Welcome to the Personal Project

2015-2016

Welcome Back!SWBAT show understanding of the Personal Project expectations by identifying the first three steps to getting started.

In this session we will:• Explain the Personal Project and why it is

awesome!• Discuss important dates and expectations• Plan our first steps of action

So what is the Personal Project?

• It is a year-long independent project all sophomores engage in.

• The topic is self-selected and should be based on your personal interests (aka-whatever you are passionate about or desire to understand better!)

• It consists of three parts: the process journal, final report, and outcome/product…..which we will discuss more!

Process JournalThe process journal is used throughout the project to document the development. It is…

• -an evolving record of interests, accomplishments, processes

• -a place to record initial thoughts, developments, and sources

While the format for your process journal is optional, you will need to have some parts that can be uploaded digitally.

Final Report• The final report is a written reflection between

1,500-3,500 words. It will have four section primary sections labeled—investigation, planning, taking action, and reflecting.

• The report is meant to explain the process of the personal project and how it influenced individual learning and growth.

• You will submit a rough draft and final draft to your supervisor.

Product/Outcome• The product/outcome is the response to the goal

you will set at the beginning of your project.

• This could be an original work of art, a business plan, a campaign, and much much more!

• Your product/outcome will be presented at a showcase event in the cafeteria!

School Support and Supervision

• Every Friday in ELO will be dedicated to supporting you with the Personal Project.

• Additionally, all students will need to request a staff member to be a supervisor. This can be anyone including teachers, administrators, nurse, social workers, psychologists, engineers, secretaries, basically anyone who works in the school!

• Students will check in with their supervisor throughout the year to ensure that progress is being made.

Evidence Checks• Evidence checks require students to demonstrate that they have

successfully completed important tasks related to the project

• Supervisors sign off on evidence check forms and students submit the forms to their ELO teachers at the dates listed below.

• More information about the evidence checks will be provided as we get closes to the dates.

The following are the evidence check dates:

Evidence 1) September 11th

Evidence 2) October 30th Evidence 3) December 11th Evidence 4) January 29th Evidence 5) February 26th

Other Important Dates• Final Report & Pages from Process Journal:

March 11th

• Personal Project Showcase: March 17th, 2:00pm-6:00pm

Word from your Peers• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B23NRZS0QSo

&sns=em

ActivityTake 5 minutes to complete the half sheet.

• You should identify 3 staff members you would like to work with.

• You should also select 3 potential topics for your personal project.

Reflect with a peer…1) What staff member are you interested in working

with? Why?2) What made you choose those topics? How could you

turn those potential topics into personal projects?

Action StepsTask 1: By next Friday, each sophomore should have a supervisor. You will need to reach out to a staff member and ask if they would be willing to supervise you. Be respectful and be ready to share potential topics for your project. Let them know why you think they are awesome and would love to have their support!!!!

Task 2: If they agree to be your supervisor you need to have them sign the Supervisor Approval Form and bring that back to the next ELO (8/21).

Task 3: Begin exploring! Use peers, teachers, family, the Internet, to start thinking about you project topics and goals. What would you like to know more about? This is your opportunity to be creative and explore something that interests you.

Next Week (8/21/15)• You must bring back the supervisor approval

form.

• The next lesson will focus on how to use Managebac (computer software program that we will store personal project information).