PBL That Works: Keeping Projects Real, Rigorous, and Student-Centered with Jenny Pieratt

In this episode of Integrate This!, Jeremy Mikla and David Berner sit down with Dr. Jenny Pieratt, PBL expert, author, curriculum designer, and founder of Crafted Curriculum, to talk about project-based learning that is real, rigorous, and student-centered.

Jenny shares her journey into PBL through High Tech High, explains the difference between doing a project and designing true project-based learning, and offers practical advice for teachers working across grade levels and subject areas. The conversation covers real-world learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, assessment, rubrics, durable skills, student agency, and how educators can start small with “PBL light.”

The episode also explores how AI can support teachers in the PBL design process by helping with brainstorming, rubric creation, project planning, and reflection. Jenny emphasizes that AI can make PBL more manageable, but only when paired with strong instructional design and teacher expertise.

Jeremy and David also challenge Jenny with a fun round of “Project or Not a Project?” featuring classic classroom activities like volcanoes, state reports, school gardens, AI-generated slideshows, lunch waste challenges, choice boards, and playground design.

Resources shared by Jenny:

AI Tools for Lesson Planning with PBL: https://craftedcurriculum.com/ai-tools-for-lesson-planning-with-pbl/

PBL + AI Certification Course: https://www.coursesbycrafted.com/pbl-ai-certification-course

Instructional Leader Course: https://www.coursesbycrafted.com/offers/o2EVgD2T/checkout