About Project-based Learning

What is Project-based learning?

Project-based learning is an approach to teaching that engages students through real-world and meaningful projects. During the study, design, and development of the project, students not only learn and apply subject / content area material but also engage in active questioning, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and collaboration. In project-based learning, the project engages students with content as they further develop their project rather than the project being an “add-on” at the end of a unit.

Why Project-based learning?

Students need more opportunities for real-world applications that engage them with developing skills, strategies, and dispositions to adequately prepare them for an ever-changing and complex world. Project-based learning can benefit students in many ways:

Engagement: Inquiry is at the heart of the projects as students form questions meaningful to them and find purpose within the real-world relevance of the project. Students also solve problems that are important to them and to their community.
Deeper Learning: Research has shown that students learn content best when they are actively engaged in project-based learning (see video to the left). Students not only walk away with traditional content area knowledge but also with 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communicating in multiple modalities, research and digital literacy.
A multidisciplinary approach: Students learn to apply and utilize knowledge learned during the school year and across disparate subject areas which makes learning "stick" and more meaningful when explored within the context of the project.
Preparing students to be college and career ready: Students interact with adult experts and community organizations as well as engage in apprenticeships that can help develop further studies and career interests.

Learn about School Success Stories from other schools and districts

Examples of Project-based learning units

Sample Project Ideas from other schools:

Design maps/brochures/website for newcomers to the Scarsdale Community.
Develop a Historical and/or Fitness and Wellness Walking Tour through the Scarsdale Community.
Start a bird sanctuary in a nearby park. Build bird feeders, plant trees, examine patterns of bird behaviors, and record journal entries as they learn all about native birds in the region.
Students, in the role of financial advisors, develop a plan for the best use of $25 microloan to a community organization. Students make presentations to financial investors who might consider investing in the organizations as well.
Students explore the history of space exploration and the science of Mars missions to identify problems. Students develop designs for inventions for future missions that might help solve issues on current missions.

See an example of a unit developed by Educators at PBL Works:

The Recess Path for 1st -2nd grade students

Shrinking our Footprints Project for Grades 3-6

Click above to learn more about the Tiny House Project in a 3rd grade class in San Jose, CA

Special thanks to the research and support from PBL Works and the Buck Institute for Education

Page updated

Report abuse