Resources for Project-Based Learning

In this section, you will find materials and resources for teaching about project-based learning, whether you are conducting a two-hour session or class or can spend a day or two on the topic.

We believe you will find much here from which you can build a set of experiences tailored to class participants for the purpose of exploring PBL.

Edutopia.org Resources on Project-Based Learning

• Edutopia's Project-Based Learning Core Strategy page
• Article: Real-World Issues Motivate Students: An Overview of PBL
• Video: An Introduction to Project-Based Learning
• Research: Project-Based Learning Research Review
• Schools That Work Package: Project-Based Learning, Success Start to Finish
• Schools That Work Package: Project Learning in Maine
• Resource Roundup: Project Learning: Model Schools with Solutions
• Article: The PBL Launch Pad: Worthwhile Projects for High School Students
• Article: How to Turn Project-Learning Setbacks to Your Advantage
• Article: 10 Takeaway Tips for Project-Based Learning
• Article: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Projects
• Resource Roundup: A Reading List for Project-Based Learning
• Resource Roundup: Free Resources and Downloads for Project Learning
• See all blogs related to Project-Based Learning

Edutopia Case Study Videos on Project-Based Learning

Lower Elementary:

• Worm Project at Newsome Park Elementary School in Newport News, VA
• Various Projects at Auburn Early Education Center in Auburn, AL

Upper Elementary: 

• Water Wheel Project at Ferryway School in Malden, MA
• NatureMapping Project at Waterville Elementary School in Waterville, WA
• Journey North Project at Rockledge Elementary School in Bowie, MD
• Geo-Literacy Project at Tolenas Elementary School in Fairfield, CA

Middle School:

• Soil Superheroes Project at King Middle School in Portland, ME
• Kinetic Conundrum Project at King Middle School in Portland, ME
• Wetland Watchers Project at Harry M. Hurst Middle School in Destrehan, LA

High School:

• Whole-School Transformation to PBL at Sammamish High School in Bellevue, WA
• Hunger Games Cross-Curricular Project at Manor New Tech High School in Manor, TX
• African Wildlife DNA Project at High Tech High School in San Diego, CA
• "Give Me Shelter" Project at Casco Bay High School in Portland, ME
• Wing Strength Design Project at Aviation High School in Seattle, WA
• UrbanPlan Project at Alameda High School in Alameda, CA
• Schools for the Year 2050 Project at Mountlake Terrace High School in Mountlake Terrace, WA

Additional Resources

Organizations That Provide PBL Guidelines and Tools:

• Buck Institute for Education (BIE): Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century
• PBL University (also from Buck Institute for Education)
• The Project Approach (Sylvia Chard)
• Questioning.org (Jamie McKenzie)

Research and Readings:

• Seven Essentials for Project-Based Learning (ASCD)
• Reinventing Project-Based Learning blog by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss (check out their book as well)
• Project-Based Learning: Building Motivation (from 4Teachers.org)