PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional approach that engages students in meaningful, hands-on work, allowing them to connect deeply with what they are learning. It promotes creativity, innovation, and critical thinking by encouraging students to draw from their unique perspectives and experiences to solve real-world problems. Through PBL, students take ownership of their learning, driving them toward greater content mastery and personal growth.
While PBL is an essential part of our teaching philosophy, it complements—not replaces—traditional subject areas like math, history, science, and more. These individual subjects are integrated into projects, but they are also taught as distinct disciplines to ensure a well-rounded education. Our students build a strong foundation in each core subject while applying what they’ve learned through project-based experiences. PBL allows us to provide an innovative, student-centered learning experience while still ensuring that our students achieve excellence in traditional academic subjects.
Through PBL, students collaborate with peers, community organizations, experts in various fields, and individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds. This helps them develop critical skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership while nurturing a sense of responsibility and purpose. By tapping into their passions and aligning their work with the needs of the community, students are prepared to use their God-given gifts to create positive change and make a lasting impact.
The Buck Institute for Education outlines the Essential Project Design Elements that make PBL effective:
- Key Knowledge, Understanding, & Skills: Mastery of critical academic content
- Challenging Problem/Question: Tackling significant, complex issues
- Sustained Inquiry: Engaging in a rigorous process of asking questions, finding resources, and applying information
- Authenticity: Connecting to real-world contexts and challenges
- Student Voice & Choice: Empowering students to make decisions about their learning
- Reflection: Encouraging deep thinking and self-assessment
- Critique & Revision: Refining ideas through feedback
- Public Product: Sharing work beyond the classroom for a real audience
Browse our Unit Booklets below for more information on each grade and Unit Project Details to see Project-Based Learning come to life!
(Click on “Full Screen” in the lower right-hand corner of the images below to optimize viewing comfort.)
Unit 3 – 2024
Unit 3 – 2023
Unit 2 – 2022
Unit 1 – 2022
Unit 2 – 2021