The Buck Institute for Education, now operating under the name PBLWorks, has historically provided a variety of free educational resources designed to support teachers implementing Project Based Learning (PBL). These resources, often referred to internally as "freeBIEs," include downloadable tools and documents intended to facilitate the planning and execution of PBL in classrooms. While the organization has rebranded to PBLWorks, the availability and nature of these free materials remain a central component of their service to educators. The transition from the Buck Institute for Education (BIE) to PBLWorks was driven by a desire to make the organization's focus on Project Based Learning more immediately apparent to a wider audience, including educators and stakeholders who might not have been familiar with the previous name.
Project Based Learning is defined by the organization as an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. In this model, the project itself is the main vehicle for learning, rather than a supplementary activity added to a traditional curriculum. As noted in educational resources, the project is described as "the main course and not the dessert." This approach requires students to engage with academic content while simultaneously developing 21st-century skills such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. To assist educators in this endeavor, PBLWorks and its predecessor have offered specific tools to guide the design and implementation of projects.
One of the primary free tools available has been the "Essential Elements Checklist" (also referred to as the PBL Essential Elements Checklist). This document serves as a guide for teachers to ensure their projects meet the rigorous standards of high-quality PBL. It outlines the core components necessary for a successful project, helping educators structure their lessons to maximize student engagement and learning outcomes. Alongside the checklist, the organization has provided a "Project Overview Form." This form is a planning tool that helps teachers organize their ideas, define project goals, and map out the necessary steps before introducing the project to students. These resources are typically hosted on the official PBLWorks website (formerly bie.org) and are accessible to educators seeking to adopt or improve their PBL practices.
The availability of these free resources is a key aspect of the organization's mission to bring Project Based Learning to all students. By offering downloadable documents and tools at no cost, PBLWorks lowers the barrier to entry for teachers who are new to the methodology or looking for structured support. The internal moniker "freeBIE" highlights the value placed on these accessible materials. While the specific URLs and landing pages may have evolved following the rebranding to PBLWorks, the underlying principle of providing practical, high-quality tools remains consistent. Educators seeking these materials are generally directed to the resources section of the PBLWorks website, where they can find checklists, forms, and other guides relevant to project design and teaching practices.
The rebranding from Buck Institute for Education to PBLWorks in 2019 was a significant shift intended to clarify the organization's purpose. The name "Buck Institute for Education" was often vague to those outside the specific educational circle, requiring an explanation that the organization focused on Project Based Learning. The new name, PBLWorks, explicitly communicates the organization's function and mission. This change was accompanied by a refreshed visual identity, including new colors, fonts, and website design, as well as updated workshop materials and social media presence. Despite the name change, the commitment to supporting educators through free resources and professional development continues. The "freeBIE" concept, which included downloadable tools and documents, remains a vital part of how the organization supports the PBL community.
For educators, parents, or administrators interested in accessing these free materials, the process typically involves visiting the official PBLWorks website. The site serves as a central hub for information on Project Based Learning, offering both free downloadable resources and information on paid professional development opportunities such as workshops and conferences. The free resources are designed to be practical and immediately applicable, helping teachers transition from theory to practice in their classrooms. By utilizing these tools, educators can better understand the essential elements of PBL, plan effective projects, and ultimately provide students with a more engaging and relevant learning experience.
The emphasis on 21st-century skills within the PBL framework is another critical aspect supported by these resources. The process of inquiry and project execution naturally fosters skills like collaboration and critical thinking, which are essential for student success in the modern world. The free tools provided by PBLWorks are designed to help teachers integrate these skills seamlessly into their curriculum through the project format. Whether it is a checklist to ensure all essential elements are present or a form to outline the project scope, these materials serve as a bridge between educational theory and classroom practice.
In summary, PBLWorks (formerly Buck Institute for Education) offers a suite of free resources, including the PBL Essential Elements Checklist and Project Overview Form, to support educators in implementing Project Based Learning. These "freeBIEs" are accessible via the organization's website and are intended to help teachers design and execute high-quality projects that engage students and develop critical 21st-century skills. The rebranding to PBLWorks has clarified the organization's focus, but the commitment to providing valuable, accessible tools for educators remains a cornerstone of their mission. Educators looking to enhance their PBL practices can find these resources to be an essential starting point for planning and implementation.