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10 Project-Based Learning (PBL) Examples

These days, project-based learning (PBL) is widely adopted and adored by multiple teachers. And it happens for a good reason. PBL facilitated communication and cooperation while proving itself a brilliant way to acquire and adopt a current topic on a schedule. 

Taking into account all its benefits, you’ll surely want to make use of the project-based learning approach for your kid. However, to succeed in it, you should do a massive job of preparation and facilitation. Let’s dig into details and clarify how to make PBL your daily learning routine.

What is project-based learning?

Project-based learning, or PBL, is a teaching method in which students are actively involved in real-world projects to achieve a better understanding of a specific topic.

More specifically, project-based learning curriculum involves taking up extended tasks that can last from a week to a semester. During the flow, students are encouraged to solve diverse tasks and answer specific real-world-based questions. As a result, they must create a public product and present it to a particular audience. 

Why is project-based learning important?

PBL is important for a number of reasons:

• It establishes a collaborative, dynamic classroom environment;
• It facilitates a student-centered approach;
• It promotes a deeper understanding of topics and creative thinking;
• It shows the real-world value of a specific knowledge and teaches students to use it in their day-to-day lives.

Now, let’s discuss each benefit in more detail.

Firstly, the very essence of math project-based learning implies collaboration and cooperation. Students work in set groups to come up with a collective final project. As they develop the solution, they learn to share ideas more explicitly and work together towards a common goal. As a result, they get a presentation that entails a particle of knowledge each of them shares. Surely, this boosts the personal value of each kid.

Secondly, in PBL, students are the center of the learning curve. By contrast, in a traditional learning scheme, a teacher often took the stage while explaining the material and closely guiding kids on all tasks. PBL changes this scenario completely! Now, kids are central in developing original ideas based on the provided material. The teacher stays in the background, supporting and assisting them only when needed.

Thirdly, with PBL, kids are no longer obliged to learn the material by rote. Instead, they use a theoretical basis to develop original solutions. It literally means learning by doing. This way, they can get a deeper grasp and better memorize project-based learning topics.

Lastly, PBL implies solving real-world tasks so kids finally know where to apply those complex math concepts. This will inevitably facilitate better understanding and overall higher interest in the math subject.

Brighterly math project-based learning

Project-based learning math became indispensable for multiple advanced learning programs — both online and offline. Most progressive platforms understand the many-sided benefits of this approach and do their best to integrate it into one-to-one and group-based learning. 

Brighterly is one of those platforms actively adopting PBL. 

Here’s how it works:

• First, a skilled tutor defines a child’s interests, strengths, and learning goals. This will later allow them to pick relevant and engaging tasks.
• Then, they choose a project work that would align with the student’s interests and academic goals and, of course, fit into the current curriculum.
• As an extra support, a teacher will provide a list of helpful materials, tools, or experts in the field.
• Now, the child takes the initiative independently. They should conduct careful research and explore the topic in-depth. During the whole process, they can ask the tutor for help at any time they need it.
• On average, Brighterly project-based learning ideas take about a month to complete. It means that while the kid works on their task, they also continue mastering current math material. As they regularly communicate with their tutor, they can ask any project-related questions and clarifications. On their side, the teacher will also ask for regular updates on how the process goes.
• As a project progresses, the tutor clarifies its practical value and application, thus highlighting its importance.

All these steps maximize the potential benefits of PBL even in the conditions of 1:1 learning. Yes, the whole process may lack the usual communicative benefit. However, it still preserves all the other perks we’ve discussed above.

Want to make use of PBL for your child? Don’t hesitate to book the first demo lesson with Brighterly today!

What are project-based learning examples?

Some great project-based learning examples are the following:

• Act on a current event
• Create a community mural
• Create your website
• Produce your podcast
• Shark tank pitch

Now that you know the definition of project-based learning and understand its value, you’re probably ready to jump right into action.

Act on a current event

This project implies taking any current news or event, studying its consequences, and suggesting potential solutions.

For example, such a PBL math project can be concerned with rising inflation rates and their impact on price tags. Surely, the task will need detailed research on all the related changes, such as food, housing, and gas price increases.

