IB CAS Project Ideas: Inspire Impactful Creativity & Service
Looking for unique and meaningful IB CAS project ideas? Whether you’re a student starting your Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) journey or an educator guiding IB learners through their CAS portfolios, this blog is your go-to resource.
From social impact initiatives to artistic ventures and outdoor expeditions, we break down 50+ project ideas, expert advice, and real-world examples to help you design a CAS project that’s both personally rewarding and academically impressive.
🎯 What Is CAS in the IB Diploma Programme?
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme. Every student must complete a balanced CAS portfolio over 18 months, which includes at least one collaborative CAS Project that lasts a minimum of one month.
The Three Strands:
Creativity: Arts, innovation, or creative thinking
Activity: Physical exertion and health-oriented activities
Service: Volunteering and community service
CAS encourages students to become compassionate, reflective, and well-rounded global citizens.
✅ CAS Project Requirements (2025 IB Guidelines)
According to the IB Organization, your CAS project must:
Be collaborative (involve others)
Address one or more of the CAS strands
Last at least one month
Involve planning, execution, and reflection
Be supervised and documented in your CAS portfolio
🧠 How to Choose the Right CAS Project
Ask yourself:
What do I care about?
What skills do I want to improve?
Who or what do I want to help?
Can I sustain this for 4+ weeks?
Pro Tip: Your project doesn’t need to change the world—it just needs to show effort, planning, and personal growth.
🖌️ Creativity-Based CAS Project Ideas
Start a podcast on a topic you love (education, environment, local history)
Write and publish a children’s book with local illustrators
Create a student film about mental health in schools
Organize an art exhibit featuring student works on social justice
Launch a school newspaper or blog with contributors from different grades
Develop an online coding course for younger students
Produce a documentary about cultural traditions in your community
🏃 Activity-Based CAS Project Ideas
Organize a charity 5K run or walkathon
Host weekly yoga or fitness classes for your school or community
Lead an outdoor education program for younger students
Create a mental health & movement club with exercise challenges
Plan a hike or clean-up day at a national park
Train for and complete a long-distance cycling trip for awareness
Teach self-defense classes in collaboration with local experts
🌍 Service-Based CAS Project Ideas
Build care kits for a local shelter or refugee community
Teach English or digital literacy online to underserved learners
Run a recycling program in your school or neighborhood
Create a social media awareness campaign about climate change
Start a tutoring club for younger or struggling students
Organize a fundraiser for disaster relief or medical causes
Set up a community garden to promote sustainable food systems
💡 Interdisciplinary CAS Project Ideas (Covering 2–3 Strands)
Start a nonprofit initiative (Creativity + Service)
Plan a school-wide sustainability week (Creativity + Activity + Service)
Create a mural project in a public space with volunteers (Creativity + Service)
Host an inter-school sports tournament with a social cause (Activity + Service)
Develop an environmental education curriculum (Creativity + Service)
Write, produce, and perform a play on a global issue (All three strands)
📔 Real CAS Project Examples from IB Students
“We started a podcast featuring stories from local refugees. It helped raise awareness and built connections between students and the wider community.” — Lina, UAE
“I created a digital literacy course for seniors in our town. It was challenging, but seeing their progress made it all worth it.” — Matteo, Italy
“Our class ran a zero-waste lunch program. We reduced plastic waste by 40% in two months!” — Amara, UK
📋 Planning Template: CAS Project Timeline
| Phase | Task | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Brainstorming | Identify topic, needs, goals | Week 1 |
| 2. Proposal | Draft project idea & get approval | Week 2 |
| 3. Planning | Set tasks, deadlines, recruit team | Week 3–4 |
| 4. Execution | Run the project, record outcomes | Week 5–8+ |
| 5. Reflection | Log evidence, self-assess, review with CAS advisor | Ongoing |
🔎 Where to Document Your CAS Project
IB CAS ManageBac platform
Google Docs or Notion
HeLovesMath.com reflection journal templates
Use photos, videos, timelines, and journal entries to reflect on challenges and growth.
FAQs (Based on People Also Ask)
What makes a good IB CAS project?
A good CAS project is collaborative, lasts at least a month, covers one or more CAS strands, and demonstrates planning, action, and reflection.
How long should a CAS project last?
At least one continuous month. Many students work on their projects for longer to deepen their impact.
Can a CAS project cover all three strands?
Yes! Interdisciplinary projects are highly encouraged and offer a richer experience.
What is the difference between CAS experiences and CAS projects?
Experiences are smaller, one-off events. A CAS project is a sustained, collaborative effort with planning and reflection.
Where can I get more CAS project resources?
Check HeLovesMath.com for free templates, reflection guides, and downloadable planners.
Final Word: Your CAS project is a chance to lead, serve, create, and grow. Whether you’re starting small or thinking big, HeLovesMath.com is here to support every step of your CAS journey.
Start brainstorming today and bring your idea to life. 🌱
