Assessment

During the course of this project students will be journaling and in the end will be presenting to their peers through any means appropriate. This could mean filming a news report about the product, creating a magazine about it, or presenting its use if they are actually able to make something. In the beginning of the term, students will be given their rubric for the final project so they know what is expected of them. They will also receive directions about the project to which they can refer at any time. Both will be posted online so they can never be lost. This means that the performance targets are clear throughout the semester and it will be public.

Because students are researching a need and creating their own product, it will have to be something that actually works and is authentic. This will help them to feel ownership of their product and feel successful at what they are doing. Their journals will allow them to reflect on their work at home, when they have had some time away so that they can make changes as needed or celebrate great ideas.

This project allows for a lot of ideas and a lot of freedom, so the mini lessons will be key in keeping students on track and providing models and strategies for research, documentation, product development and presentations.

This project will take an entire semester, and things will be changing and adjusting according to student need. If they are going to feel ownership and pride in their work, they have to be given the chance to really see their visions come to fruition, which may mean a lot of adjustments. The first time a project is done means that their will be kinks that have to be worked out and teachers need to be flexible.