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Overview | Anatomy of a Project | Anatomy (continued)
A well-defined and rigorous project begins with the Proposal. Students start by writing a rationale describing their interest in a subject and how it relates to their short and long-term goals. With approval by the parent(s) and advisor, preliminary research begins. Five to ten hours of time is devoted to reading a general overview of the topic, creating a web/outline of subtopics, creating a list of open-ended questions to guide further research, and gathering sources that will be used.
With preliminary research complete, the student creates a project binder and schedules a Proposal Meeting with his/her project team. At that meeting, the student and two advisors review sources, discuss primary sources (e.g. live experts and field trips), and work on focusing the project. Credit and timelines are proposed and upon approval, the research phase is entered.
The proposal phase is a time of close collaboration between the student and advisor in choosing and evaluating sources. Webs, outlines, and questions are discussed and revised together before the proposal goes to the project team, insuring that the proper groundwork for a successful investigation has been done.
Books, articles, and electronic sources are researched thoroughly and notes are produced. Students are generally asked to read an entire book on their subject insuring a comprehensive understanding. The Research phase comprises 30-40% of the time spent on any project. Notes are organized and a Works Cited (MLA) is created. VNS students are encouraged to look beyond the walls of the school for information, inspiration, and understanding. Hands-on experiences frequently provide the impetus for VNS students to go above and beyond their original goals. VNS students have discovered that the most valuable resources are “live experts.” Not only can they provide direction and offer additional sources, but they offer an exciting and real-world perspective on the subject at hand. Many students have had extraordinary experiences, from standing next to a surgeon during an open-heart operation to working with an engineer on a student-invented product to working at a Chicago inner-city teen drop-in center while living at a mission facility.
At the conclusion of the research phase, a planning meeting is held between the advisor and the student to review the research and discuss ideas for products to display the newly-gained knowledge. One written document is required in addition to other products (e.g. PowerPoint, websites, artwork, music, poster boards, models, games, activities, films, stories, and a host of other possibilities). The sum total of these products must comprehensively display the student’s knowledge on the subject. Once the products are determined, the student completes sketches, outlines, and plans for their completion. Timelines are reviewed and the Production phase begins.
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Overview | Anatomy of a Project | Anatomy (continued) |
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