IBMYP Personal Project: A Freshman Guide

The Personal Project is a significant body of work that is the product of your own initiative and creativity. It is not an optional assignment; it is a required aspect of the IB Middle Years Program (IBMYP) around the world. You will not receive a class grade. However, submitting an acceptable Personal Project is one of the continuation requirements for the IB program. In other words, if you do not submit an acceptable Personal Project August, 2009, you may not continue into IB courses in grade 11. The goal of the Personal Project is for each IBMYP student to develop a focus of deep personal interests that reflects the knowledge he/she gained through participation in the IBMYP. The Project should focus deeply upon one of the five MYP Areas of Interaction. Remember, you will be working on this project for an extended period of time so it needs to be something you really want to do. Important Reminder!!! Make backups of ALL your work on multiple places (flash drives, other computers, external hard drives, CDs, etc, not just on your computer). Print out journal entries, your final report, and other important documents. My computer crashed is not a valid excuse for not completing your project by the August, 2009, due date! There are several important components of the overall Personal Project. The Process Journal- In this, you keep track of your progress on the Personal Project. Every time you do work, meet with your mentor, or think about the Personal Project you should write in your journal. Any time you do research, this is where you should take notes and maintain a working citation list. This is also where you note your personal opinions and feelings about what you are learning and the process you are going through. The Product- Unlike most other assignments you will work on during your education, the focus of the Personal Project is The PRODUCT-the thing you make, create, present, adapt, or do. Your product may be written (e.g. essay). The Paper- While a paper is not going to be your focus; you will still have to write one. This is a 4-6 page, reflective paper, meant to describe the research you had to do to successfully complete the project, relate your project to your area of interaction, and discuss what you have learned about yourself and your topic in creating your product. Your paper must have complete works cited section and parenthetical documentation of sources using MLA style. If you chose to submit a written product (e.g. essay), you must still write a paper. Other AspectsPersonal Engagement- You MUST actively communicate with your mentor about the progress you are making with your project. Deadlines- Turn in any required materials on time. The final paper, product and process are due to your IBMYP English 10 teacher when you return to school in August, 2009. Research- Choose valid sources and cite them correctly. Reflection- Throughout this process, you are asked to be open with yourself and others about what you have learned, what is working, what is failing and what needs to be changed.

Summary of what you have to do to complete the Personal Project

(1) Propose an idea for your project and get it approved by your English teacher. You will

choose a mentor who shares an interest in your topic. The mentor can guide and assist you but it is YOUR PROJECT. Once your topic is approved, you will not be allowed to change it! Your focus may vary as your project develops, but your topic will not! (2) When you begin working on your project, KEEP A JOURNAL OF YOUR PROGRESS in a notebook or on your computer (but have a back-up plan if it crashes!). You should make an entry each time you think about or work on the project. The Journal, itself, will not be graded but it is necessary for writing the final report. (3) When your Project is complete, write your report of 4 to 6 pages in which you explain the story of your project: how you got your idea, background information and research, the Area(s) of Interaction that is its focus, other connections to the Areas, your goal, the steps and choices, resources, etc. In this paper, you must also REFLECT on your workwhat went well, how and why you made decisions along the way, how you might have done something differently, how satisfied you are with the result as well as the experience, and what you learned. (4) Submit your product, paper and Process Journal to your IBMYP English 10 teacher when you return to school in August. Important Note: Whatever type of personal project you decide on, it should: have a clear and achievable goal be focused on at least one area of interaction allow you to express a truly personal message be the result of your initiative, creativity and ability to organize and plan reflect your special interests, hobbies, special abilities, or concerns about particular issues deal with a topic or area to which you are committed be entirely your own workauthenticity is very important and you may be required to sign a document stating that the personal project is your own work. Important Note for Students Who Choose to Submit a Written Product: The length of the written work (final report) within a Personal Project varies, given the variety of types of projects that are acceptable. We suggest 4-6 pages. If you choose to produce a written product (e.g. essay or short stories) your written report can be shorter than 4-6 pages. We suggest 2-3 pages. In other words, if you choose to produce a written product, your report can be shorter! Do not forget to analyze your written product (e.g. essay or short stories) in the section of the final report Analysis of the inspiration, research and influences guiding the work described in the handout How Your Final Report Should Be Organized.

