Resources
PBL Basics
What the Heck Is Project-Based Learning?
Breaks down project-based learning with a quick “elevator speech,” then expands on how it transforms disconnected lessons into a cohesive, real-world learning story that engages students from start to finish.
What is PBL?
Outlines how Project Based Learning turns the “main course” of learning into engaging, real-world projects, with tips, examples, and the Gold Standard PBL framework.
Project-Based Learning vs. Problem-Based Learning vs. X-BL
Explores the many “X-based learning” models and clarifies how project-based and problem-based learning relate—framing problem-BL as a subset of project-BL with more formal steps. Highlights differences in style, scope, and application across subjects, while emphasizing their shared power to engage students.
Project-Based and Problem-Based Learning
Compares project-based and problem-based learning—both authentic, student-centered approaches—highlighting the focus on product vs. process, with examples, resources, and classroom tips.
Authentic Exploration: Comparing Projects, Problems, Engineering Design, and Simulations
A side-by-side comparison of projects, problem-based learning, engineering design, and simulations—highlighting their shared focus on authentic, student-centered learning and their key differences in context, decision-making, tools, grading, and final outcomes.
Tips
Staying On Task During Project-Based Learning
Shows how brief daily check-ins give student groups the structure they need to stay focused and accountable on long-term projects.
Outside Experts Boost Project Authenticity
This video demonstrates how students become deeply motivated when their work is reviewed by professionals in the field, showing how authentic feedback can validate student effort and bridge school learning with real-world standards.
5 Ways I Screwed up (and Fixed) Project Based Learning in My Classroom
In this candid post, Ross Cooper reflects on his early struggles with project based learning (PBL) and shares five key mistakes he made—from overemphasizing technology to overlooking collaboration skills and parent communication. More importantly, he explains the “quick fixes” that helped him shift toward more authentic, student-centered learning.
5 Keys to Rigorous Project-Based Learning
Highlights five core elements that make Project-Based Learning truly powerful—real-world relevance, academic rigor, structured collaboration, student ownership, and layered assessment.
The Project Podcast
Take a deep dive into the power, the potential, the pitfalls, and the possibilities of Project Based Learning.
Strategies
Teaching Strategies
A glossary of activities for enhancing student engagement and learning.
Project Ideas
An inspiring library of project ideas aligned to standards, spanning grade levels and subject areas — great for seeing how PBL can be designed across disciplines.
The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How to Construct and Use Them
A foundational guide to the theory and research behind concept maps: explains how they help learners build meaningful connections, structure knowledge hierarchically, and revise understandings over time.
What is a Concept Map?
A hands-on guide to constructing concept maps: explains what concept maps are, how to build them (with focus questions, hierarchies, and cross-links), and offers templates/tools to help students organize and visualize ideas clearly.
How to Make a Concept Map
A clear, step-by-step guide to creating concept maps: helps with organizing complex ideas visually, linking concepts, revising layouts, and using templates/tools to make diagrams that support project-based learning.
PBL for Remote Learning
A series of webinars to engage teachers in interactive online learning experiences and offer practical guidance for facilitating Gold Standard Project Based Learning online with students.
Assessment
Google Form Peer Collaboration Evaluation Template
A ready-to-use Google Form template for peer evaluations in group projects, helping students reflect on their collaboration and hold each other accountable.
Rubrics for Evaluation
A set of research-based rubrics (e.g. collaboration, self-direction, complex communication, critical thinking) you can use to assess student performance in PBL.
Assessment Resources in PBL
A curated collection of tools, articles, and rubrics to help teachers improve assessment in project-based learning—especially around authentic assessment, creativity, and measuring what truly matters.
Oral Presentation Rubric
A simple rubric you can use (or adapt) to guide and assess student oral presentations in a PBL unit.
How to Get High-Quality Student Work in PBL
This article looks at what it takes to move student projects from “good enough” to truly excellent. It explores practices like using rubrics and exemplars, building in revision cycles, making student work authentic, and creating a classroom culture where quality is expected and celebrated.
How Does Assessment Work in a PBL Unit?
This article shows how assessment in Project-Based Learning is woven into every stage of a unit—not something extra to tack on.
Gold Standard PBL: Assessing Student Learning
This article explains how assessment in Gold Standard Project Based Learning goes beyond grading, focusing instead on ongoing feedback, reflection, and student growth.
Career Exploration
Career Clusters Activity
An overview of career clusters. Great for helping learners see connections between what they like and various industries.
CareerOneStop Interest Inventory
A questionnaire students can use to reflect on what types of work and tasks they enjoy — useful for guiding them toward careers or project topics that align with their interests.
MyNextMove
An interactive tool where students can explore their interests and match them with potential careers — great for helping learners see how what they enjoy can connect to future paths.
PBL in Action
The Tiny House Project
PBL project in action with third grade students.
Projects That Work: Mission to Mars
Highlights a project based learning activity where physics students take on the role of aerospace engineers to tackle the challenge of landing a rover on Mars.