ABSTRACT
Districts use project-based learning as a call to action to develop a more engaging pedagogical approach for their learners. Choosing the aligned content, skills, and standards to weave throughout the project is a crucial first step in designing an effective, authentic learning experience. Many first-time Project-Based Learning teachers prefer to start with the standards as the more comfortable approach to designing an authentic learning experience. True authentic learning experiences, for which there is no one right solution, automatically requires higher-order thinking. Furthermore, almost every conceivable challenge has the potential to align to math and English language arts (ELA) standards through data analysis, reading, and writing. In a cross-curricular approach to science and ELA, when given an assignment about diseases and disabilities, a teacher may instruct his learners to research the major illnesses and disabilities and their causes and effects.
