The Buck Institute for Education (BIE) describes Project-Based Learning as "a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem, or challenge." In this case, project based learning is beneficial in encouraging student engagement through the use of working through complex questions. This encourages learning through doing ("What is Project Based Learning" N.D.).

For Project-Based Learning to occur there are some essential design elements that have to be included. These essential design elements that The Buck Institute for Education (BIE) described are:

• Key Knowledge, Understanding and Success Skills - focuses on the use of student learning goals and skills like critical thinking/problem solving, communication, collaboration and self-management.
• Challenging Problem or Question - There is a meaningful question that must be solved, and it must have an appropriate level of challenge.
• Sustained Inquiry - Must encourage students to ask questions, research and apply content.
• Authenticity - Focuses on the use of real-world tasks, all while focusing on student concern and interest.
• Student Voice and Choice - Students need to be included in the process of making decisions regarding the project (i.e. how they will work, what is created, etc.)
• Reflection - Provide time to reflect on the learning process.
• Critique and Revision - Give, recieve and use feedback to improve work.
• Public Product - Students must display and/or present their work to an audience.

There are several different ways in which you can use PJBL in your own classroom! Some of the ways other teachers have used PJBL are:

• Design and build an app
• Research projects like whether media is beneficial or hindering to one's mental health
• Creating an interactive family tree using various family members in voice-overs ("A Better List of Ideas for Project-Based Learning." 16 January, 2019).
• Designing the "perfect" civilization
• Answer the following problem: What would (historical figure of your choice) say about (current topic of relevance in society today)? ("A Better List of Ideas for Project-Based Learning." 16 January, 2019).

This list is only a way of naming a few different ways in which you can begin implementing project-based learning into your own classroom! Check out this website to see more amazing ideas.

Here I have attached my own Popplet that demonstrates a Grade 6 lesson using PBL. While this is done using a Mindmap approach, it makes it easier to breakdown the information into smaller, visible chunks encompassing the entire unite.

Check it out here!