Renaissance

Passion Project

 

Renaissance Project A “renaissance person” is someone who is curious about the world – so curious that he or she is constantly learning, stretching to know as much as possible about all kinds of things! The purpose of this project is for you to explore something that you are interested in or curious about. You might choose a project to solve a problem or answer a question that you have observed.

 

As you complete your project, you will have a chance to develop and demonstrate:

• How you think• How you write• How you plan and organize your

work• How you manage your time• The care you put into your work• Your enthusiasm for learning.

 

You will use the Planning Guide pages (blue) to get started and organize your project in a notebook. You will follow the research process completing the How to Do Research Template (gold). You will use the Renaissance Project Requirements page (yellow) to see what you must include in your project and check off the activities as you complete them. You will keep track of what you do on the Progress Log page (orange). Every time you attempt to make progress or do an activity, record it in your log. You will keep track of the resources you use on the Resources and Note-Taking page (white). For each source, write a bibliography and take notes of important details. Use the How to Write Your Sources pages (green) to know how to write your bibliographies. You will review the Assessment Rubric (purple) to double check your readiness to present to the class.

 

Blue Planning Pages

Step I: BRAINSTORM Make a list of a few things you might like to do for your Renaissance Project.  Step II: CHOOSE Write which topic you think you will do:  Step III: EXPLORE YOUR TOPIC Read about your topic: Use an encyclopedia or other resource and spend two 15-minute periods reading about your topic. Write down any ideas you get for your project.  Choose a person who shares your interest. This could be a published author or another expert on the topic. Plan to include this person's life and work in your presentation.

Mindmap or list ideas: Make a mindmap or list with ideas for your project. Think of all the different types of activities that would be fun to do that relate to your topic. Get ideas from others: Do a conference with 2 other kids. Ask them for ideas of activities you could do for your project.

Step IV: MAKE A PLAN Think about your presentation: Imagine what you might like to do to share what you learn with the class. Take them on a field trip? Teach them something? Do a play? Bring in guests? Set up an activity that includes the whole class?  Write an Action Plan Essay: Write an essay that answers the following questions. Use a new paragraph for each question. You may add any information you wish, but you MUST answer these questions:

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ACTION PLAN ESSAY: What is your project and who shares this interest? (What topic will you explore?) Why do you want to do this project? Why is your project worth doing? What do you think you will do for your presentation?What will you do first to get started on your project?What are the next steps you think you will do? What resources do you need to do your project? (People to contact, books to read, field trips to set up, things to learn, etc.) What parts of your project do you think will be hard to do, and will you overcome these difficulties?

GETTING STARTED!

Step I: Read the Renaissance Project Requirements Pages. Step II: Begin your research.

Read and review How To Do Research As you work, keep a log of what you do by filling out the Progress Log Paqe with the date and activity you did. On the Resource and Note-takinq Page write down each source as you use it and take notes. Refer to the "How to Write Your Sources" page so you know how to write a bibliography.

How To Do Research _____This is my research question:  _____ I have prepared key words to search for information. These are my three key words: 1. 2. 3. _____ I have used my search words to locate different types of information. _____ I have made photocopies of everything that I think I will use in my Research Paper. Sources could be: Books, Videos, Articles, Encyclopedias, Magazines, Newspapers, Internet.

Renaissance Project Requirements Part 1: Complete The Blue Planning Pages ____ I have completed my brainstorming, chosen a topic and person, and explored my topic (reading and writing for at least 30 minutes) ____ I have made a mind map or a list of my ideas and have conferenced with two other kids to get ideas. ____ I have made a plan and have written my Action Plan Essay. I have kept this essay in my notebook.

