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 currently an administrator in the Chappaqua Central School District. Previously, he was an Elementary School Principal, K-12 curriculum supervisor, Elementary Assistant Principal, and fourth grade teacher. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator and a Google Certified Innovator. As a nationally recognized leader in project based learning, he has worked with thousands of educators across the country to implement PBL. In 2021 he coauthored Project Based Learning: Real Questions. Real Answers. How to Unpack PBL and Inquiry, and in 2016 he coauthored Hacking Project Based Learning: 10 Easy Steps to PBL and Inquiry in the Classroom. While his day job is his first professional priority, he finds time to conduct workshops and speak on project based learning, inquiry-based learning, student-centered learning, instructional leadership, his professional experiences, and more. When he is not working, he enjoys eating steak and pizza and provoking his four beautiful nephews and niece. He blogs at RossCoops31.com, and you can connect with him via email, RossCoops31@gmail.com, and on Twitter @RossCoops31.
Erin Murphy is coauthor of Project Based Learning: Real Questions. Real Answers. How to Unpack PBL and Inquiry, and Hacking Project Based Learning: 10 Easy Steps to PBL and Inquiry in the Classroom. She regularly consults with other leaders and learners regarding literacy, learning, and leadership. Erin spent four years as a middle school assistant principal and has classroom experiences ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade. Currently, Erin has the pleasure of serving as the Supervisor of Teaching & Learning for the Humanities subjects in the East Penn School District. Erin, her husband, and her two curious daughters reside in Pennsylvania, and the family enjoys spending time gardening, watching football, and playing board games. Follow Erin on Twitter @MurphysMusings5 and check out her blog at psumurphette.com.
