What do you need for a project day?
Paper, markers and equipment you already have at school are often enough for a project day. But draw up your supplies list only after deciding what pupils will do: investigate a problem, design a solution, build a model or create a digital prototype. Below, you can select what you need and prepare your own checklist.
Start by clarifying the outcome
What should you have created by the end of the day, and what should students learn in the process? You can start designing a school website on paper. For a board game, use cardboard and cards. A digital prototype also needs working devices, an internet connection and tools you have tested beforehand.
Count the groups and note what one group will need for each activity. For 24 students in teams of four, you will need six sets. Adjust quantities to the students' ages, the length of the programme and whether groups rotate between stations.
Put together your equipment list
Choose the types of activities and add the items you will use. Then mark each one as ‘Ready’. You can find the remaining items in the school storeroom, borrow them or buy them as needed. You do not have to complete the entire list.
My project day checklist
Choose supplies for your activities. Mark the selected items you already have ready.
Your checklist will stay filled in until you refresh this page. Copy or print it for later use.
Number of groups: 6
My checklist
Selected 0 items · Ready 0 · Remaining 0
You have not selected any supplies yet. Start with the items pupils will actually need for their work.
My project day checklist
Pupils: 24 · Groups: 6 · Selected 0 items · Ready 0 · Remaining 0
- ☐ Assignment and schedule — 6 copies
- ☐ Group role assignments — 6 sets
- ☐ Questions for the final reflection — 1 set for the teacher
- ☐ A4 paper for drafts — 30 sheets
- ☐ A3 paper for a joint design — 12 sheets
- ☐ Felt-tip pens or coloured pencils — 6 sets
- ☐ Sticky notes — 6 small pads
- ☐ Cardboard for a model or game — 12 sheets
- ☐ Age-appropriate scissors — 6 pcs
- ☐ Glue sticks — 6 pcs
- ☐ Paper adhesive tape — 6 rolls
- ☐ Blank cards — 120 pcs
- ☐ Printed activity materials — 6 sets
- ☐ Toner or ink check — Depending on the school printer model
- ☐ Space to display results — 1 space
- ☐ Laptop or tablet — 6 devices
- ☐ Chargers and available sockets — For all devices in use
- ☐ Working connection and login — 1 check in advance
- ☐ Shared screen or projector — 1 device, if needed
- ☐ Paper version of the assignment — 6 sets
- ☐ Sturdy writing boards — 6 pcs
- ☐ Route, activity stations and supervision — 1 plan for the teacher
- ☐ Clothing and a backup indoor space — Depending on the weather
- ☐ Cleaning supplies and waste sorting — Depending on the activity
What to check the day before
Divide materials between the groups and prepare clear instructions and a space for the final presentations. For a digital project, test logins, school Wi-Fi, charging and how students will share their work. Have a paper-based alternative ready in case of an outage.
For craft activities, check that tools and materials are appropriate for the students' ages and the school's rules. For outdoor work, check the weather, route and supervision arrangements. Your plan should also allow time for tidying up and a short reflection: what we created, what we discovered and what we would change next time.
Would you like support with planning your project day?
Related articles
For a general approach, see Project-based learning with AI: cross-curricular examples for primary and secondary schools. Find inspiration for choosing a topic in 10 real school problems that could become a project day, and a practical walkthrough in How students can create their own game with AI.
AI Pedagog
Redakce
We write about AI in education for teachers and schools.