The Independent Project

is a student-driven research project outside or within the assigned classroom curriculum.

Students
Define pursuit Ask questions Research topic Create new understandings AND..

Present results
written component

physical project
speech or lesson

to an attentive audience of peers and adults.

Why a road trip with your students?

Because the IP

Relevant & meaningful Develops expertise Autonomy Discernment and curation Immersion Research, reading & writing (CCSS) Knowledge making (CCSS) Confidence building Sharing/presenting (CCSS) Curiosity, creativity & innovation

HOW to Plan the Trip

BEGINNING
Grab a teaching partner
Build excitement & anticipation Classroom culture Students submit three ideas Peer & teacher review

Create timeline
Cohort

Log/journal/blog

Student Project Topics

DURING
Research topic using info texts Evaluate sources

Focus inquiry
Create rubrics with students Check-ins & mini-lessons Open critique/Craftsmanship Revise

Research Skills
(CCSS)
Questioning strategies Awareness of available sources Locating sources Evaluating sources (Sophie B.) Online searching skills Reading non-fiction Note-taking

Standards for the 21st-Century Learner

"Standards for the 21st Century Learner." American Library Association. American Association of School Librarians, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. http://www.ala.org/aasl/standards

Writing Skills
Appropriate to level

Write clear, coherent text Provide evidence Use grammar and mechanics

Revise

Presentation Skills
Share research & outcomes clearly Prepare & plan for presentation

Use media for support

Consider audience

Field a Q & A

Sydney speaking on plastics in our oceans

http://vimeo.com/68024671

Mia's Presentation

Audience Skills
Attentive posture & listening Considerate applause Thoughtful feedback & questions

Worthwhile Reading

Doug Selwyn

Ron Berger

Harvey & Daniels

Chris Lehman

Plan Your Road Trip

The Independent Project gives your kids the keys to their own learning, whether you provide a curricular roadmap or the student drives the inquiry entirely.
Prepare for adventure, grab your to-go mug, and give the kids the keys. Road trip!
.

Give the Kids the Keys

Maureen Milton, Librarian,

Arbor School of Arts & Sciences milton.maureen@gmail.co

Shelly Buchanan, Librarian &

Instructional Coordinator, Rosemont Ridge Middle School shellycbuchanan@gmail.com

https://givethekidsthekeys.wikispaces.com

How did we do?

http://national.aasl.org/session-evaluation

Education is not preparation for life;

education is life itself.
- John Dewey

Dewey, John. (1938.) Experience and Education. New York: Kappa Delta Pi. Kindle Edition.