After gathering relevant information, kids will be asked to use mathematical statistics to calculate future inflation impacts and further price surges. After that, they can come up with valuable tips meant to mitigate inflation-related risks. These can include developing strategies for maximizing personal savings, planning a household budget, and finding discounts.

Create a community mural

In terms of this project, kids will think about creating a mural form of art. The process requires more scrutinous work than one may think, including figuring out the design, thinking about the place for the construction, creating a budget, gathering necessary permissions, etc.

This art-related project is one of those brilliant ideas for project-based learning since it combines creativity and logical thinking. On the one hand, children have to reveal their innovative side while constructing a relevant design. But on the other hand, they also must account on all the juridical and financial questions.

By the way, this task leaves much room for math practice. For example, in terms of similar project based learning examples, elementary students can learn to measure wall dimensions with non-standard measurement units. Simultaneously, middle to high school students must research material costs and learn to manage their budget accordingly.

Create your website

These days, creating a website is an engaging and easy-to-implement project idea with services like Wix or Squarespace. This solution can be brilliant for both groups of learners and as an individual learning task. There are many potential ideas for developing web platform, including a website related to optimizing energy consumption, enhancing productivity with time management tools, or improving budget management.

Think about this: the seemingly simple project can help to:

• Boost innovation
• Improve computer skills
• Enhance knowledge on a specific topic
• Elevate creative planning

In terms of this activity, students should also be encouraged to test their friends’ websites and provide improvement points. Thus, they additionally develop critical thinking and provide constructive feedback.

Produce your podcast

Similar examples of project-based learning are quite universal and flexible. Teachers commonly ask students to create a podcast on some current topic. It shouldn’t be a long piece — however, the whole process will encourage in-depth digging into the material. 

Shark tank pitch

Inspired by the “Shark Tank” reality show, this project lets students feel like young startup owners and investors. And it ticks quite many skill boxes, too! As any newcomer to a business realm, they will have to go through a series of steps:

• Conduct market research
• Test the products they want to work with
• Convince investors to get funds for their business.

Analytical thinking, research, public speaking, budgeting, and collaborating — the seemingly simple program helps to master all these skills.

Project-based learning in math

Math is among the most problematic subjects, raising multiple concerns among young learners. But not with PBL math! This approach is just ideal for showing the real application of tangled mathematical concepts. So, it’s definitely worth your attention. 

Here are some project-based learning activities for elementary students and school graduates — everyone can find something for themselves.

• Exploring patterns project undermines creating original art forms through patterns. While crafting them, children in elementary school will explore symmetry, reflection, and rotation concepts. Plus, they will also easily learn to memorize shape names.
• Building a house is among the best project-based learning ideas for middle school learners. Here, students must employ their engineering knowledge to develop solid and reliable house construction. Then, they will have to apply mathematical concepts to estimate costs and evaluate if their expected expenses fit the budget.
• The alternative energy project plan is both engaging and practical. It’s an example of how to implement high school project-based learning. In terms of this task, children have to analyze energy consumption in their homes and develop ideas for reducing the related expenses.

5 project-based learning ideas

5 best project-based learning ideas are the following:

• PSA video 
• Building a model bridge
• Food bank & volunteering
• Field trip
• Math mock trial

Now that you are well aware of the ground-breaking benefits of project-based learning, you probably struggle to implement this approach for your kid. Indeed, with the proper preparation, you can turn a project-based task into an engaging and non-trivial family activity.

So why not pick the best idea out of the list and test it out today?

PSA video 

Define what burning issue deeply touches your child and let them discuss it in detail. First, they will have to conduct thorough research and write a script for their video. Then, they will get engaged with the whole filming process.

Obviously, an activity of this kind employs a good portion of creative thinking and planning which will prove of much benefit. 

