Digital Age PBL

This looks to be a good resource for K-12 inquiry-based projects that focus primarily on math and science (though there are connections to social studies and language arts). It is searchable by grade and subject.

In this blog post, a high school teacher reflects on her experience with PBL.

Project Based Learning for Middle School Students from the NYC Department of Education. This file contains resources, research, and tools for educators who plan to implement PBL

Great cross-curricular creative activity

The project revolves around the energy produced in various types of chemical reactions (a key concept in all chemistry classes) and asks students to propose a useful source of chemical energy after engaging in a series of hands-on experiments and online activities. I appreciate how this project not only requires students to think deeply about their experimental results, but also how it asks them to apply them in a new context. Students not only collect and analyze data, they must seek a useful purpose or application of their results, giving the project real-world relevance.

From the Ohio Resource Center comes a great project focused on developing a successful restaurant business in a closed location.

Project Idea: Your catering company is bidding on a job to plan a birthday party for a 13-year old.Given a budget of $250, you will submit a party proposal for 30 guests that includes a budget spreadsheet, written description of party and events, menu, map of room, and an oral presentation.

Students work together on research and concept development. Each group submits a minimum of 10 detailed thumbnails for the print advertisement to the teacher, who helps choose a concept for the entire campaign. Each group generates original content (headline and narrative) and imagery (photographs, illustrations).

Essential Question(s): Why do editors assemble film a certain way? What kind of mood can be created with editing choices? How does music affect an edited piece of video? Short Description: Students create music videos using time lapse photography and video.

Studies have proven that when implemented well, project-based learning (PBL) can increase retention of content and improve students' attitudes towards learning, among other benefits. Edutopia's PBL research review explores the vast body of research on the topic and helps make sense of the results.

High Tech High is a non-profit organization developing public schools in communities across California. This page showcases many of their PBL's, and is a great place to get some ideas.

High Tech High is a non-profit organization developing public schools in communities across California. Many of their projects are posted at this website.

In January I had a chance to attend a conference with many teachers from High Tech High. I am planning to do a site visit when I go to San Diego in October.

This is slightly off-center for PBL, but the students love combining simulations with project-based, and this is a really fun way to do it.

Can Immigrants Work? Great way to introduce an element of debate to 5th graders.

resources to create a successful PBL

elementary PBL project ideas

Keeping this for the school year since we use iPads!!!

Great science resource for Physical Science PBL!