What are some examples of successful project-based learning projects in different contexts and levels?

1 PBL in Elementary School: The Tiny House Project

One example of PBL in elementary school is the Tiny House Project, developed by a fourth-grade teacher in California. The project challenged students to design and build a tiny house model for a specific client, using math, science, engineering, and art skills. Students had to research the needs and preferences of their clients, create a budget and a floor plan, calculate the area and perimeter of their house, and use recycled materials to construct their model. The project culminated in a showcase where students presented their tiny houses and explained their design choices.

2 PBL in Middle School: The Global Read Aloud

Another example of PBL in middle school is the Global Read Aloud, an initiative that connects classrooms around the world through a shared reading experience. The project invites teachers and students to choose a book from a curated list and read it aloud over a period of six weeks. During this time, students can interact with other readers from different countries and cultures, using various platforms such as blogs, podcasts, videos, and social media. The project aims to foster global awareness, empathy, literacy, and communication skills among students.

3 PBL in High School: The Civics Action Project

A third example of PBL in high school is the Civics Action Project, a program that empowers students to take action on a civic issue that matters to them. The project guides students through a four-step process: identify a problem, research the issue, develop a plan, and take action. Students can choose any topic that relates to their local, state, or national community, such as environmental justice, voting rights, immigration reform, or gun violence. The project helps students develop civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions, as well as academic standards.

4 PBL in Higher Education: The Humanitarian Engineering Project

One more example of PBL in higher education is the Humanitarian Engineering Project, a course offered by a university in Australia. The course challenges engineering students to apply their technical skills and knowledge to address a humanitarian need in a developing country. Students work in teams to design and implement a solution that is appropriate, sustainable, and culturally sensitive. The course involves fieldwork, where students travel to the country and collaborate with local communities and organizations. The course aims to enhance students' engineering competencies, as well as their ethical, social, and intercultural awareness.

5 PBL in STEM: The Mars Rover Project

PBL is especially suitable for STEM subjects, as it allows students to explore real-world problems and scenarios that require scientific inquiry and innovation. One example of PBL in STEM is the Mars Rover Project, a curriculum developed by NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The project engages students in designing, building, and testing a rover model that can perform various tasks on the surface of Mars. Students learn about the engineering design process, the characteristics and challenges of Mars exploration, and the scientific concepts and principles involved in the project.

6 PBL in Humanities: The Podcast Project

PBL can also be applied to humanities subjects, as it enables students to express their creativity and voice through various media and genres. One example of PBL in humanities is the Podcast Project, a curriculum developed by a nonprofit organization that supports youth media production. The project teaches students how to create their own podcasts on topics that interest them, such as history, culture, politics, or personal stories. Students learn about the elements and techniques of podcasting, such as storytelling, interviewing, editing, and publishing. The project also helps students develop their research, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?