Definitions

Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL), a core practice of High Tech High, is a method of instruction where students participate in projects inspired by real-world topics.

Projects

Projects are the core of Changing the Subject. Within this website, there are 51 exemplar projects that were performed within the first 20 years of HTH’s operation.

You can view all projects on the Projects page.

Project Resources

For each project featured on this website, there are associated resources that were generated by the teachers and students of those projects. These include progress photos, final exhibition pieces, rubrics, discussion sheets, and more. To see an associated project’s resources, go to the project page and scroll to the bottom.

Audio

This is one of the media types that are available to search through on the website. Audio refers to any kind of audible sound file. They are usually, but not limited to, sound effects, interviews, podcasts, or music. Possible extensions of these files include: .mp3, .wav

Document

This media type refers to any kind of curated document. Document files usually are, but not limited to, rubrics, readings, student work, or forms. Possible file extensions of downloaded Document files include: .pdf

Image

Another media type available on the site that refers to any kind of imagery. Image files usually are, but not limited to, screenshots, photography, flyers, etc. Possible file extensions of downloaded Images files include: .png, .jpeg, .jpg

Video

The final media type available via search on the site.. Videos refers to any kind of videography. Video files usually are, but not limited to, animation, tutorials documentaries, instructional videos, student films, etc. Possible file extensions of downloaded Video files include: .mp4, .mov

School Subjects

HTH projects are integrated across multiple subjects. However, for the purposes of searching, these projects have been tagged with subjects as they are often delineated in more traditional schools as well as in state and federal standards.

Arts

Projects tagged as Arts include creative expression and may involve students creating visual or performance art.

English*

Projects tagged as English may include literacy, all genres of reading and writing, and the analysis of literature, poetry, and other texts.

Math

Projects tagged as Math may include counting, arithmetic, patterns, data collection and analysis, logic, statistics, algebra, geometry, calculus.

Science

Projects tagged as Science include earth science, biology, physics, environmental science, astronomy, engineering, computer science.

Social Studies*

Projects tagged as Social Studies may include history, political science, geography, anthropology, sociology, psychology, civics, and economics.
*At HTH middle and high schools, English and Social Studies are taught jointly in Humanities classes.

Resource Icons

These projects were rated in order to assess how easy they would be to replicate in a number of different teaching environments. Projects were analyzed to see if any of their core aspects met various conditions. If they did, they were assigned the symbols below.

Icons

Icons indicate resources that were used to implement each project, such as electricity, materials, or internet connectivity.

The project needed some form of electricity to be completed.

In addition to Electricity, this project required the use of an internet connection.

This project can be done with no more than 5 materials

This project was originally tailored towards Elementary School Students (k-5)

This project was originally tailored towards Middle School Students (6-8)

This project was originally tailored towards High School Students (9-12)

One teacher facilitated this project.

Multiple teachers oversaw this project