Brainstorming a Project Based Learning unit idea is a challenge for most new PBL facilitators. There are many ways to come up with PBL unit ideas that both tie-in standards rigorously and engage students in a topic that is of interest to them. Seasonal PBL unit ideas can be a great source of inspiration. Whether you are planning and need ideas for Summer PBL units or Spring PBL units, the seasons offer many ideas for rigorous and engaging Project Based Learning units. Below are a few ideas for Project Based Learning unit ideas during the winter months. 

1. Food Pantry Shortage

Problem: Many food pantries begin to run out of stocked goods during the late winter and early spring months. 

Example Driving Question: How do we as caring citizens provide for the needs of those less fortunate in our community?

Ideas for Content and Curriculum Tie-ins:

• - Graph can collections by donations or by food items to authentically weave in data analysis
• - Connect volume, area, and/or perimeter by discussing how all of the collected cans will get to the food pantry
• - Tie literacy in by reading books about food and family like Let Me Fix You a Plate by Elizabeth Lilly
• - Use donations to create meals using the MyPlate guideline

 

2. Cold-Related Deaths

Problem: US deaths have been at least 8-12 percent higher in the last 5 years during cold months. 

Example Driving Question: How can we as climate change experts support our community in learning how to navigate temperature extremes in a safe way?

Ideas for Content and Curriculum Tie-ins: 

• - Data analysis of cold related deaths in the US
• - Temperature tracking in different regions
• - Literacy connections with resources about climate change
• - Weave social studies standards in by using documents from the past that depict the world before changes that have lead to climate change
• - Practice presentation skills, like speaking and listening, by informing the community about resources available during the colder months

 

3. Chronic Absenteeism in American Schools

Problem: Chronic Absenteeism has been a problem in American schools for years, even before COVID, with 1 in 6 students missing 15 or more days of school a year. 

Example Driving Question: In this time of increased illness, how can we as healthy students encourage, motivate, and support our classmates to attend school regularly?

Ideas for Content and Curriculum Tie-ins:

• - Relate health by discussing how illness is spread and ways to prevent
• - Practice presentation skills, like speaking and listening, by teaching other classes about ways they can prevent illness
• - Ask the school nurse for resources or articles to read about germs and illnesses
• - Track your own school’s attendance per grade level or class to weave in data analysis and pinpoint ways to help others
• - Bridge the content of germs, illnesses, and diseases currently with those of the past and how they were handled previously

 

4. Snow and Ice Shutting People In

Problem: Not everyone is able bodied enough to clear their own sidewalks and drives. This can lead to injury or seclusion of many community members during the winter months.

Example Driving Question: How can we as helpful community members support those who find it difficult to leave their homes during the winter months?

Ideas for Content and Curriculum Tie-ins:

• - Area and Perimeter tie-in for shoveling sidewalks and driveways
• - Science and Literacy connects about learning how snow is made and weather
• - Pose a STEM challenge related to how to shovel drives or clear ice without much physical labor
• - Connect SEL principles by discussing empathy and making personal connections with neighbors unable to clear their drives

5. The Importance of Observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Problem: Many people do not understand the importance of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. day today OR they do not know how to celebrate this important day of observation.

Example Driving Question: How can we as American citizens teach others about the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. and help our community observe and celebrate this day?

Ideas for Content and Curriculum Tie-ins:

• - Practice presentation skills by presenting to a relevant audience about ways to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• - Connect literacy through one of the many amazing books written about Martin Luther King Jr. 
• - Tie-in social studies by learning about different holidays and the traditions used to observe them

 

There are so many different sources of inspiration for seasonal PBL units. Winter based PBL units are no exception. These are just a few  Project Based Learning unit ideas for the winter months.

 

After reading these ideas, what PBL units are you planning for the winter months? Use my unique guided PBL unit planner to help you take those next steps. You can download a free preview here.