Our Approach
Engaging Minds
PBL at Carleton Project immerses students in authentic tasks, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that last them well beyond high school.
Empowering Students
Our approach empowers students to take ownership of their education by tackling meaningful projects that connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications.
Transforming Education
Project-Based Learning transforms traditional education by engaging students in collaborative, hands-on projects that inspire curiosity and lifelong learning.
Project-Based Learning
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational approach that transforms traditional learning by placing students at the center of the learning process. It begins with an engaging, open-ended question or problem that captures students’ interest and sparks their curiosity. Unlike traditional education, where knowledge is often passively received, PBL encourages students to actively explore real-world problems and challenges.
How It Works
At Carleton, our PBL approach kicks off with the student, sparking a thrilling journey of exploration and discovery. We encourage our learners to dive headfirst into topics they are passionate about, creating projects that align with their interests and goals. This student-centered approach fuels intrinsic motivation and a deeper connection to the material, turning education into an exciting adventure.
In a PBL classroom, everything begins with a big question and some serious digging. Students jump into research, checking out books, online resources, and even chatting with experts to get the scoop on their topic. This step is all about building a strong foundation, helping them plan and figure out their strategy.
Once they’ve got their groundwork set, it’s time to create. Students, either solo or in groups, dive into making something real – be it a product, performance, or presentation that tackles the original question or problem. This hands-on phase is where the magic happens, as they apply what they’ve learned and develop new skills.
Collaboration is a big deal in PBL. Throughout the project, students team up with peers, teachers, and sometimes community members. They get constant feedback to help them tweak and improve their work. This back-and-forth ensures that the final result is top-notch and that they really get the material.
Presentation and reflection are key parts of PBL. Students share their projects with an audience, whether it’s classmates, teachers, or folks from the community. This moment of showing off their hard work not only boosts their confidence but also hones their communication skills. Afterward, they reflect on their journey, thinking about what they did well, the bumps along the way, and how they can do even better next time.
Assessment in PBL is multifaceted. Teachers evaluate students based on various criteria, including their understanding of content, creativity, collaboration, and presentation skills. This comprehensive assessment approach helps students recognize their strengths and areas for growth, promoting continuous improvement.
Project Examples
Below, you’ll catch a sneak peek of the diverse projects our students can dive into at Carleton Project. Our offerings are always expanding and evolving, keeping up with new ideas, emerging technologies, and the ever-changing interests of our students. These examples provide just a taste of the innovative and exciting projects our students get to experience.
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
History & Social Studies
Visual & Performing Arts
English Language Arts
Dive deep into their life story, uncovering unique experiences, perspectives, and wisdom. Use your narrative skills to craft a compelling and insightful profile that not only captures their essence but also enriches your understanding of your community’s diverse tapestry.
Choose a specific book-turned movie to read / watch. Write about which one. you thought was better and why. What creative licenses did they take in the movie that differed from the book? Do you agree with them? How would you have done it differently?
Choose a brand new novel to read and create a playlist that captures its essence from beginning to end. Each song should represent different parts of the story, conveying the emotions and themes without using words. Imagine introducing the book to someone who has never read it through music alone—your playlist should tell the story and evoke the same feelings as the text itself.
Write a script for a podcast series with at least a few episodes. Choose a theme or topic that interests you and develop engaging content that keeps your audience coming back for more. You can explore anything from storytelling, interviews, historical events, or even a fictional narrative. Bring your characters and stories to life through dialogue and sound design.
Imagine and create a detailed fantasy world. Develop its history, geography, culture, and inhabitants. Write descriptive passages and narratives that bring this world to life. You can also create maps, character sketches, and backstories to deepen the immersion. Share your world through a written guide or a series of short stories set in this universe.
Write a poem that delves into self-observation and introspection. Reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and express them through vivid imagery and powerful language. This poem should capture the essence of your inner world and convey a deep sense of personal understanding.
Choose a character from a book, movie, or your own imagination, and write a series of diary entries from their perspective. Explore their inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Use this project to dive deep into character development and voice.
Choose a classic piece of literature and write a modern adaptation of the story. Update the setting, characters, and events to fit contemporary times while maintaining the core themes and messages of the original work. This project will allow you to explore how timeless stories can be reimagined for today’s audience.
Mathematics
Research and write about how math appears in nature. Explore patterns such as the Fibonacci sequence, fractals, and symmetry in plants, animals, and landscapes. Present your findings through a detailed report, a series of drawings, or a photo essay that illustrates these natural mathematical phenomena.
Design and conduct a survey on a topic of interest. Collect data, analyze the results using statistical methods, and present your findings in a comprehensive report. Create charts, graphs, and visualizations to illustrate the data trends and patterns. Explain the significance of your results and what they reveal about the surveyed population.
Investigate the role of math in architecture. Choose a famous building or structure and analyze its design from a mathematical perspective. Explore concepts like symmetry, proportions, and structural engineering. Create a detailed report with diagrams and calculations that showcase how math is used in architectural design.
Design and develop a math-based game that helps players practice and improve their math skills. Create a game plan, write the rules, and develop the game mechanics. You can design a board game, card game, or digital game. Test your game with others and gather feedback to refine it.
Develop a project that teaches personal finance and budgeting skills using math. Create a detailed budget plan for a hypothetical situation, such as planning a vacation, saving for college, or managing household expenses. Use mathematical calculations to make informed financial decisions and present your plan in a clear, organized format.
Explore the world of cryptography and how math is used to secure information. Create a project that explains different encryption methods, such as Caesar ciphers, RSA, or public-key cryptography. Develop your own code or cipher, and write a guide that explains how it works and how it can be used to protect data.
