8th grade project 2012-2013.docx.docx - eaglecore.weebly.com€¦ · Web viewThe 8th Grade Project is a year-long, individualized assignment, an opportunity for you to pursue an

Century Middle School

2013 - 2014

8th Grade Project

Introduction to the 8th Grade ProjectObjective: To demonstrate your personal approach to learning through the completion of the 8th Grade Project.

The 8th Grade Project is a year-long, individualized assignment, an opportunity for you to pursue an intensely personal interest. You will work on your project for a large part of the school year – on your own time – and will invest a tremendous amount of time toward its completion, but in the end you may have something with a value that is both immeasurable and timeless.

What: The first thing you will prepare is a Personal Passion Investigation which will identify your chosen passion and goal for the project. Your chosen goal will need to be approved by one of your core teachers. Next, you will expand your original idea into a goal report. The goal report will explain what your final product will be and how you will accomplish your goal. During the first semester, you will focus primarily on achieving your goal. The final project will be completed midway through April. You will write your final essay regarding your learning process and the final product you have completed. An oral report will be delivered to your classmates about your project and the process of its completion. Make sure your trifold and PowerPoint are completed for this presentation.

Ideas: As far as the topic for your project, you may choose to do just about anything (the idea will need to be approved by one of your core teachers). Think of something that you want to know more about; in the end, you will become an expert on that topic.

Regarding the final product, you may produce almost anything that you wish. Please remember that this is not an ordinary project; it should be something in which you are very interested and will enjoy preparing. A very small list of possibilities/ideas could include:

● An original work of art (visual, performance, dramatic, etc)● A piece of literary fiction (creative writing)● An original science experiment● An invention or specially designed object or system● A museum display● A re-creation of something historical● The presentation of a developed business, management, or organizational plan

MYP Criteria: Your project will need to connect, in depth, to one or more MYP Criteria

MYP Design Cycle

Personal Passion InvestigationFirst Step of the 8th Grade Project

Student Name_____________________________________________________

A passion is something you feel very fascinated with and really desire to learn more about. It may be something you’ve never tried before, but have always dreamed about doing. It may be something you are already exceptional at, but want to explore more deeply.

1. Please use the space below to reflect on your passion. (Type your response in blue)

1. In order to test whether or not this passion is the right choice for your project, you will need to go out into the community and talk to experts or view culturally relevant resources. Please list three places or experts you will investigate over the next week. Be ready to prove this investigation and your findings on Wednesday, September 11th. (Type your response in blue)

8th Grade Project Goal Planner1. Carefully fill in the following form and be prepared to discuss it with your

core supervisor. It will be signed by that teacher and handed in for a grade. (Type your response in blue)

Your Name

What is the goal of your 8th Grade Project?

What do you want to do/prove/investigate?

With what MYP Criteria will your project connect?

Name of the mentor who will help and support your efforts

What form of final product do you envision?

How will you evaluate your final project to determine its success?

Questions

Approved as is▢ Approved after modification▢ Not approved ▢

8th Grade Project Goal ReportWhat follows is essentially a contract between you and your supervising teacher. You will explain, in detail, the proposal from which you will work, the materials you will need, the procedure you will follow, and the outcome you expect to reach.

All of the following information will need to be typed. You will write your final draft in the form of an essay to your supervising teacher.

IntroductionThe first paragraph of the goal report is the Introduction. The proposal for your topic is simply a statement that explains what it is you will achieve. The following information is expected in your proposal statement:

● Background – Explain the process by which you chose to pursue that topic. Describe why you are interested in the topic you selected. Then, explain why you chose the final product that you did.

● Proposal – With a direct statement, explain your goal for the final product.

Select SourcesIn the second paragraph, identify the multiple sources you will use to achieve your goal. These sources can include people, websites, books, movies, videos, and anything else you will use to achieve your goal. Explain how you will evaluate the effectiveness of your sources.

MaterialsIn a third paragraph explain all of the materials that you feel you will need to complete the project. Include the type of materials that you will need to find for research. Also include the actual physical tools and supplies you will need to use before the project is completed.

PlanIn a fourth paragraph, explain the steps that will be necessary for you to follow before your final product is ready. Before taking this step, you should have brainstormed all of the possible requirements for finishing.

Expected OutcomeIn a final paragraph, state what you expect to learn by doing this project. Specifically, you should address the MYP Criteria that you have linked to the completion of this project.

Works CitedIt is important for you to keep track of your sources. Include a works cited list in MLA format of the sources you have used. As you complete your project, this list will grow.

Goal Report & Project Report RubricLanguage A

0 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10Criterion A:

UnderstandingThe student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.

The student demonstrates very limited understanding of the text and topic, and little or no awareness of the author’s choices.

The student demonstrates limited understanding of the text and topic, and sometimes shows awareness of the author’s choices.

The student demonstrates sufficient understanding of the text and topic, and an awareness of the author’s choices.