Your Final Report Should Be Organized

The final report of all types of Personal Projects will follow the same general structure: Title page or cover page Your name must appear on the cover page The title and date of your Project must be on the cover page Your mentors name and word count must be on the cover page Table of contents It must be in the same order as your paper! You must number your pages in the report! Introduction Define the goal of your project Identify the Areas of Interaction focus and explained the link to the Project in detail Provide outline of how you planned to achieve the goal Description of the process Describe exactly how you created your product Describe how you used your research to make your product Analysis of the inspiration, research and influences guiding the work Analyze where you got your idea and what made you interested in this topic Analyze the effectiveness of your research Make certain your report contains sufficient, relevant information and resources from a variety of appropriate sources (include 3-5 sources). Interviews with experts are great! Analyze your decisions Analyze the success of your product Explain how you solved problems at every stage of the project Analyze how the process helped you achieve your goal show how the techniques you used were relevant and effective for producing a high quality project Analyze how the process helped you understand the Area of Interaction better Conclusion Refer to your initial goal as you review your project Include your personal thoughts about your project and explain how meaningful this project was to you Explain what you would do differently next time Describe what new questions have emerged from your project Worked Cited Use MLA Style Appendices (if appropriate) Attachments (graphs, drawings, photographs etc) must be labeled and to help explain your process and product

Sample Personal Project Proposal

Name: Elizabeth Smith English Teacher: Mrs. Brown Period: 1

Email address (please print clearly): Elizabeth@gmail.com Mentor: Chef Jones from Delmonicos Steakhouse Your Topic (10 words or less): A Familys Kitchen Legacy Area of Interaction Health and Social Education In two paragraphs, explain what aspects of your topic you would like to study and what you expect your final product to be. (Continue on the back if necessary.) I plan to ask my younger sister the following question: When you grow up, what are the foods that you want to make sure you know exactly how mom or mawmaw made them? Then, I will ask my older brother who is at UNC the same question to find out what favorite dishes he remembers. I will then develop my list of recipes. I might include in-laws to expand the recipes! I might even ask dad and pawpaw for their favorite recipes!

Myers Park Personal Project

Student Topic Proposal

Student Name:_________________________________________________________ English Teacher:_____________________________________ Period:___________ Email address (please print clearly):_______________________________________ Mentor:_______________________________________ Your Topic (10 words or less): _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Area of Interaction _____________________________________________________ In two paragraphs, explain what aspects of your topic you would like to study and what you expect your final product to be. (Continue on the back if necessary.) ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ I understand that the Personal Project is a required part of the IB program. The completed project, product and process journal are due August, 2009. Students who do not complete an acceptable Project will be exited from the IB program. Parent signature: ________________________________________ Student signature: _______________________________________ Date:_________ Date:_________

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many Areas of Interaction must I refer to in my Personal Project? A: You should relate to only one or two (at the most!). Q: Does the Personal Project have to be a written piece of work like a research paper? A: Every student will write report, but the Project itself does not need to be a research paper or other type of written work. The project may be a work of art, a play, a musical composition, or something you want to build. Q: What happens if I do not complete the Personal Project? A: It is a required component of the IB MYP Program. You cannot continue in the IB program if you do not complete an acceptable Personal Project (14-16 points out of 28). Q. Who will determine if my Personal Project is acceptable? A. A faulty committee Q: Does the Personal Project have to be in English? A: Yes, unless your project is directly related to another language. Q: Can I choose a project that is based on something I really know how to do well? A: You will need to do some kind of research during the process of the Personal Project. If you and your mentor decide that there is more for you to learn about your topic, its fine to choose something with which you already are comfortable. Q: What if I dont have a finished product because I teach someone how to do something? A: You do not need to submit a finished product. However, you must demonstrate what you did! For example, you could choose to make a video or take pictures of the process of teaching someone to do something. Q: How much should parents get involved? A: This will depend on the type of project that the student chooses. Some Projects may involve parent support in travel or assistance in purchasing materials. We encourage parents to check in with students as deadlines approach; however, students are expected to complete all parts of their Project themselves. Q: Can I work with someone else? A: Your project may involve working with someone else. For example, your project may involve others because you are directing a play or starting a new community organization. However, you must document your part! After all, it is a Personal Project! Q. Can I change my topic once it is approved? A. No!

