From Place to Project: Summer Design Lab

Course Description: This three-day virtual Project Planning Lab is designed for teachers and teams who are already implementing place-based education and are ready to move from big ideas to actionable, classroom-ready project plans for the upcoming school year.

Unlike introductory workshops, this lab provides protected planning time, proven design tools, and targeted coaching to support educators in drafting, refining, and strengthening place-based projects rooted in their local community. Participants will work individually and  collaboratively to design projects that align to standards, center student voice, engage community partners, and result in meaningful public products.

Across three consecutive mornings, participants will engage in interactive design studios, peer collaboration, and structured feedback protocols. Afternoons are reserved for dedicated planning time, with optional one-on-one or team coaching sessions to address specific questions and challenges.

By the end of the lab, participants will leave with:

• A polished draft of at least one place-based project ready to launch
• Clear alignment to standards, skills, and assessment
• Identified community assets, partners, and authentic audiences
• Strategies for embedding student choice and voice
• Concrete launch commitments and next steps for the school year

Who should attend:
This lab is intended for educators with prior experience in place-based education, including teachers in Place Network schools or schools actively working toward implementation. Participants should have completed an introductory place-based course or engaged in a year of workshops or coaching. This experience is not designed for educators brand new to place-based or project-based learning.