Explore the role of geometry in everyday objects and environments. Create a project that identifies and explains geometric shapes, patterns, and principles in things like furniture, buildings, sports, and nature. Use photographs, drawings, and diagrams to illustrate your findings.
Choose a real-world phenomenon and create a mathematical model to represent it. This could be anything from population growth to the spread of a virus. Develop equations and use simulations to analyze the model’s behavior under different conditions. Write a report that explains your model and its implications.
Science
Conduct a biodiversity survey in your local area. Identify and catalog different species of plants, animals, and insects. Analyze the data to determine the health and diversity of the ecosystem. Create a report with photos, charts, and maps to illustrate your findings and discuss the importance of biodiversity.
Design and build a small-scale renewable energy system, such as a solar oven, wind turbine, or hydroelectric generator. Document the building process, explain the scientific principles behind it, and test its efficiency. Present your findings and suggest improvements for optimizing the energy output.
Design and build a simple robot or automated system. Research the science and engineering principles behind robotics, such as sensors, actuators, and programming. Document the building process, test the functionality, and present your project through diagrams, videos, and a written report.
Investigate the quality of water in local streams, rivers, or lakes. Collect water samples and test for parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and contaminants. Analyze the data, compare it to environmental standards, and write a report on the health of the water source and potential impacts on the ecosystem.
Explore the physics behind a sport of your choice. Investigate concepts such as motion, force, energy, and momentum. Develop a project that analyzes the mechanics of movements, equipment, and techniques used in the sport. Create diagrams, videos, and a written report to explain the scientific principles involved.
Calculate and analyze the ecological footprint of your household. Develop a project that examines the impact of daily activities on the environment, such as energy consumption, water usage, and waste production. Create a detailed report with graphs and recommendations for reducing your ecological footprint.
Develop a project that involves observing and documenting celestial objects, such as planets, stars, and galaxies. Use telescopes, binoculars, or online resources to gather data. Create detailed sketches, photos, and descriptions of your observations. Write a report that explains the scientific significance of the objects you studied.
Study the principles of genetic inheritance by conducting a project on a specific trait in plants or animals. Crossbreed different varieties, observe the offspring, and record the traits that appear. Use Punnett squares and genetic diagrams to predict and explain the inheritance patterns. Present your results in a comprehensive report.
History & Social Studies
Research a significant historical event or period and create a documentary film. Include interviews, archival footage, photographs, and narration to tell the story. Present the social, political, and economic impacts of the event and its relevance to contemporary issues.
Develop an exhibit that showcases the cultural heritage of a specific group or region. Research traditional customs, arts, clothing, and cuisine. Create displays with artifacts, replicas, and informative panels to educate others about the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Create a podcast series exploring the history of your local community. Conduct interviews with local historians, long-time residents, and community leaders. Produce episodes that cover different aspects of local history, such as founding events, significant figures, and notable changes over time.
Write a fictional diary from the perspective of a person living during the Revolutionary War. Research daily life, battles, and key events. Include drawings, maps, and letters to create an immersive experience that captures the era’s challenges and triumphs.
Collect and analyze political cartoons from different periods. Research the historical context and the messages conveyed by the cartoons. Create a presentation that explains the significance of political cartoons in shaping public opinion and political discourse.
Write a historical fiction short story set in a specific period. Research the historical context, including social norms, daily life, and major events. Develop characters and a plot that accurately reflect the time period, and include historical notes to explain the background and significance of the story.
Investigate the trade systems of ancient civilizations, such as the Silk Road or Mediterranean trade routes. Research the goods traded, economic principles, and cultural exchanges. Create a detailed report with maps, charts, and illustrations to explain how ancient trade influenced the development of societies.
Simulate a government process, such as passing a bill or conducting an election. Assign roles to classmates, such as lawmakers, lobbyists, and voters. Research the procedures and create realistic scenarios. Conduct the simulation and reflect on the experience in a written report.
Visual & Performing Arts
Develop a series of original artwork centered around a common theme or concept. Experiment with different mediums, such as painting, sculpture, fiber, or digital art. Write an artist statement explaining your creative process, inspiration, and the message you intend to communicate through your work.
Compose an original piece of music, whether it be instrumental or vocal. Study different musical genres and techniques, and incorporate them into your composition. Perform the piece for an audience, and write a reflection on the inspiration behind the composition and the emotions it evokes.
Design and create a collection of fashion pieces using upcycled materials. Research sustainable fashion practices and experiment with different techniques to transform discarded items into stylish clothing and accessories. Document the design and creation process and present your collection in a fashion show or photo series, along with a reflection on the importance of sustainability in fashion.
Write, direct, and produce a short film on a topic of your choice. Develop a script, storyboard the scenes, and organize a cast and crew. Film and edit the project, incorporating special effects, sound design, and editing techniques. Present the final film to an audience and reflect on the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking.
Create a series of self-portraits using various mediums, such as painting, drawing, photography, or digital art. Experiment with different styles and techniques to express different aspects of your identity. Write an artist statement explaining the inspiration behind each piece and how it represents your personal journey and self-discovery.
Design an album cover for a fictional music album. Research album art trends and styles and create a visual concept that reflects the imagined music and mood of the album. Include elements such as typography, imagery, and color schemes. Present your album cover design and explain the creative choices and inspiration behind it.
Choreograph and film a dance piece that tells a story or explores a theme. Research different dance styles and techniques, and develop a concept that incorporates movement, music, and cinematography. Record the rehearsals and final performance, and edit the footage into a cohesive dance film. Present your dance film and reflect on the integration of dance and film as a medium.
Write and perform a one-act play as a captivating monologue. Create a compelling narrative from a single character’s perspective, focusing on their emotions and experiences. Develop powerful dialogue, practice expressive delivery, and design simple sets and props. Perform your monologue, bringing your character to life through your words and actions.