PBL Ideas

Like a list of pizza toppings or color combinations, the list of potential project-based learning ideas is seemingly endless. The topics themselves are too numerous to count and the list becomes even more infinite when thinking of all the different products a project can result in. 

Take “volcanoes,” for instance. Simply picking the topic is only the first step. Will it be a working model? A video on how to make a working model? A website on the world’s still-active volcanoes? A board game that teaches players about different types of volcanic ash? Perhaps an interactive presentation that explains how volcanoes work? You see where we’re going.

Choosing a topic can often be a stumbling block for students. Since the objective of project-based learning is to relate learning to everyday life it is most effective to use everyday life as a building block for project-based learning topic ideas. Some sources that may stimulate a student's creative mind are hobbies, articles, current events, wonderment, books, movies, etc. Sometimes it helps if a student asks why something happens or how something happens. Ideas should come from an intrinsic motivator; a source that motivates students to ask high-level and open-ended questions will engage them in a deeper learning process.

Choosing an end product can be equally challenging due to the sheer number of possibilities. To encourage high level products, it is benefiicial to know your students' interests and learning styles.  We thought it would be helpful to some to jump start the creative process by listing a few project-based learning products that we’ve seen put into action. The product grid below categorizes different products under separate headings according to research from Howard Gardner’s multiple-intelligences theory. Happy brainstorming!