Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Planning for Project Learning in Your Classroom, School, or School District

How to adopt best practices in 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days, 5 months, and 5 years.

March 15, 2010

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Editor's Note: Special thanks to Cacso Bay High School teacher Susan McCray and principal, Derek Pierce for their assistance compiling this list.

Credit: Michael Warren
Energizing Work: A King Middle School student works on her Kinetic Conundrum art project.

You've read the articles, watched some videos, and come away feeling as inspired as you are frustrated. The projects profiled here are full-figured creations by teams of teachers at schools whose cultures and schedules support grand ideas. Take a deep breath -- it didn't happen in one big swoop.

"I used to work with a teacher who always said, 'it takes five years to incorporate any new dimension into your teaching effectively, to fully incorporate it and to own it,'" said Casco Bay humanities teacher Susan McCray. It's not about designing a mongo expedition; it's about shifting how you engage students in the work. That can be a messy process, so prepare to get dirty one day at a time.

In 5 minutes, you can

In 5 hours, you can

In 5 days, you can

In 5 weeks, you can

Credit: Michael Warren
Teamwork: Students at Casco Bay High School learn about business through a project with the Portland Pirates Ice Hockey Team.

In 5 months, you can

In 5 years, you can


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  • 3-5 Upper Elementary

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