Teachers/Sponsors . . .

If you already have a plan or files from a project completed earlier this year, you are ready to go!!

If you are not sure how to begin . . .

• review some ideas aligned to the NETS-S

or

• use the following sequence of steps to design an original project for your students.

Problem / Essential Question:

• The situation or question is posed by the teacher.

Brainstorm:

• Student teams discuss possible solutions or ideas that could lead to solutions.
• List facts based on prior knowledge.

Propose Hypothesis:

• As a team, the students develop the initial hypothesis in response to the essential question
• Team generates “learning issues” – what they need to learn or find out

Develop a Plan of Action & Timeline:

• Each team member selects one or more “learning issue” to research using . . .
  • Online resources
  • Print materials
  • Observations
  • Interviews
  • Surveys

 Analyze Collected Information:

• Each team member reports to the team about the new information he/she has gathered
• The team reviews and assesses the problem in light of the new information
• The hypothesis may be revised
• New learning issues may arise
• If necessary, repeat the previous steps until the problem is resolved.

Communication:

• Each team will create a digital file (based on project requirements) that will allow them to share their findings with others
• Examples:
  • Photographic Essay
  • Graphic Story
  • Brochures/Newsletters
  • Presentations
  • Book Trailers
  • Public Service Announcements
  • Persuasive Piece (intended to affect public opinion)
  • Documentary
  • News Program
  • Music Video
  • Interactive Video Game
  • Other

Tips for students

The best tip is to have a clear goal for your project: What are you trying to say?

Remember the “five w's”: who, what, when, where, why.

If it fits with your project, consider using music to create a mood. But remember that your project must comply with copyright law.

If audio is included, try to eliminate background noise as much as possible.

Keep the visual background simple -- you don't want any distractions.