At Clean Water for US Kids, our Project-Based Learning (PBL) units empower students to investigate one of the most important issues facing our communities: access to clean, safe drinking water.
The purpose of Project-Based Learning (PBL) is to engage students in a deeper understanding of content through real-world, meaningful projects that require critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. PBL encourages students to explore and apply their learning in authentic contexts, helping them develop essential skills that will serve them beyond the classroom.
Developed from research conducted through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids, these interdisciplinary units guide students through hands-on investigations and authentic inquiry. Students explore the science of water filtration, examine how lead can enter drinking water through infrastructure, research water policies, engage with community experts, and analyze real-world data. Through this process, they develop an informed response to a compelling driving question centered on ensuring clean, safe, and lead-free drinking water for all communities.
By connecting rigorous academic standards to meaningful civic issues, our PBL units help students see themselves not just as learners but as problem-solvers and advocates for healthier communities.