The student demonstrates good understanding of the text and topic, and the author’s choices.

The student demonstrates a perceptive

understanding of the text and topic, and the

author’s choices.

Criterion B:Ideas

The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.

The student rarely employs organizational

structures and/or

language-specific

conventions, or uses those that

do not serve the context and

intention.

The student sometimes

employs organizational

structures and/or

language- specific

conventions that serve the context and

intention.

The student usually employs organizational structures and language-specific conventions that serve the context and intention.

The student consistently employs organizational structures and language-specific conventions that serve the context and intention.

The student consistently

employs sophisticated organizational structures and

language-specific

conventions that serve the context and

intention.Criterion C:Grammar &

Syntax


The student has very

frequent errors in grammar and syntax,

which persistently

hinder communication

.

The student has frequent

errors in grammar and syntax, which


.

The student uses grammar

and syntax generally

accurately; occasional

errors sometimes


.


and syntax accurately; occasional

errors rarely hinder

communication.


and syntax accurately;

very infrequent errors do not


.

Criterion C:Punctuation&

Spelling/Writing


The student has very frequent errors in punctuation and spelling/writing, which persistently hinder communication.

The student has frequent

errors in punctuation

and spelling/writing, which hinder communication

.

The student uses

punctuation and

spelling/writing generally

accurately; occasional

errors sometimes


.

The student uses

punctuation and

spelling/writing accurately; occasional

errors rarely hinder

communication.

The student uses

punctuation and

spelling/writing accurately;

very infrequent errors do not


.

Mentor AgreementIn order to effectively complete the project and to gain the most from this process, it is expected that you will find a mentor to assist you in preparing your final product. The role of the mentor is to provide advice, offer support, and to act as a guide as you work your way towards completion. Ideally, your mentor will be someone from the community that you regard as an expert in the field of your chosen topic.

You will need to meet with your mentor at least once a month during the course of the project. He/she will monitor your progress and help you to find solutions to problems that you encounter. In this notebook, a form is provided for you to document your meetings with your mentor.

At the bottom of this page you will find a contract and a permission form. First, you must find a mentor and explain to him/her what your expectations are. He/she then needs to sign the agreement. Then, your parent/guardian must also sign the agreement, indicating that this is a satisfactory arrangement. Finally, you will indicate your own agreement by signing as well. The completed form will be given to your supervising teacher.

Mentor AgreementI agree to act in the role of mentor to ________________________________________. In this role I agree to supervise, advise, guide, and support his/her efforts to complete the 8th Grade Project.

Mentor Name __________________________________________

Email address_________________________________ phone ___________________

Mentor Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ___________

Parent/Guardian AgreementI give my permission for my son/daughter to work with the above-named mentor.

Parent/Guardian Name ___________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________

Student AgreementI agree to work with the above-named mentor to complete my 8th Grade Project. I agree, also, to keep him/her informed of my progress and to use him/her as a resource whenever necessary.

Student Name __________________________________________

Student Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ___________

Monthly Process Reflection(due the last school day of each month EXCEPT in April)

In the digital format of your choice, you must summarize and reflect on the work you completed for the past month. (Some examples could include: PowerPoint, Prezi, iMovie, Photo Story)

You must have the following elements in your digital reflection:o Summary of how you collaborated with your mentor in the past month (5

sentences minimum)o Summary of what you learned in the past month (5 sentences minimum)o A minimum of 1 photograph of your progress with a caption o A paragraph of your goals for next month and what you will do to achieve them

(5 sentences minimum)

Beginning Developing Proficient Advanced

The student communicates

information that may not always be relevant.

The student attempts to structure the work, but it may be unclear and/or inappropriate to the

format required.

Presentation and expression are unclear

and imprecise.

There is no visual evidence of progress.

There may be some evidence of

documentation in a works cited list as part of the digital presentation.


information that is mostly relevant.

The student attempts to structure and sequence

the work but is not always successful.

Presentation and expression are

occasionally unclear.

There is minimal visual evidence of progress.

Sources of information are documented, though there may be omissions or consistent errors in adhering to MLA format.


information that is relevant.

The student uses a structure appropriate to the task and sequences

that content logically.

Presentation and expression are clear;

attention is paid to the audience and purpose in

terms of appropriate language, style and

visual representation.

There is sufficient visual evidence of progress.

Sources of information are documented, with occasional errors in

adhering to MLA format.


information that is always relevant and goes

beyond the expectations of the

assignment.

The student organizes information into a well-developed and logical

sequence, appropriate to the format required.

Presentation and expression are clear,

concise and effective, and the language, style

and visual representation used are always

appropriate to the audience and purpose.

The visual evidence is clear, and goes above

and beyond expectations.

All sources of information are documented using

MLA format.

8th Grade Project ReportBetween the time that your final product is completed and the time that you present your project at the 8th Grade Open House on May 7, 2014, you will prepare a project report.

The final draft of your report should be two to three pages in length, typed with a 12 point font and double spaced.