Personal Project: Process Journal

You are required to maintain a Process Journal of your Personal Project. It is a written diary with notes and comments regarding problems and solutions as well as documented evidence of the work involved during each stage of completing the Personal Project. If done correctly, it becomes the rough draft for the body of your written report. Your Process Journal should have all your rough ideas (even if your ideas change over the duration of the project), rough drawings etc. It is a practical workbook. The process journal should not be redone as a good copy since it should reflect changes, doodles, notes in the margin, pictures, ideas, reminders, drawings, material samples etc. Your Process Journal should be updated regularly during the development of the Project and should be used to record progress honestly, containing thoughts, ideas, decisions, feelings and reflections. It does not need to be well presented, but you should use it in discussions with your mentor. Each time that you work on your Project, you should spend the last five or ten minutes writing up your journal. You should use it to reflect on what you have achieved, feeling of success or breakthroughs; any obstacles or problems encountered and how you might have overcome them; and what you need to do next. Here are some headings you could use to help provide a structure to your journal: Work completed since last entry This section should detail all aspects of work completed on the Personal Project since your last entry. Resources consulted You can record bibliographical details in this section. You should also record details of any conversations that took place with sources relating to the project. Challenges/difficulties faced You should detail obstacles or problems and indicate how you solved them or intend to deal with them. Evaluation of progress refer to your initial goals and indicate whether you are achieving them. You may also identify any areas that need improvement. A typical journal entry might look like this: May 5, 2009 I discussed my plans again with my mentor as I am thinking I would like to adapt them to include more examples. Problem is, if I do that, it will become too long . After discussions and thinking it over, I have decided to cut one of my subtopics in order to leave space for more examples. Over the next week, I need to decide which sub topics to cut and start researching for more examples. I will start with the library and then search the internet. In the next few weeks, I plan to visit Discovery Place and the public library to get ideas and check for more resources.

Process Journal

Student Name: _______________________________

Date: ____________

Here are some headings you could use to help provide a structure to your journal: Work completed since last entry this section should detail all aspects of work completed on the personal project since your last entry. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Resources consulted You can record bibliographical details in this section. You should also record details of any conversations that took place with sources relating to the project. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Challenges/difficulties faced you should detail obstacles or problems and indicate how you solved them or intend to deal with them. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Evaluation of progress refer to your initial goals and indicate whether you are achieving them. You may also identify any areas that need improvement. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Choosing a Topic

There are different ways of choosing and narrowing down a topic. You should discuss ideas with different people, both inside and outside Myers Park, to help you focus on precisely what you are going to do. It is also important that you have a discussion with your mentor about your choice to see whether your plan is realistic. Your topic should be something that you really want to explore and that will allow you to reflect on and analyze ideas to express a personal point of view. It is important that you keep the goal of your Personal Project in mind continuously, although the goal could be modified in the light of experience gained during the process. Choosing the Topic You will need to: 1. Focus your Personal Project on a topic that interests you. 2. Be realistic about your Projects aim and scope. 3. Use a medium (e.g. writing, music, etc.) you feel confident about. 4. Relate the Project to Approaches to Learning and at least one other Area of Interaction. Questions to ask yourself What do I like doing in my spare time? What are some of my hobbies or interests? What are some of the things I do really well? What would I like to do better? When it comes to writing, what types of writing assignments do I enjoy most and why? What types of writing assignments do I enjoy least and why? Is there any aspect of my community that really infuriates me? (Be careful to be constructive and proactive!) At this point in time, what are some of my ideas for my Project? What would I like the final result to be? How will I involve the community in my Project and what format? Narrowing down the focus You should then list the topics you have a genuine interest in and brainstorm ideas or sub topics you have relating to the topic, thus narrowing down your topic to a feasible amount. Example Topic- Music & Film Focus down- Music video Narrowed down topic- Music video for friends band Realistic Personal Project A student who has studied the piano for number of years decides to write and interpret a musical score for parts of a school play. Unrealistic Personal Project A student decides to learn to play the piano at an advanced level as a Personal Project.

