The document discusses the independent project, a student-driven research project that takes place outside or within the classroom curriculum. Students define a topic of pursuit, research it through various sources, and create new understandings. They then present their results through a written component, physical project, or speech to an audience of peers and adults. The independent project develops students' expertise, autonomy, research, writing, knowledge making, confidence, and presentation skills. It provides a meaningful and relevant learning experience for students.

11. The Independent Project
is a student-driven research project outside or
within the assigned classroom curriculum.

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

13. Present results…
 written component
 physical project
 speech or lesson
to an attentive audience
of peers and adults.

14. Why a road trip with your students?

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

16. HOW to Plan the Trip

17. BEGINNING…
Grab a teaching partner
Build excitement & anticipation
Classroom culture
Students submit three ideas
Peer & teacher review
Create timeline
Cohort
Log/journal/blog

18. Student Project Topics

19. DURING…
Research topic using info texts
Evaluate sources
Focus inquiry
Create rubrics with students
Check-ins & mini-lessons
Open critique/Craftsmanship
Revise

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

22. 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

26. Writing Skills
Appropriate to level…
 Write clear, coherent text
 Provide evidence
 Use grammar and mechanics
 Revise

29. Presentation Skills
Share research & outcomes clearly
 Prepare & plan for presentation
Use media for support
 Consider audience
 Field a Q & A

32. Sydney speaking on plastics in our oceans
http://vimeo.com/68024671

33. Mia's Presentation

34. Audience Skills
 Attentive posture & listening
 Considerate applause
 Thoughtful feedback & questions

35. Worthwhile Reading

36. Doug Selwyn

37. Ron Berger

38. Harvey & Daniels

39. Chris Lehman

40. Plan Your Road Trip

41. 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!
.

42. Give the Kids the Keys
 Maureen Milton, Librarian,
Arbor School of Arts & Sciences
milton.maureen@gmail.com
 Shelly Buchanan, Librarian &
Instructional Coordinator,
Rosemont Ridge Middle School
shellycbuchanan@gmail.com

43. How did we do?
http://national.aasl.org/session-evaluation

44. “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.