Hacking Project Based Learning: 10 Easy Steps to PBL and Inquiry in the Classroom

Inquiry-Based Teaching Just Got Easier!

Unlock the power of project based learning and bring your classroom to life with real-world, student-centered learning that inspires curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you’re brand-new to PBL or looking to refine your approach, Hacking Project Based Learning gives you a clear, practical roadmap to make it happen—without the overwhelm.

In this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll learn how to design PBL units, create a culture of inquiry, and foster 21st century skills in education like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Discover how to shift ownership of learning to students, integrate standards into project based learning, and use formative assessment and feedback tools that actually empower learners.

From writing essential questions to publishing student work that matters, this book is packed with high-impact learning strategies, examples, and ready-to-use tips you can try tomorrow. You’ll explore how to:

• Build a risk-taking classroom environment
• Balance PBL with direct instruction and mini-lessons
• Support student teamwork in PBL and develop real-world skills
• Use student-led assessment tools and reflection practices
• Create authentic learning experiences that stick

Whether you teach elementary or secondary students, this is your go-to guide for creating engagement through projects and self-directed learning that lasts a lifetime. If you’re ready to transform your teaching and bring inquiry based learning to life, this book will show you how—step by step.

Experts rave about Hacking Project Based Learning

"HACKING PROJECT BASED LEARNING is a classroom essential. Its ten simple hacks will guide you through the process of setting up a learning environment in which students will thrive from start to finish."

- Daniel H. Pink, New York Times Bestselling author of DRIVE

"Ross Cooper and Erin Murphy have researched PBL from every angle and offer practical steps to make the PBL experience highly beneficial to students because they are practitioners who use it. This book is a very important 'How-to' for every teacher and leader who is interested in PBL."

- Peter DeWitt, author/consultant, "Finding Common Ground" blog (Education Week)

"The challenge for educators with project and inquiry based learning is finding the time and having the knowledge to implement effectively. Cooper and Murphy provide a much-needed resource that addresses both of these pain points in a concise, clear manner."

- Eric Sheninger, Senior Fellow, International Center for Leadership in Education

Are you ready for an amazing productive struggle in your classroom?

Start Hacking Project Based Learning today.

Ross Cooper is the Supervisor of Instructional Practice K-12 in the Salisbury Township School District in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Previously, he was an elementary assistant principal for a year, and before that a fourth-grade teacher in the East Penn School District for six years. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator and a Google Certified Innovator. His passions are inquiry-based learning and quality professional development. He blogs about these topics at rosscoops31.com. He regularly speaks, presents, and conducts workshops related to his writings and professional experiences. When he is not working, he enjoys eating steak and pizza, exercising, reading books, playing on his computer, and provoking his three beautiful nephews. Please feel free to connect with him via email, RossCoops31@gmail.com, and Twitter, @RossCoops31.

Erin Murphy is the assistant principal of Eyer Middle School in the East Penn School District. As a certified literacy specialist, she coordinates the middle-level ELA department. Erin’s classroom experiences range from kindergarten through fifth grade. In college, Erin was a member of the Professional Development School at Penn State University; this full year collaboration between the university and State College Area School District focused on inquiry based learning, conceptual math instruction, and project based learning experiences. She has presented at numerous conferences on the east coast focused on Project Based Learning, Literacy, Technology, and Educational Leadership. Erin married her college sweetheart and has two beautiful daughters. Follow Erin on Twitter @MurphysMusings5 and check out her blog at psumurphette.com