AVID Future Lab: Design for Change through PBL + Design Thinking

This project-based learning (PBL) unit invites students to explore one of the most influential forces in their lives—social media. Through the lens of mental health, identity, and digital citizenship, students investigate the complex relationship between social media and how we see ourselves and others. Grounded in design thinking, students move through empathy, research, ideation, prototyping, and testing to create real-world solutions that raise awareness, inspire change, or support healthy digital habits. Along the way, they practice essential skills for the future like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity—preparing them for success beyond the classroom.

The unit includes 10 flexible lessons that follow the 5E instructional model and align with AVID instructional strategies, Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards. Each lesson supports student agency, voice, and collaboration through inquiry, reflection, and hands-on creation.

In addition to the lessons, educators will find a Teacher Resource Guide with implementation tips, pacing guidance, and stand-alone resources to share with students; teacher presentation decks with ready-to-use lesson slides; and student portfolios to help learners document their thinking and project progress.

Dive into the teacher and student resources to begin planning your implementation. Whether you’re teaching in a core content classroom or AVID Elective, this PBL unit offers meaningful, standards-aligned opportunities for students to connect their learning to the real world.