USD 475 WINFest '26

When we design projects that ask students to solve real problems, we pull them into a creative learning cycle that strengthens communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students engaged in project-based learning consistently show higher academic achievement and greater readiness for future careers. Even as AI becomes more prevalent in education, these skills remain irreplaceable for real-world application and meaningful work. And just as important, project-based learning is fun. It energizes instruction, deepens student engagement, and makes assessment more meaningful as teachers watch learning unfold through a finished project. In this presentation, participants will:
Explore the definition of project-based learning and understand its history.
Discuss examples from a 5th-grade classroom.
Evaluate their curriculum for upcoming opportunities to implement project-based learning.
Design next steps to take to put a project-based learning idea into action.