Personal Project Planning

Phase 1: Orientation and selection of the topic Consider these questions and detail your responses in your Journal What is my topic/field of interest (narrow it down as much as possible)? What (personal) goals do I want to achieve? What are my intentions? Which Area of Interaction (besides Approaches to Learning) is specifically addressed by my project? What is the Project question I want to pursue? What do I think might be the answer to that question? In other words: what is my hypothesis? What do I have to do (find out) to check if my hypothesis is correct? How much time do I expect to need to do these things? To analyze them? To present my analysis? What do I expect of my mentor and when are we going to meet? Complete the Personal Project Proposal form; hand it in to your English teacher Phase 2: Planning and research collecting the necessary information and / or materials Throughout your research, continue to ask yourself (and document in your Journal): What results do I expect and how do my results relate to my topic? Am I developing an insight in my field of study? Limit yourself to your research questions and ask yourself the following: Do I need to organize events (when / where / invitations)? Do I need to carry out experiments (setup, material, equipment, lab)? Do I need to make a questionnaire (why, how, for whom, when, where)? Do I need to interview experts in the field (who, how, when, where)? How will I record and order my information (cards/videotapes/ photos)? Discuss the research plan and later results with your mentor Phase 3: Reflection and product development information In this phase, you are developing your conclusions. You are interpreting your results and showing that these results support your conclusions. If your results lead towards other conclusions than the one you were anticipating that is fine. Also, recognize the importance of negative results. You must continually ask yourself the following questions (and document in your Journal): Which information relates to my project question? Can I come to an answer of my project question now? What answers can I get? Do I have enough information /data? Is it convincing? Do I need more? Can I leave out any unnecessary information? Am I addressing the areas of interaction appropriately? Have I achieved the goals that I had set for myself? Are there any flaws in my reasoning? How would I modify my planning / research to improve my results? Am I satisfied with what I have achieved? Discuss these questions and their answers with your mentor. Try to convince him/her of your conclusion using your information Phase 4: Presenting the outcome Now you are in the final stage. You have to present your work, your conclusions and your information in your final report.

In all cases, the following issues need to be addressed: Am I communicating the goals of the project? How? Am I communicating the research process? How? How can I show/present the results? How can I display my conclusions convincingly? How can I make my recommendations for improvement? How can I explain what I have learned from this project? When you return to school August, 2009, your product should be submitted together with your completed Process Journal and your written report.

The Areas of Interaction and the Personal Project

The Areas of Interaction form the basis of the IB MYP and are central to the Personal Project.

To correctly understand the role played by the Areas of Interaction in the Personal Project, is to understand the difference between a project, which merely refers to links made to an Area of Interaction, and one that is entirely built around an Area of Interaction as the foundation and focus. Approaches to Learning (ATL) is the key area of interaction for the Project, as this area is concerned with the development of study skills, communication and organizational skills. These ATL skills will be reflected in all projects. Most projects as well as reflecting ATL skills, will focus on one other Area of Interaction: Community and Service, Health and Social Education, Environments, and Human Ingenuity. Each Area can be seen to have central elements that should be the starting points for the Personal Project; these central elements are listed below. 1. Approaches to Learning How do I learn best? How do I know? How do I communicate my understanding? ATL is the key area of interaction for the Personal Project. In your Project, you should develop: Organizational skills study practices and positive attitudes towards work Collaborative skills that is, learning to take advantage of each others strengths and to consider different points of view Communication skills of essay, analytical and creative writing, as well as other appropriate forms of expression to suit various contexts Information literacy knowing how to access information and use it wisely and understanding the research process (from finding and selecting information to judging it critically) Problem solving and thinking skills making a point of view coherent, creatively generating new ideas and considering issues from multiple viewpoints Reflection and metacognition developing the ability to appraise work and evaluate performance realistically and using this evaluation to adapt behavior and learning strategies. The Personal Project provides the opportunity to conduct an inquiry into the areas of interaction and can include Approaches to Learning as an object of study in itself. For example, a Personal Project which involves organizing educational activities with young, hearing-impaired children would involve a study of how this disability affects learning. Example of focus on Approaches to Learning Topic- Yoga Goal of Personal Project: Examine how I might structure a course to provide basic information to peers on how yoga can be used effectively for relaxation. Inspired by own enjoyment of yoga and desire to teach others. Process Research how to devise a basic course and what the main elements should be Write the course Explore strategies for advertising the course Deliver the course and evaluate it Product A six-week introductory yoga course, delivered and evaluated.

