Project-based Learning and Problem-based Learning (PBL) Ideas, Examples and Activities

Projects that come out of Project-based Learning or Problem-based Learning classrooms are like snowflakes and fingerprints — no two are ever alike. They may share characteristics, topics, subjects and titles, but they’ll always be different. The proposal will be different. The path the student takes to complete the project will be different. The advice from teacher to student will be different. And, of course, the end result will be different.

Project-based Learning and Problem-based Learning lesson plans are an oxymoron to some degree. At its core, project-based learning is unscripted. There are guides and rubrics and a plethora of other materials to keep both the teacher and student on the right track, but the destination is always unknown, as is the path taken to get there. It truly is an exploration.

On the other hand, most educators — especially those new to Project-based Learning or Problem-based Learning— have always structured their teaching around lesson plans. So it’s natural to seek out project-based learning lesson plans when shifting toward a PBL approach. Thankfully, the Internet is packed with sample plans for eager teachers to peruse. We’ve even included links to some that are freely available below. However, we can’t stress enough the point that we made above — that all projects are unique. Each of the ideas, examples and activities you’ll find below map out how one student (or group of students) chose to tackle one particular topic. Allow them to aid in your planning and brainstorming, but don’t let them become a “must follow” road map.

Think of it as the difference between “can” and “must.” The ideas, examples and activities below are ways in which a classroom can approach and complete a particular project, not how they must do it. Have fun browsing!

Here are some great places to visit for project ideas, examples and activities:           

Models of Excellence - Interdisciplinary projects that live beyond the classroom
PBLWorks – PBL ideas for students of all ages
Edutopia – 10 ready-to-borrow project ideas
Teachers Pay Teachers – Over 16,000 ideas created by teachers for sale at very low prices
TeachThought – 50 Smart Ideas for Project-based Learning
Learning Reviews – Project-based Learning Lesson Plan examples
Lesson Planet – 595 Resources for Project-based Learning
K-12 IRC – Project-based Learning resources