It must include: title page, body of the report, works cited list.

The title page must include the following:● Student name● Title of the project● Length (word count)● School name● Year

The body of the report is structured around the objectives and assessment criteria and it must include these sections:

● The goal● Selection of sources● Application of information● Achieving the goal● Reflection on learning

Length of the reportThe length of the 8th grade project report must be a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 1000 words, not including works cited list.

Name _______________________________

Oral PresentationsCriterion G

You will give two oral presentations throughout the year on your project; the first will take place BEFORE Winter Break (December 16, 2014), where you will give an update of your progress, along with pictures and your digital reflections. You will need to give a description of your project, show proof of your progress up to this point, and your goals for second semester.

Your final oral presentation in MAY is your opportunity to present your finished 8th Grade Project to your classmates through a digital presentation.

Some examples of your presentation medium are: PowerPoint, Prezi, Photo Story, iMovie, etc.

There should be no more than 2 sentences per slide, and your final presentation should last between 3-7 minutes. Be creative and keep your audience interested! Do not read your Project Report for your presentation.

Consult your core teachers about bringing your final project to show your classmates at the time of your final oral presentation.

Name _______________________________

Oral PresentationYour oral presentation is your opportunity to present your finished 8th Grade Project to your classmates. Use your personal reflection and the provided rubric to guide you in completing a digital presentation (i.e., PowerPoint, Prezi, Photo story).

Remember to bring your final product with you for the presentation and that your digital presentation for your classmates should focus on the process of your creation.



information that may not always be

relevant.

The student attempts to structure the work,

but it may be unclear and/or

inappropriate to the format required.

Presentation and expression are unclear and imprecise.

There may be some evidence of

documentation in a works cited list as part of the digital

presentation.


information that is mostly relevant.

The student attempts to structure and

sequence the work but is not always

successful.

Presentation and expression are occasionally

unclear.

Sources of information are

documented, though there may be omissions or

consistent errors in adhering to MLA

format.


information that is relevant.

The student uses a structure

appropriate to the task and sequences

that content logically.

Presentation and expression are clear; attention is paid to the audience and

purpose in terms of appropriate

language, style and visual representation.

Sources of information are

documented, with occasional errors in

adhering to MLA format.


information that is always relevant and

goes beyond the expectations of the

assignment.

The student organizes

information into a well-developed and

logical sequence, appropriate to the format required.

Presentation and expression are clear,

concise and effective, and the

language, style and visual representation

used are always appropriate to the

audience and purpose.

All sources of information are

documented using MLA format.

Open House DisplayThe final task is the presentation of your product at the 8th Grade Open House. Teachers, students, parents and community members will be present – this is your chance to “show off” all of the hard work that you have done on your project.

Your display will consist of the final 8th Grade Project and a tri-fold. The tri-fold should be well-organized and must include the following:

● Project Goal Planner● Goal Report● Project Report● Photographs (at least one from each month) and other examples of the project

process

Finally, please remember to invite your mentor to the Open House!

Congratulations on your remarkable efforts and successes in your completion of this project!

Name _______________________________

Open House Display: Tri-fold Rubric


Project Goal Planner

Not included Included

Goal Report Not included Included

Project Report Not included Included

Quality of Photographs

No photographs or photos do not

show the process

Some of the process is shown, but

there are gaps

Most of the process is

clearly shown through

photographs

Entire process is clearly

documented in the

photographs

Number of Photographs

5 or fewer photographs

6-7 photographs 8-9 photographs

10 or more photographs

Display This display is less than

satisfactory and does not

show the learning process

This needs some clean-up

and organization and does not show entire

learning process

The display is visually

attractive and clearly shows your learning

process

The display is very neat, goes

above and beyond

expectations, and shows off your learning

process

Change Request Form8th Grade Project Change of Subject

Name: _________________________________________

Date: _____________________

Original Topic: (Type your response in BLUE)

Reason for Changing Topic: (Type your response in BLUE)

New Topic: (Type your response in BLUE)

New Mentor: Must complete a new mentor agreement form (Type your response in BLUE)

No changes can be made after January 7, 2013.

Name _______________________________

8th Grade Project Checklist

Assignment Due Date

Passion Investigation September 11, 2013

Report Goal Planner September 11, 2013

Mentor Agreement September 20, 2013

Goal Report September 20, 2013

Monthly Digital Reflections

September 30, 2013October 31, 2013

November 26, 2013December 19, 2013January 31, 2014February 28, 2014

March 31, 2014April 18, 2014

Mid-Year Presentation December 16, 2014

Project Report April 18, 2014

Oral Presentation May 5, 2014

Tri-Fold Display May 5, 2014

Final Product May 7, 2014

Documents

8th grade project 2012-2013.docx.docx - eaglecore.weebly.com€¦ · Web viewThe 8th Grade Project is a year-long, individualized assignment, an opportunity for you to pursue an