2. Community and Service How do we live in relation to each other? How can I contribute to the community? How can I help others? Some of the skills, attitudes and values closely linked with this area of interaction are: An interest in todays world Sensitivity to the needs of the community and society in general Social awareness An altruistic attitude A sense of responsibility and self esteem The three central elements of Community and Service are: Awareness; the development of the concept of community, individuals in the community and different communities. Action; active engagement in terms of community involvement and contributing positively by caring and solving problems. Reflection; taking responsibility to identify personal strengths and weaknesses; consideration of the ethical implications of action and inaction. Community and Service: If you choose this Area, then your project must have service action by you. Example of focus on Community and Service Topic: Depression in adolescents Goal of Personal Project Help young people deal with negative thoughts and pressure that can lead to depression. Inspired by own and friends experiences. Process Research anxiety and depression in teenagers Explore techniques used to produce a video Show the video to peers and evaluate the response Product A short video that looks at pressures on young people and positive ways of counterbalancing these. An evaluation of the impact of the video. 3. Human ingenuity Why and how do we create? What are the consequences? Many areas of human activity can be explored through human ingenuity, including: Systems such as laws, methods of government, transport, education and health care Communication which may include statistics, language, mathematical formulae and codes Technology such as buildings, machinery and tools Thought including principles, concepts, ideas, opinions and attitudes Art such as painting, sculpture, embroidery, theatre and music Culture for example, fashion, rituals and food The central elements of Human Ingenuity are: The origin of the creative thinking, artistic impression or invention The development of the creative process.

 The impact of innovation The reason why it was created How it was created What were the consequences of creation Within a Personal Project, focusing on Human Ingenuity is much more than presenting a product as an example of human creativity or achievement. It involves questioning, investigating the creative process, reflecting on ones own and others involvement in it, engaging with the product and reflecting on its role and context. The Personal Project is a rich opportunity for students to complete an extended piece of work that challenges their own creativity and thinking about issues of concern to themselves. The following themes could relate to this area of interaction: The development of mathematical and scientific thought through the ages Ethical values through the ages The diversity of moral and aesthetic judgments The human capacity for change and for reaction to changes The influence of men and women of genius Great cultural and historical movements Great scientific discoveries The impact of inventions and discoveries on society Human Ingenuity: If you choose this then you must consider beyond simply being creative, and consider consequences. Example of focus on Human Ingenuity Topic: Music Goal of Personal Project Explore the development of rap as a style of music and why it speaks to me. Inspired by my love of rap. Process Research the development of rap and analyze rap songs that are significant for me Perform a rap song for peers and have a question and answer session Product A presentation to peers, including performance of rap song. 4. Environments Where do we live? What resources do we have or need? What are my responsibilities? In the Personal Project you may choose to explore issues such as: The interdependence of human and other forms of life The consequences of human manipulation of the environment Pollution and population growth The links between health and changes in the environment World problems and common issues Local, regional, national and international responsibilities The environmental choices and opportunities offered by technology The political responsibility of each individual The central elements of Environments are:

