How to Use Challenges to Support Project-Based Learning

Research shows that project-based learning – a type of teaching that focuses on real-world problem solving – promotes student learning across multiple disciplines. Connecting students to global issues in local ways empowers independent solution seekers.

There are many ways to integrate project-based learning activities into existing curriculum, but one of my favorite ways is through challenges. Challenges allow students to think beyond their textbooks and apply what they learn in my class into something that can make a positive impact on the world.

I help my students become thoughtful decision-makers that feel accountable for making the world a better place by integrating challenges into course work. A good place to start is the CITGO Fueling Education Challenge. Created in partnership between CITGO and Discovery Education, the Fueling Education Challenge helps pave the way for the next generation of problem solvers by asking them to come up with local solutions to global problems.

Designed for students in grades 5-8 to work alone or in teams of 2-4, the Challenge looks to identify a community problem related to one of the four following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: safety and well-being, quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and life on land.

Not only do students get to explore these important topics in a local context, they also get the chance to win an array of prizes, including grand, second, and third place. Schools with five or more entries will be put into a random drawing for a chance to win a scholarship. One school will be eligible to win.

Make the learning last even longer with four digital lesson bundles specifically designed to support students entering the Challenge. Engaging for students and matched with educator supports, these lesson bundles provide everything teachers need to connect the real-world to the classroom in a hands-on way.

Keep the learning going with the full suite of no-cost content from the CITGO Fueling Education partnership, chocked full of educator resources, student activities, and dynamic video content. The resources and Challenge keep communities connected by supporting learning wherever it takes place. Discovery Education Experience users can explore additional resources from the CITGO Fueling Education Program on the Corporate Education Partnerships channel or the Fueling Education channel.