Educators Blog

Students as Innovators: Why STEM Learning Matters More Than Ever

With the projected growth of STEM occupations, STEM education is critical. Providing early and diverse opportunities in STEM fosters important future-ready skills like collaboration and problem-solving while preparing students for a rapidly evolving […]

Financial Literacy IS Literacy

It is important to start teaching financial literacy at a young age, integrating it throughout student's educational journies. Learn how combining essential financial knowledge with project-based learning and real-world applications allows students […]

Unlocking Potential: Maximizing Student Achievement with HQPBL and Asset-Based Learning

Learn how High-Quality Project-Based Learning (HQPBL) and asset-based learning create an effective educational environment that fosters student creativity, collaboration, and personalized learning opportunities by focusing on students' unique […]

Engaging Middle School Students in Deeper Learning with Career-Connected PBL

In today's digital age, student engagement is more of a challenge than ever before. Elizabeth Kreutzer, Middle School Science Teacher and Science Department Chair at Loch Raven Technical Academy in Baltimore City Public Schools, discusses her […]

It's Time for Curriculum Mapping 3.0

The curriculum mapping process ensures comprehensive education over time. In this article, Jay McTighe proposes a new process for curriculum mapping, emphasizing authentic performance tasks over content input. This shift aims to engage students, […]

The Benefits of College and Career Readiness for Middle School Students

By starting to focus on career and college readiness at the middle school level, educators can help students learn about the many options available to them, spark their curiosity for learning, and more. Learn how educators can help students […]

Equitable Literacy Through a PBL Lens Part 3: Explicit Instruction & Text-Based Writing

This is the third in a series of three blogs focused on Equitable Literacy Instruction supported through Defined Learning and Project-Based Learning processes.

Writing instruction is sometimes viewed as the English teacher’s job. After all, aren’t […]

How We’ve Re-“Defined” Social Studies with Project-Based Learning

In this article, John Larmer discusses the challenges of making social studies engaging for students. Larmer delves into Defined Learning's social studies offerings, providing example tasks across grade bands and units. John also offers tips for […]

Social Studies and Art Projects for Women’s History Month

Inspire and engage students during Women's History Month and beyond with these social studies and art projects centered around the history, successes, and accomplishments of women.

Need some project ideas for Women’s History Month this March? […]

Equitable Literacy Through a PBL Lens Part 2: Daily Work with Enabling & Complex Text

This is the second in a series of three blogs focused on Equitable Literacy Instruction supported through Defined Learning and Project Based Learning processes.

Imagine walking into a classroom where students are working with a variety of […]