Data structure is the specialized core course for students majoring in computer science and technology, which has considerable difficulty not only in learning but also in teaching. Project-based learning (PBL) model is an important means for learning, it had been introduced to the curriculum in the past few years. We conducted project-based learning research and practice making full use of network platform, our course group has conducted in-depth research on the project-based learning theory and put it into teaching practice in data structure. The research shows, it acquires an obviously good effect in teaching practice. This paper describes the project-based learning theory, and presents the authors' actual achievement in research and practice of the PBL teaching model for data structure.