1. Choose a Big Question or Problem
- Example: “How can we reduce food waste in our community?”
2. Identify Subjects Covered
- Science: Sustainability, composting, food systems
- Math: Data collection, statistics, budgeting
- English: Research papers, persuasive writing, presentations
- Social Studies: Local government, community impact
3. Plan Learning Activities
- Research articles, books, documentaries
- Interview experts or community members
- Conduct experiments or surveys
- Create charts, models, or prototypes
4. Create a Final Project
- A presentation, website, short film, business plan, or community event
- Include written components like reports or proposals
5. Reflect & Share
- Have your student present their project to family, community, or online.
- Reflect on what worked, what was challenging, and what they’d do next time.
Example PBL Unit Study Ideas for High School
Here are some flexible themes you could build units around:
Environmental Science
Driving Question: How can our household become carbon neutral?
- Research carbon footprints
- Calculate household energy use (math)
- Design an action plan to reduce waste and energy
Civics & Government
Driving Question: How can young people influence local policy?
- Study local government structure
- Analyze a local issue (housing, safety, transportation)
- Draft a petition or awareness campaign
Media & Communications
Driving Question: How does media shape public opinion?
- Research historical propaganda vs. modern social media
- Analyze ad campaigns
- Produce a short film or podcast episode
History & Social Justice
Driving Question: How have past movements shaped today’s rights?
- Study a civil rights movement
- Compare historical primary sources with modern articles
- Write a position paper or create a digital museum exhibit
Entrepreneurship & Economics
Driving Question: What does it take to launch a sustainable small business?
- Develop a product or service idea
- Research costs, pricing, and target market
- Create a business plan and pitch
Tips for Successful PBL in High School
✔ Let students help choose the topic — buy-in is key!
✔ Connect with local resources: libraries, experts, community organizations.
✔ Keep documentation: photos, journals, research notes — great for transcripts.
✔ Allow flexibility for rabbit trails — that’s where deep learning happens.
✔ Use rubrics to assess both the process and the final product.
A well-designed PBL unit can cover multiple subjects, meet your high school credit requirements, and give your student real skills they’ll use beyond school. Start small — one project at a time — and watch your teen’s curiosity take the lead!