 Awareness; understanding the role played by environments and the way they affect our wellbeing; understanding the role of organizations and their policies. Responsibility; developing positive attitudes and assuming responsibility through a critical examination of environmental problems and their causes. Action; acting on a range of issues to affect my environments in a positive way. Reflection; reflecting on our responsibility, making informed and sensible choices and understanding the implications of lifestyle. Environments: If you choose this Area, then you need to remember that this is not just ecology, and must demonstrate how you can affect your environment in a positive way. Example of focus on Environments Topic: Birds Goal of Personal Project Encourage birdlife in local gardens by providing information to local people to help them make their gardens more attractive to birds. Inspired by membership in bird society. Process Research techniques for encouraging local species of birds to visit gardens Test findings on willing volunteers Research techniques for communicating information to public Produce leaflet with basic information Product A leaflet with basic information. A presentation at parents evening. 5. Health and Social Education How do I think and act? How am I changing? How can I look after myself and others? There are many issues in this Area whereyou may reflect and demonstrate understanding, exploring topics such as: Hygiene, physical and mental health, nutrition, work, rest, exercise, leisure, alcohol, drugs and tobacco Adolescence, emotions, family life and sexual issues Consumer issues, peer influences, advertising, media and pressure groups Interpersonal relations, selfrespect, responsibility and respect for others, family and group relations, schools and peers Health and legal services, social issues, safety, firearms, vandalism, poverty and delinquency The central elements of Health and Social Education are: Awareness; understanding how to look after ourselves and others in our immediate community as well as in the wider community outside. Responsibility; developing healthy attitudes which improve wellbeing; assuming responsibility through a critical examination of health problems and causes. Action; Acting on a range of issues to affect the health of others and my own health in a positive way. Reflection; Reflecting on our responsibility, making informed and sensible choices and understanding the implications of lifestyle. Health and Social Education: If you choose this Area, then you would need to show how you have made choices and why you made the same.

Example of focus on Health and Social Education Topic: Genealogy Goal of Personal Project Find out about the history of my family in the last 100 years and examine my place in it. Inspired by the emigration of my family over time and what this means for me. Process Use techniques to research my family tree Read family memoirs Write my own family memoir Analyze how the family has impacted me and my identity Product A family memoir

Topic Ideas for Personal Projects

Law, politics/government Children/education Research

Languages Travel Decorating Public speaking/lobbying Health/medicine Nature/environment Religion/spirituality/philosophy Current issues/events News/journalism Problem solving/inventions Safety/security/law enforcement Counseling/mediation/psychology Diversity Future scenarios/past events Drama/dance/performance Costuming/set design Film/video Computers/software/technology issues Cultures/languages Building/construction/architecture Design/art/photography Service/organizations Books/creative writing/persuasion Crafts/hobbies/collections Sports/recreation/games/fitness Marketing/business Broadcasting/communications/advertising Culinary arts/nutrition Military/weapons/war Transportation/flight Music: composition/performance/conducting Fashion Genealogy Event planning Ethics Animals Anatomy Chemistry/biology/physics Statistics/math/logic

Product Ideas for Personal Projects

Your Personal Project must result in tangible evidence (a Product) that you have used your knowledge and skills in a creative, individual, and appropriate way. If your project is an event or service that you cannot turn in, you must provide visual evidence of it: video, photos, etc.

Demonstration Display/Visual Research report Simulation Debate Craft Club Experiment Prototype Original writing Model Composition Other:

Video/DVD Computer product Mural Original music Proposal/plan Design Speech Event Performance Photo essay Collection Games

Audiences (Who else would have an interest in your work?) Classmates General public Family Teachers Competition Special interest group Decision maker Small group Individual Yourself only

Personal Project Examples

PROJECT Form a band DESCRIPTION Get a band together to perform for friends PRODUCT Video of live performance

Make an obstacle rail or Rail or Jump jump for skateboarding Demonstrate how positive Rescuing abused animals interaction can re-socialize Poster board an abused animal Write a short story about Short story what foster care can do for Short story a person Poster, menu, samples of Wedding menu Plan a menu for a wedding food, portfolio Build a doghouse for Doghouse Doghouse family dog Research the mechanical and technological Ferrari 312 PB advancements for the time PowerPoint and videos period when the car was raced. Interior design Create a plan for a kitchen Design plan poster Study squirrels in Journal of observations Urban squirrels backyards and parks; and photos research them Design and produce a Magazine design Magazine edition magazine Pottery Create a piece of pottery Piece of pottery Create a walk-through Video games Gaming manual guide of a video game Create a garden for my Garden Fenced-in garden photos mom Song Write an original song Original song Complete mothers quilt Quilting Quilt and do one of my own Develop an alternative Sticky substance for product to pine tar for New product baseball bats baseball bat grip Use computer, camera, Photos and research paper Space / Astronomy telescopes about constellations Make a humorous James James Bond spoof Movie Bond full-length movie Re-pave the area around A better place to play Basketball court my basketball hoop basketball Clock Make a working clock Clock Women In Sport Story of Katherine Switzer PowerPoint Document what happens Interviews with lawyers Justice System in a courtroom hearing and judges Personal oil conservation Go to and from school for Journal one week without using gas or oil to demonstrate Skateboarding

