Problem Based Learning lessons focus on a particular challenge. The lesson often includes a story that prevents a problem. One of our favorite Problem Based Lessons is the Mystery of Dogland. This is a crime scene lesson featuring a local animal shelter that has fallen victim to a dog food thief.
Project Based Lessons focus on a particular solution. The lesson usually includes a device or process that solves a real-world need. Students are challenged to develop their version of the solution and adapt it to a particular situation. A great example of this type of lesson is the Classroom Zoo unit. In this lesson, students design and build animal enclosures to suit their favorite animal.