Part 2: Researching My Topic Checklist ____ I have kept my notes and papers organized in a folder or notebook. ____ I have completed the How to Do Research page. ____ I have found seven sources of information from a variety of sources (Internet, encyclopedia, magazines, books, newspapers). ____ I have kept track of my resources and notes on the Resource and Note-taking Page. ____ I have contacted three people in writing before March 26th about my Renaissance Project (print outs of written emails, letters to organizations, etc.). ____ I have kept track of my work on the Progress Log Page. ____ I have written my research paper about my topic, included information about a person who shares my interest and written at least 1,800 words.

 

Part 3: Designing My Presentation:

___ I have chosen a form of presentation.(Circle one)Posterboard Powerpoint Video Photostory Other (In addition to your presentation, you can take the class on a field trip and/or bring in guest speakers. The sky is the limit -- have fun!)

____ I have chosen _________________, who shares my interest, and prepared how I will share about this person's life and work.

____ I have prepared to explain what I have read and will let my audience know where I found my information.

____ I have practiced my presentation to stay focused on the important information and it takes _____ minutes to complete.

____ I have prepared how I will involve the audience.

____ During my Renaissance project, I solved a problem by ______________________.

Date What I Did   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

Progress Log PageOn this page, keep track of what you do for your

project.

Source 1 Bibliography

Notes        

Source 1 Bibliography

Notes       

Resources and Note-taking Page

0n this page, keep track of resources that you use while doing your Renaissance Project. Print out or photo copy all of the resources that you will be using for your research and add it to your notebook. Include people, videos, books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, technology, magazines, newspapers, radio, TV, pamphlets, etc. Use the example form page so you know how to write each one. Use 7 resources.

Criteria for an Excellent Renaissance Project Research Paper

1. Cover Page: This is the first page of your paper. It should have: • Title • Date • Your Name  2. Dedication: This is usually the second page.  3. The paper should be at least 1,800 words and have all of these parts:

• Introduction • Body of Details (as many paragraphs as needed) • Conclusion

4. Glossary of Terms

5. Bibliography (these are your 7 sources!)

6. One diagram (can be anywhere in the report)

7. At least one picture (can be anywhere in the report)

Renaissance Project Research Paper Outline (1800 Words)Cover page

Title of your projectDateYour name

Dedication pageWho would you like to dedicate this project to?

Introduction Grab the attention of your audienceTell your audience what you researchedPreview the information your audience will learn from reading your paper

Body ParagraphsAs many paragraphs as you need to fully present your informationBe sure to include a paragraph about the person who shares your passionYou share why you chose to research this topicWhat are the most important things to know about your topic?What are your key points?You might include a brief history of your topic

ConclusionRestates main pointsProvides a “so what?”Tells what you learned about your topic and how this information will affect your actions in the future

Glossary of TermsThese should be terms used in your paper and relevant to your research topicCheck out a non-fiction book for a sample!This should be a separate page

BibliographyThis is where you cite ALL your sources used Be sure to use the proper format for each sources (see the handbook for samples)This should be a separate page

Diagram (one or more)This is a diagram of anything that is important to your research topicIt may be a separate page or embedded in the paper

Picture (one or more)This is a picture of anything that is important to your research topicIt may be a separate page of embedded in the paper

HOW TO WRITE YOUR SOURCES: Examples(Note: Put all entries in alphabetical order. Indent any lines after the first one.) Book/Pamphlet:Author (last name first). Title. City where published: Publisher. copyright date.

Allen, Thomas B. Vanishing Wildlife of North America. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 1974.  Magazine/Periodical:

Author (last name first). "Title of article." Title of magazine Date (day month year): page numbers of the article.

Kanfer, Stefan. "Hear Any Good Books Lately?" Time 21 July 1986: 48-50  Encyclopedia:

"Title of article". Title of the reference book. Edition. Year published. "Falcon and falconry." World Book-Encyclopedia. 2nd

edition. 1980.  Newspaper:

"Title of article". Title of newspaper day month year, section: page. "A School Without a Strike." Chicago Tribune 22 July 1986,

sec A:10.  

