The purpose of this research study was to determine if project-based learning activities (PBLA) incorporated into an eighth-grade mathematics classroom have an effect on students' academic achievement and motivation toward learning. The control group used the traditional instruction method to cover mathematic objective skills that are Common Core Readiness Standards (CCRS), Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), and Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) aligned. The treatment group covered the same skills using the project-based learning activities teaching method. A pretest and posttest were given, and the data compared and analyzed to determine if a significant difference existed in the mathematics achievement scores of the groups using the two instructional teaching methods. A pre and post questionnaire on mathematics motivation was given, and the data were compared and analyzed to see if there was a significant difference between students' perceptions and motivation toward learning mathematics before and after the treatment period. There were a total of 124 student participants in this study divided into two groups of 62 students. The students attended a rural middle school, consisting of a range of ages, abilities, and races. Pretest and posttest scores on the mathematics skills test, weekly standards-based lesson plans, and pre and post Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) mathematics motivation scores were collected. Statistical analyses found no overall statistically significant difference in mathematics achievement between groups. When looking at achievement results, it was found that the PBLA group had a higher mean than the traditional group, but not enough to make it statistically significant. When the data were compared to look at the difference in mathematics motivation between the control and treatment groups, it was found that there was an increase in the motivation level of the treatment group. This increase, however, was not enough to be statistically significant. Therefore, there was also no statistically significant difference in mathematics motivation between the treatment and control groups. Data were analyzed and discussed, with future plans for further study on this topic. Eleven appendices are included. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]