curriculum for each semester. Teachers should determine a start date, confirm their desired YOVASO campaign incentive items, and schedule interactive activities and guest speakers before introducing the project to their students.