Project Based Learning (PBL) transforms classrooms and schools, offering students authentic, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences. At PBL Institute Nevada, educators and school leaders engage in hands-on, immersive PBL workshops that jumpstart or advance their journey in Project Based Learning. With multiple workshop options across two days, participants can customize their experience to match their teaching practice, leadership role, and interests. 
Here’s a guide to help you choose the right path.
Day 1: Step Into the PBL Experience
On the first day of the Institute, participants select one of two immersive workshops:
Project Slice: Experience PBL From a Learner’s Perspective
The Project Slice allows educators and leaders to step into the student experience in a high-quality PBL classroom. Teams tackle engaging, real-world challenges and explore Gold Standard PBL practices in action. Example Project Slices include:
- Art of Persuasion: Create a persuasive visual campaign around an issue you care about. Driving question: “How can we inspire people to create change?”
- Sustainable Future: Build case studies exploring local and global conflicts between individual and collective needs. Driving question: “How do we manage shared resources for a sustainable future?”
- Storytime Channel: Early Childhood-focused Slice where teams produce engaging storytime content. Driving question: “How can we make stories come alive?”
- Making Space for Change: Design new public spaces to meet social goals such as civic engagement or health. Driving question: “How can we redesign a public space to promote a social benefit?”
“I absolutely love that the training includes experiencing the information from a student perspective! It allows me to anticipate barriers from a student perspective.” —High School Teacher
- SEL in PBL: Amplify Learning Through Social-Emotional Development
This workshop explores how Transformative Social Emotional Learning (SEL) can elevate PBL by fostering student identity, agency, belonging, curiosity, and collaboration. Participants reflect on integrating SEL into projects to promote equity and deepen student engagement.
Day 2: Choose a Workshop That Fits Your Role
Day 2 workshops allow participants to focus on practical strategies for implementation, whether in their own classroom or supporting PBL schoolwide.
PBL QuickStart: Foundations for Classroom Implementation
Perfect for teachers new to PBL, this workshop introduces the structure, Core Routines, and Project Blueprint approach. Educators leave ready to launch their first Gold Standard project and gain confidence in building a classroom culture that supports deeper learning.
PBL TEACH Essentials: Accelerating PBL With Ready-to-Use Project Units
Designed for math, science, social studies, or ELA teachers, this workshop guides participants through a fully designed PBLWorks unit.
Participants will:
- Unpack their chosen subject-specific project unit
- Experience Project Based Teaching Practices
- Create a personalized project implementation plan
- Gain access to the TEACH app for a full year, ensuring workshop attendees have the resources, guidance, and embedded professional learning to bring their chosen project to life
TEACH Essentials is available for Elementary (K–5) and Secondary (6–12) educators
“The project units are relevant and relatable. They also allow me to easily differentiate and support all my learners.” —Elementary Science Teacher
PBL QuickStart for Leaders: Supporting PBL Schoolwide
School and district leaders will gain a clear understanding of how to foster PBL adoption across a school. Leaders learn the structure of Gold Standard projects, the conditions needed for successful implementation, and the key mindsets and strategies to support their teachers. This session is ideal for leaders with staff engaged in the PBL TEACH Essentials or PBL QuickStart workshops.
Choosing the Right Workshop for You
- Classroom Teachers: Choose any Project Slice or SEL for PBL on Day 1. On Day 2, consider PBL QuickStart or PBL TEACH Essentials to gain hands-on strategies and practical tools for immediate implementation.
- Early Childhood Educators: The Storytime Channel Project Slice provides age-appropriate, playful PBL experiences. Pair with PBL QuickStart or PBL TEACH Essentials on Day 2.
- School Leaders: Choose any Project Slice or SEL for PBL on Day 1. On Day 2, PBL QuickStart for Leaders equips you to support staff, plan for scaling PBL, and foster a culture of student-centered learning.
No matter your role, PBL Institute Nevada provides actionable strategies, expert guidance, and a professional learning community to help you transform teaching and learning in your classroom or school.
"All content and grade level teachers can benefit from this training." —Middle school teacher
Next Steps
Secure your spot for PBL Institute Nevada, Feb 19–20 in Las Vegas. Explore workshops, plan your two-day experience, and prepare to bring Gold Standard PBL back to your students. Button or Bold Link: Learn more & register (www.pblworks.org/pbl-institutes)
