The Impact of Project-based Learning on Learning and Motivation

Project-Based Learning can deepen content understanding, promote real-world application, and foster student interest in math and science. This study examines the effect of a 6-week Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit, “The Dirt on Community Gardens,” on student content knowledge and motivation in science and math. The unit addresses a lack of student knowledge by integrating life science (plant life cycles, nutrition) and math (area, perimeter, budgeting) into a real-world project. Students design and build container gardens, growing nutritionally balanced, edible plants for a live client. The project culminates in a community event to share garden solutions. By collaborating with community experts and managing a budget, students engage in problem-solving and critical thinking, which are key to developing skills necessary to become active, informed citizens. The goal is to demonstrate that real-world scenarios deepen learning.