Videotape or film: Title. Type of medium (videotape, film, etc.) Production Company,

year. length. The Grizzlies. Videotape. National Geographic Video, 1987,

60 min.  Computer CD-Roms:

Encyclopedia: "Title of article." Title of Product. Edition or version. CD-ROM. City:

Publisher, date. "Japan." Cartopedia. CD-Rom. New York: Dorling

Kindersley, 1955.

Magazine: Author, "Tile of article." Magazine Title date: pages. Title of

Product. CD-ROM. City: Publisher, date. Gray, Robert. "Do You Believe in Dragons?" Ranqer Rick

Oct. 1933: 21-29. SIRS Discoverer. CD-ROM. Boca Raton: SIRS, Inc., fall 1996.  Personal Interview:

Name of person, Personal interview. day month year. Doe , Jane. Personal Interview. 16 Sept 1999.

  Television/Radio:

"Title." Name of Program. Station, day month year. "Latch-Key Kids." Hour Maqazine. CBS, 15 Nov. 1983.

 

6th Grade Renaissance Project Rubric

Planning (20%) 1  2  3  4 Your blue planning pages, Progress Log Page, and How to Do Research

Template are well written and complete. You kept notes and papers organized in a folder or notebook.1  2  3  4 Your Action Plan Essay is well written and complete.   1  2  3  4 You have seven sources of information from a variety of sources (Internet, 

encyclopedia, magazines, books, newspapers). You have kept track of your resources on the Resource and Note-taking Page.

1  2  3  4 You have contacted three people in writing before May 1st about your Renaissance Project (print out of written emails, letter to organizations, and possible responses).   

1  2  3  4 You met all deadlines. 

 

6th Grade Renaissance Project Rubric -- continued

Paper (40%)1  2  3  4 You included a cover page and a thoughtful dedication.1  2  3  4 Your introduction grabbed your audience’s attention, stated your topic and 

previewed the information in your paper.1  2  3  4 The body of your paper includes paragraphs on the person who shares your 

passion, why you chose this topic, all key points, and any other information necessary to get your point across.

1  2  3  4 Your conclusion restates your main point and tells what you learned about your topic and how this information will affect your actions in the future.

1  2  3  4 Your glossary of terms is correctly formatted and complete.1  2  3  4 Your bibliography cites all your sources and is properly formatted.1  2  3  4 You have included at least one diagram and one picture that help your 

reader understand your topic.1  2  3  4 Your paper shows understanding of proper conventions.1  2  3  4 Your paper shows evidence of thoughtful research.1  2  3  4 The final draft of your paper is carefully formatted with attention to detail 

and a professional appearance. 

 

6th Grade Renaissance Project Rubric -- continued

Presentation (40%)1  2  3  4 You have completed a PowerPoint, Posterboard, or other visual.1  2  3  4 You used your visual effectively to highlight your main points, engage your 

audience, and lead your audience to greater understanding of your topic. 1  2  3  4  You clearly explained why you are passionate about this topic.1  2  3  4 You shared about a person who shares your passion.1  2  3  4 You explained what you have read and let your audience know where you 

found the information. 1  2  3  4 Your presentation stayed focused on the important information. 1  2  3  4 You involved your audience in your presentation and kept their interest. 1  2  3  4 You were able to answer their questions. 1  2  3  4 You used effective presentation techniques (appropriate voice level, speed, most of your presentation is memorized).1  2  3  4 You were well-prepared for your presentation and have all necessary 

materials.

How We Will Support 6th Years at School

• Regular 6th year meetings

• One-on-one student-teacher conferences

• Deadlines for accountability

• Templates/outlines and other accommodations as appropriate

• Communication with Learning Support teacher about project and additional support from her. 

Ways You Can Support Your Student at Home

• A regular time to work on the project (weekly?)

• Help with organization as necessary

• Access to resources (library, internet, community resources)

• Accountability for deadlines (print calendar and put in on the fridge/family calendar, etc.)

• Regular communication

• Let them know you are there to support them!