Favorite Classroom Project Based Learning Materials that Nurture Powerful Student-Led PBLs

Student-led project-based learning doesn’t have to be difficult, expensive, challenging, or time-consuming to set up.

Self-directed PBL is, however, a very unique learning experience, and the classroom or homeschool should be set up in a way that is conducive to self-direction and the distinct elements of project-based learning.

There are not specific classroom project-based learning materials required for student-led PBL, but I do have some suggestions for general supplies that do nurture these experiences. Let’s dive in.

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Self-directed project-based learning is a unique style of learning that is personalized, authentic, real-world, and innovative.

Students design their own PBLs, form community partnerships, build innovative final products that impact the community and share what they’ve learned or gained with others.

Each of these PBL elements or actions is what makes student-led PBL special, and those unique attributes need to be considered when getting your project-based learning space set up or in order.

What are some classroom project-based learning materials that are helpful for student-led PBL? 

As I said earlier, there aren’t any required PBL materials or supplies. I have, however, accumulated some materials in my classroom project-based learning space over the years that encourage authentic, collaborative, and innovative student-led PBLs and would love to share those PBL materials with you.

Before moving on, I want to tell you about my new free PBL course! This short online, self-paced class tells you how to get your ducks in a row for self-directed project-based learning. One of the videos is all about how to set up your classroom!

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Browse the list of suggested classroom project-based learning materials below. Do not feel obligated to have all of these materials or supplies on hand right this minute. Pick and choose what is realistic for you and your students and start implementing or gathering a few of these supplies at a time.

If a specific material isn’t working to promote or nurture powerful student-led PBLs, get rid of it or adapt it in a way that works for your unique student population.

After all, student-led project-based learning is personalized. What works for you and your students may not for others, and that is okay.

You can go through a little trial and error with classroom project-based learning materials. Simply use the following PBL material suggestions as inspiration.

Suggestions for Classroom Project Based Learning Materials

PBL Materials for Collaboration

Project-based learning is highly collaborative. Self-directed learners design PBLs with collaboration, partnerships, and community-building in mind.

Students might collaborate with classmates, the school community, the local community, or even the global community.

For example, my students are required to utilize at least one community expert for every self-directed PBL. They might connect with and use a local expert as a source of information, as a mentor, as a resource, or as a supplier of materials.

There are specific materials that I find helpful to have in my classroom that encourage community collaboration in this way.

• Connecting Digitally: This is especially important for those of you that do not have a lot of flexibility or cannot give your students mobility beyond classroom walls.
  • Computers
  • Headsets (attached microphones are helpful but not required)
  • Access to video communication platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Messenger, and FaceTime. 
  • Large group video conference materials - I occasionally have community experts speak to my entire class. I use a video communication platform to do this and project my computer onto a screen located at the front of the room. Use whatever classroom tech you have available to do this!
  • Email - Email is a great and simple way for students to connect with community experts. My new PBL students often start with email until they have become more comfortable and confident connecting with experts in other ways.
  • Phone - This is a tricky one for some, as phones in the classroom can get distracting. I do, however, recommend a strategy for phone communication with experts. Consider designating a corner of the room that students can use just for the purpose of phone conversations with experts.
  • Digital sharing - There are a variety of digital tools such as Google Apps that can be used for sharing and collaborating with others. For example, a student and an expert might create a shared calendar. Or a student might write a paper and share it with their expert for feedback. 
• Organizers: My students have access to both digital and printable templates and planners that I have created for them to help them keep collaborations and partnerships in order. 
  • Community expert log - This is just a log sheet where students can organize and catalog the community experts that they have worked with or would like to work with. 
  • Script - My students often get nervous or intimidated by the idea of reaching out to real people. Having a script handy before making calls or reaching out can be really helpful.

PBL Materials for Staying Organized

Self-directed project-based learning can be challenging for students, especially PBL beginners. Traditional teaching methods don’t often ask students to manage their own learning experiences other than turning in assignments on time. 

I’ve developed systems and routines for students over the years that help keep students on track and organized, and some of those routines require specific materials. 

• Guiding Materials/Templates: I have templates that walk students through the process of designing and managing their own PBLs. These templates are critical for independent and productive work. They have access to a PBL design workbook, checklists, project proposals, task planners, and more.​

Yes! Save me Time!

• ​File Folders or Bins: I keep these guiding templates in a file organizer, and that organizer is kept in a designated spot in my room. For example, when a student has a PBL design idea in mind, they head back to that corner of the room and grab the project proposal template from the file organizer. 

