In this episode of Empowering Engineering Educators, host Joe Hanson dives deep into the transformative power of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in high school engineering education with special guest Dr. Amy Baeder, an education consultant and Director of the Project-Based Learning Network. Dr. Baeder shares her expertise on how PBL can revolutionize STEM classrooms by bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world engineering challenges.

Discover how PBL fosters student engagement, curiosity, and problem-solving skills by blending core STEM concepts with hands-on projects. Dr. Baeder unpacks the difference between traditional projects and true project-based learning, offering practical strategies for educators to implement meaningful and standards-aligned PBL units. From creating authentic partnerships with local communities to integrating phenomenon-based instruction, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate classroom experiences.

Key topics include:


The benefits of PBL in cultivating critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity in students.

How engineering teachers can use PBL to prepare students for careers in engineering and technical trades.

Real-world examples of successful PBL projects, from makerspaces in NYC to innovative solutions in vocational education.

Overcoming resource constraints and resistance to change in education.

The importance of student voice and choice in driving motivation and ownership in learning.




This episode is brought to you by Siemens, the leading provider of innovative educational resources for engineering classrooms, including project-based curriculums, advanced design software, and professional development tools.

Whether you're a high school teacher, STEM coordinator, or education enthusiast, this episode will inspire you to rethink how engineering is taught and empower the next generation of problem solvers. Tune in to learn how project-based learning can make STEM education more engaging, impactful, and future-ready!



For more information on Siemens and the high school engineering classroom, check out sw.siemens.com/ple

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