Potential topic ideas you can use for inspiration include:

• Creating a video on budgeting and finance management. It can describe building a budget plan using basic arithmetic and percentages.
• Crafting a clip explaining how to read and understand statistical data from surveys or reports.
• One more idea for implementing project-based learning in education concerns the health and wellness sector. In terms of it, your kid can delve into explaining the Body Mass Index (BMI) formula or calculating the caloric daily needs.
• A video can also be devoted to increasing consumer awareness. Thus, it can feature your child demonstrating price comparison and calculating the best value for products or services, including discounts and unit prices.

Building a model bridge

This one is a perfect project to combine science, engineering, and math. In this task, students will have to do just that — build a model bridge. The process involves researching types of bridges, finding suitable materials, and testing a ready-made construction. 

The strength of such project-based learning activities is that they will fit both class groups and individuals. So, yes, you can utilize it even if you cannot invite their friends to participate.

Food bank & volunteering

As implied, this initiative involves a volunteering element. First, organize a visit to your local food bank to review the latest data. In the process, the child will have to communicate with the staff, gathering information about current donations and expenses. 

Then, they should analyze the information gathered. They can utilize math modeling to define how different initiatives can influence donations and volunteering levels.

Field trip

For this project, you should choose a natural area strongly affected by human activities. It can be a coastal region with trash buildup, a deforested area, or a polluted waterway. The aim of your trip is, thus, to collect as many valuable details about the current ecological consequences as possible.

Once done, compile the available information into convenient spreadsheets or documents. Ask your child to use mathematical modeling to estimate the environmental impact of the collected data. To finish this PBL teaching, encourage them to present all their findings in graphs, charts, and maps. 

Math mock trial

We must warn you: this project will involve lots of work from your side. First, be sure to invite your child’s friends, as each of them will take a specific role in the court (judge, prosecutor, witness, solicitor, etc). Besides, you must find or make up a case where mathematical evidence plays a decisive role.

Encourage children to collect math-related facts about the process. Once ready, simulate the trial where each side presents applicable information, performs calculations, and explains their findings.

Advantages and disadvantages of project-based learning

Project-based learning in math puts students at the center of the learning process. It means more freedom for those who study and fewer teacher restrictions. However, freedom often comes with pitfalls, as not all students know how to manage it correctly.

Even though PBL contains significant powers, it also has weak points of its own. Solution? Know all the pros and cons of project-based learning beforehand. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Benefits of project-based learning

These are the main benefits of project-based learning:

• Development of critical thinking
• Creativity boosts
• Increased problem-solving skills
• Deeper engagement in a topic
• Enhanced student collaboration
• A better understanding of the provided material
• Fostered communication
• Evoking natural curiosity

The list can be continued…

In fact, even with PBL, the teacher’s (or parent’s) role remains vast because they are the ones to organize and guide the whole process correctly. If done properly, projects in learning will turn into a dynamic and vibrant way to color up the whole process.

Disadvantages of project-based learning

But what’s on the flip side? Here are some disadvantages of PBL in education:

• Developing apathy
• Worse adaptability to active learning 
• Reduced productivity

Let’s discuss each of these.

First, math projects encourage students to develop ideas according to their interests. But what if a student doesn’t have any? They will likely engage less with the whole process. If that’s the case, an in-depth session with a mentor can help. Spend some time sitting by your child and trying to clarify what ticks — you’ll surely see the positive dynamics soon.

Secondly, less active students may feel drawn back during project work. They will likely stay silent during the flow and won’t participate much, which results in little to no positive results. One-to-one sessions and individual projects help in this case. Eventually, we must perceive children as they are — all they need is some extra attention from our side.

Finally, some kids need extra guidance on conducting and working in a group. If not provided, they fail to communicate correctly. But with a little extra counseling, you’ll surely see positive progress soon.

Conclusion

Now, you probably are convinced that PBL teaching can do much good for your child’s personal and professional growth. The trick here is to find their suitable style. Are they a group player, ready to take the initiative and rush right into the action? Or are they a humble, reserved type who prefers to work on their own?

In any case, there is a suitable approach to match their preferences. And luckily, there are also tutors who are ready to go the extra mile to define and implement their specific needs. Book the first demo lesson with Brighterly today and let your child experience all the benefits.