Project-Based Learning: A Case Study Incorporating Project-Based Learning Into A Third Grade Classroom

This exploratory case study focuses on using Project Based Learning (PBL) in a third-grade classroom. The research questions created for this study included: What is the impact of a science project-based learning unit on: student motivation, academic performance (reading, writing, and science) and student perceptions about STEM careers? Data collection consisted of focus group interviews (student), documents (test scores, writing samples, student observation sheets), and observational field notes. A teacher created student motivation inventory was created by the teacher/researcher. Results from this study indicated PBL had a positive impact on student motivation and demonstrated that PBL had a positive impact on student motivation. Results were mixed in terms of PBL’s impact on student academic performance. Future recommendations for research includes: conducting a PBL unit in the third-grade (without modifications to the unit) and expand implementation to fourth grade, conduct a study to implement a series of PBL units, modified to the state standards.