5 Project-Based Learning Examples to Boost Learning Progress

As a form of active and inquiry-based learning, project-based learning is a teaching approach that replaces memorization and paper-based instruction with real-world projects.

During project-based learning, students work together to solve real-life problems or overcome challenges, developing their analytical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal skills in the process. On top of that, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios promotes knowledge retention and improves learning outcomes as a result.

Not sure what project-based learning looks like in practice? Here are five project-based learning examples that foster a sense of community, promote teamwork, and engage students.

Project-Based Learning Example 1: Environmental Project

If you’re touching on the subject of pollution or sustainable development in any way, consider having students track pollution in their neighborhood. Besides collecting and presenting data, they can also be tasked with proposing different ways to reduce pollution.

For example, students at High Tech High International used air quality monitoring kits to collect pollution data and study environmental racism. They also explored the air quality policies in place and developed their own climate action projects.

Skills:

• Environmental awareness
• Analytical thinking
• Presentation skills

Project-Based Learning Example 2: Creating a School Garden

If you want to promote teamwork and make your biology or ecology class more interesting, set up a garden in your school’s backyard. During this project, students would plan and plant the garden and care for it.

For example, King Middle School in Berkeley has been encouraging students to cultivate its garden for three decades now. The Edible Schoolyard Project isn’t just about gardening, though: students can take on the roles of teachers and cooks, as well.

Skills:

• Organizational skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Biology and ecology

Project-Based Learning Example 3: Developing a Website for a Local Business

With this project, tech-minded students could try on the mantle of a web developer early on. Approach local businesses and compile a list of those who need a website. Then, have your students develop one for them.

That’s what students at High Tech High do routinely, for example: they sit down with local business owners, such as coffee shops, to gather their requirements, build websites, and improve them based on the client’s feedback.

Skills:

• Web development
• Communication with clients
• Creative thinking
• Problem-solving

Project-Based Learning Example 4: Historical Project

History doesn’t have to be boring: all you need to make it interesting is to engage students in historical research. The project can involve creating videos, presentations, or even interactive maps. For maximum engagement, consider topics related to students’ community or current events.

For example, students at High Tech Middle North County explored the human stories behind immigration during the American Immigration Project. They presented their findings in a podcast.

Skills:

• Research and synthesis
• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking
• Fact-checking

Project-Based Learning Example 5: Designing a Sustainable City Model

What does the sustainable city of tomorrow look like? That’s the question you can pose to the students, asking them to consider waste management, energy production, and transportation in the process. Their answer, in turn, can come in many forms, from Lego models to interactive maps.

For example, students at Croydon High School used their arts and crafts skills to create their sustainable models in 2020 to reimagine urban planning for a post-industrial US town.

Skills:

• Environmental awareness
• Research and analytical thinking
• Technical skills

What’s Your Next Project?

These are just five project-based learning examples that you can use as inspiration. Consider the topics you explore in class and their real-life applications to create a project that engages learners and promotes their soft skills.