A cadre of K-12 AFT members from across the nation has jointly designed standards-based, integrated content, featuring capstone project ideas that are grade-level and developmentally appropriate. These project-based learning (PBL) lessons and activities will enable students to demonstrate learning in a variety of ways that will adapt to in-person, hybrid or remote learning.
Explore ways for your students to show off what they know, and check out the grade-band themes; also, keep in mind that you can share completed projects on the free Zigazoo app or share personal interviews and narratives using StoryCorps Connect. These project-based learning kits are great for distance learning and for year-end capstone projects for in-person teaching.
These lessons, originally created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, provide flexible activities for home and school. Teachers can incorporate multiple subject areas and send home a variety of activities for parents to use at home. This is a way to reinforce skills and concepts learned in the classroom. Read more about these innovative project-based learning ideas and projects:
Grades K-2: All About Me
The "All About Me" project can be customized to focus on mathematics, science, reading and art.
Grades 3-5: We Are All Connected
We Are All Connected is designed to meet academic standards for science, social studies, ELA and math.
Grades 6-8: The Power of Story in a Changing World
This project can be customized to focus on mathematics, science, social studies or music.
Grades 9-12: Overcoming Challenges Through the Lens of Social Justice
Students select a struggle of their own choosing and carry out a project that can be adapted to meet academic standards for ELA, social studies, or science and math.
Hear more from the teachers who created the project-based learning capstone kits:
About the Author
Lisa Dickinson is the director of professional development and member engagement within AFT’s Educational Issues department.
Elisabeth (Lisa) DickinsonManager, Professional Learning & Member EngagementEducational Issues Department AFTLisa Dickinson oversees the professional learning work at the American Federation of Teachers.
