Edutopia along with the Buck Institute for Education offer excellent resources and ideas for project-based learning ideas - some
are already aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Note: The Buck Institute website requires a free login.
In addition, www.Next.cc offers an ever-growing source of project ideas as well.
Theme: School Climate Unpacking the Back PROBLEM: Nationwide every year thousands of students end up with injuries due to heavy backpacks CHALLENGE: Gather and make sense of documented research as well input from students – then design an affordable lightweight backpack to accommodate required contents CRITICAL QUESTION: Based on your findings, is the design of backpack the cause of the injuries or rather the form of the contents required? |
Theme: Classroom Curriculum Redesigning the Future PROBLEM: Due to many variables, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 killed hundreds of people and left over 100,000 homeless CHALLENGE: Identify and make sense of contributing factors that led up to the fire – then design an effective product-based water delivery system that would have resulted in positive impact CRITICAL QUESTION: Which variables of the fire could have been effectively addressed and what impact might your design have had on Chicago today? |
Theme: Community Awareness Bring It Home PROBLEM: After years of population decline, your local community is now seeking ways to revitalize the downtown area CHALLENGE: Explore causes of the decline and where people moved and why – then design a awareness campaign to motivate a renewed sense of community linked to growth opportunities CRITICAL QUESTION: What type of motivators will most effectively raise awareness within current residents and business owners, as well as newcomers? |
Theme: Neighborhood Improvement Transform Time and Space PROBLEM: Teenagers in your neighborhood lack a safe place to gather and socialize with friends CHALLENGE: Target 1-3 viable spaces that are underutilized and within walking distance – then generate a design proposal that serves the local community and is financially sound for the owner CRITICAL QUESTION: What kind of transformation design would serve the local community as well as provide a compelling and long-term solution for teenagers and space owner? |
Theme: School Climate Small Things Do Matter PROBLEM: Currently your school cafeteria purchases Styrofoam serving trays that are unhealthy and not sustainable CHALLENGE: Research the use and costs associated with lunch trays – then redesign your lunchtime experience to become healthier and more sustainable CRITICAL QUESTION: In addition to recommending an alternative tray, what impact might changes in student actions and behaviors have on the problem? |
Theme: Classroom Curriculum Empty Bowls Now Filled PROBLEM: Too many Americans go hungry everyday and it is difficult for food banks to keep up with demand CHALLENGE: Building on the fundraiser “Empty Bowls Project,” create an event in which your class makes a powerful statement – the design of each bowl will integrate a special message to recipients CRITICAL QUESTION: What criteria will the class use to develop the special messages, how might each statement impact the recipients of your bowls? |