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Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an authentic learning experience achieved through deep engagement with high interest, relevant, real-world, curriculum-related projects over an extended period of time. Students then demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a public product or presentation. It is often interdisciplinary and/or interest-based with differentiation existing in instruction, demonstration, and content.
PBL can be…
Individual or Collaborative
Driven by interests, inquiry, and/or individuals’ strengths and needs
Site-Focused Profession Development in PBL
Site-Focused Profession Development in PBL
In order to build deeper and broader capacity among teachers, Ed Services trains and supports teachers at the site level.
Through a 3-yr implementation plan, SMMUSD schools engage in three areas of professional development - PBL being one area.
"Year 1" schools on the PBL training schedule for the 25-26 SY: Lincoln, Roosevelt, Samohi, Webster, and Will Rogers (IB focus)
"Year2" schools on the PBL training schedule for the 25-26 SY: Edison, Grant, McKinley, Olympic, SMASH (Student Interest-Driven Focus)
PD Wheel 2024-2027.pdf
PBL Resources for Teachers
PBL Resources for Teachers
Design Resources
Design Resources
Project Design Planner Template
PBL Unit Layout (Sample) - Cafe Connection
PBL Unit Layout (Sample) - To Be Fair
Tuning Protocol (online adaptation)
Global Competencies Standards (6Cs)
Student-Friendly Progressions for 6Cs
Character
Citizenship
Collaboration
Communication
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Rubrics for 6Cs (PBL Works)
Single-Point Rubric Template #1
Single Point Rubric Template #2
Gold Standard PBL Checklist (PBL Works)
Interactive PBL Training Notebook
PBL Unit Designs
PBL Unit Designs
"Animal Shelter" - Gr. 1 ELA, SS, Science, Math
"Let's All Take a Stand Against Microaggressions" - Gr 8 ELA
"Making a Difference: Civic Action Film" - Gr 9 Frosh Seminar
"Family Matters" - Gr. 8 ELA
Fundraising for a Good Cause - Gr. 9-12, Algebra & English
Game On! - Gr. 7, Math (Probability)
"Homegoing" - Gr. 9 English
"Hygiene Helpers" - Gr. 1 ELA, Math, SS
Kite Project - Gr. 9-12, Geometry
"Making Models for McKinley" - Gr. 1 ELA, SS, STEM
"Positivity During the Pandemic" - Gr. 1 ELA, Math, Science, SS
"Quest Project" - Gr. 8, History
Redesigning a Public Space - Gr. 3, Social Studies
Rhetoric of Belonging - Gr. 9-10, ELA
"Rise of Christianity" - Gr. 7, Social Studies
"The Art of Persuasion" - Elem / Secondary ELA & SS
We Are the Changemakers - Gr. 7, Science
PBL Videos
PBL Videos
Kim Marshall - SEL & PBL.mp4Social-Emotional Learning in PBL
Social-Emotional Learning in PBL
SMMUSD PBL (short).mp4What Do Students Think About PBL?
What Do Students Think About PBL?
Lunchbox PBL 2022 Video .mp4Award-Winning Project Facilitator
Award-Winning Project Facilitator
Research on PBL
Research on PBL
PBL_Evidence_Brief_03.14.22_final.pdfArticle - Characteristics of PBL.pdfResearch-Summary-of-PBL-Rev1-1.pdfEquity-Research-Brief.pdfLTP-Research-Brief.pdfMLPBL-Research-Brief-1.pdfPBL Boosts Achievement in AP Courses.pdfPBL Speak Up Infographic 042821.pdfPBL Presentations
PBL Presentations
PBL After Party Resource Set.Fall 2020Borrow or remix these resources for projects that meet your students' needs and interests!
Project Basd Learning_ Bre and AndieCheck out this explanation of PBL from Cohort 1 teachers, Breanna Snyder (HS Science) and Andrea Shore (HS ELA).
Archived Media
Archived Media
Learning & Innovation Podcast
Learning & Innovation Podcast
Check out what SMMUSD educators have to say about innovation in the classroom!
Archive Videos
Archive Videos
L2L - Scratch DJ Academy.mp4Leaving to Learn: Scratch DJ Academy
Leaving to Learn: Scratch DJ Academy
Our teachers discovered the intersection between hip-hop innovation and project-based learning through an academy founded by the late Jam Master Jay of famed rap pioneers Run DMC.
L2L - ReDiscover Center (Long).mp4Leaving to Learn: ReDiscover Center
Leaving to Learn: ReDiscover Center
Our teachers engaged in ideation, design, and hands-on collaboration to create useful projects reflecting content area integration.
PBL Cohort Video 6.23.22.mp42021-22 Teacher Cohort Video
2021-22 Teacher Cohort Video
Experience the impact of PBL through a sampling of projects from the 2021-22 teacher cohort.
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