• Bulletin Board: I have a large bulletin board on my wall that includes items such as the weekly schedule, important deadlines, news articles to inspire project ideas, sign-up sheets for project approval meetings, and more. If a student wants to know what’s going on and when they head over to the bulletin board.

PBL Materials to Encourage Innovation

The project-based learning methodology is designed to be innovative. If it wasn’t innovative the experiences would just be regular projects. 

The idea is for students to create final products that are not only interesting but solve a problem or impact the community in some way. It is difficult to do that with a standard copy-and-paste poster board.

I like to have classroom project-based learning materials that inspire creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. 
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• Maker Space: Along an entire wall of my classroom lives a maker space. The maker space includes a variety of materials that promote design thinking and innovation. This might sound expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. I constantly have my eyes out for supplies to add to my maker space. 
  • Recyclables - Any time I get an Amazon delivery, the box ends up in my maker space. I collect wrapping paper, toilet paper rolls, tin foil, plastic bottles, and a variety of other recyclables. 
  • Art supplies
  • Sewing materials
  • Woodworking supplies 
  • Science equipment
  • Robotics gear
  • Etc.
• Video Production Equipment: My students LOVE to create videos for PBL final products, and there are a variety of types of videos they can make such as documentaries, video promotions, vlogs, and video tutorials. Having materials available for these project-based learning final products is helpful.
  • Video cameras or phones
  • Microphones - The Logitech Blue Yeti is what my students use.
  • Production software and apps - I personally love standard iMovie, but my students, being the 21st-century learners that they are, have a portfolio of SO many great video production and editing tools that they like. Right now they love CapCut and InShot, both of which are apps with free options. 

• Community as a Resource: You don’t have to have all of these PBL materials for creating innovative final products. Students can work around what is available to them. You can also encourage learners to utilize the community as a resource, getting resources or materials from those awesome experts. ​

PBL Materials for Feedback

An essential step in student-led project-based learning is getting feedback. Because students are independently working on PBLs, they need regular and consistent feedback to ensure that they are on track and moving the needle.

My students get feedback in a variety of ways and at several points in the PBL process. They get feedback from me, both casually and formally, and participate in a variety of peer feedback sessions. 

There are a few materials that I like to use as props and tools for gathering, giving, and receiving project feedback.

• Stage: This doesn’t have to be a literal stage. I just like to designate a section of the room for student presentations. This presentation area has a small table or podium to set up a computer and final products, a projector, and a screen (I just use my white wall). My students share progress with each other using this “stage”.
• Shareable Tech: My students use Google Apps to share progress and final products with others as well as receive feedback, but there are a variety of computer programs and apps that have a sharing component such as Canva and Flipsnack.
• Seating: I have a large table in the middle of my classroom where students can gather to share project progress and gather feedback and suggestions from each other. I also like to have a couple of smaller tables where students can get feedback from small groups of students rather than the whole class.

​PBL Research Materials

Many would include “sustained inquiry” in the definition of project-based learning.

Students are not handed information or answers as you might with a lecture, for example. Students develop a driving question that frames the entire experience. They inquire using a variety of real-world and authentic resources. 

I like to have materials available to students that push them to observe, ask questions, and identify where they might find credible answers to those questions rather than come straight to me for answers.

The reality is that I don’t know the answers to most of their questions, but I DO know how to find answers, how to locate information, and how to learn.

Students can also build those skills, and project-based learning is a GREAT teacher in that way. 

Here are a few suggestions for PBL materials that help students ask good questions and find diverse sources of information.

• Resource Corner: I have a designated research area in my classroom. This corner includes a bookshelf with current magazines, books, journals, and newspapers. I have started a podcast and documentary log sheet that students can reference for inspiration. 
• Independent Work Stations: Every one of my students has their own desk and computer. My students generally gather information and conduct research right at their own desks.
• Social Media: Okay, I know many of you cringe at the thought of your students having their hands on social media, but hear me out. My students love live tutorials, classes, and webinars. Many of these experts go live on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Clubhouse. Just something to keep in mind.
• Courses: If you’re not interested in the live option, have a list of pre-recorded courses available to students. Coursera, TedTalks, Udemy, and edX are just a few examples. There are also subject-specific course options. For example, I am a life science teacher, and my students have found awesome online classes or seminars specific to their project topics through National Geographic, for example. Having a catalog available to students is a great way to encourage gathering information beyond Wikipedia.

Again, these items are only suggestions, many of which can be tweaked or adapted. Hopefully what was gained from reading this list is some inspiration for your own classroom project-based learning materials. 

What is one classroom project-based learning material, supply, or piece of equipment that you love to have available to your students? Tell us in the comments!

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