Agility training for dogs Web site Hiking trail Crochet Motor bike Investments Rubics Cube Addiction Dissection

Painting

Dance

Organization Fire Extinguisher Buddies to Buddies Comic Computer Cake decorating

that non-polluting is easy and makes a difference. Train myself and my dog to compete in agility Video of the training competitions Design a Web site on a Web site free server Community service project: clear a hiking trail Fresh cleared hiking trail with the help of family, friends and Boy Scouts Create a crochet pattern Afghan Build a bike Photos and drawings Invest money in stocks, Portfolio of results keep portfolio and records Learn how to solve the Demonstration puzzle within two minutes The effects of addiction PowerPoint and interview End animal dissection in Persuasive presentation to my school using resources convince School Board to from PETA and other end animal dissection online sources Create a painting to influence people about the Giant poster/painting environment Study history of 20th Video/PowerPoint with Century dance varieties clips of the student and learn how to do some dancing dances Organize my house so my family can be more Pictures before and after productive Design an automatic fire extinguisher. Research Fire extinguisher design and materials Student buddy program for Special Ed and other Program plan students Publish my own comic Comic book book Build a home computer Computer Large poster board with Decorate several cakes pictures of decorated differently cakes.

Development of the Personal Project

Step 1: Choosing the Topic You Want to Investigate Any project will involve an important phase of investigation/research. When you are choosing your topic/theme and your approach, you must remember that the Personal Project is your way of demonstrating your understanding of the Areas of Interaction; you must therefore choose a suitable topic/theme and approach which allow you to do this. You should discuss ideas with different people, both inside and outside the school, to help you to focus on precisely what you are going to do. What You Need to Do First: Choose a mentor and complete the Student Topic Proposal Step 2: Planning the Project The next part of the process is to plan the steps towards completing your Personal Project. You should write an outline of your main ideas, guided by a statement of your aim, as discussed with your mentor. The purpose of the outline is to: define the investigation help in the choice of appropriate sources/material. Ask yourself the following questions, which are neither definitive nor exhaustive. Where do I find the necessary material? Who has information about my topic? (people are great resources and can give you specific answers to questions you may have) Do I have to carry out my own experiments? Do I need to prepare, circulate and analyze a questionnaire or survey? Do I need to go to libraries other than the school library? Do I need to visit any museums or organizations? You should write down these questions, and others, along with the answers, as a way of reminding yourself of the variety of potential sources. It is only by looking at a variety of sources that you can make a judgment about their relative usefulness. After checking with your mentor that you have investigated all the options, you should make a list of tasks so that you can collect the necessary material. You will need to consider the order in which these tasks will have to be undertaken. Step 3: Gathering the Needed Material At this stage, you will need to start locating and selecting information. These will be two of the major tasks to be listed in your Process Journal. Once you complete a list of sources, start gathering the materials. Remember, however, that producing any type of project is not usually a neat process; it may be messy and involve changes in your plans (not your topic!), especially in the developmental stages. When you have found a source of information and/or inspiration, you will have to decide how useful it is. The list of sources in your final report should only include those you have actually used. Remember, people who are experts in their field can prove to be a wealth of

information and an invaluable resource for you during this project. You can include interviews or questionnaires from these people as corroboration to your other research. Always write down the source of your material. This information will vary according to the type of source consulted. a book: record the author(s), title, edition, series, bibliographical address (city, editor, date). an interview: record the name, address, function of the person, etc. an experiment: record the set-up, circumstances, etc. a work of art: record the name, artist, reference (museum, recording, etc.). Step 4: Working on the Project Throughout the project, ensure that you are following the process below. 1. Reflect and Analyze Where are you in relation to your aim? Timeline? Has new information/research changed your approach? 2. Constructively Critique What roadblocks have you encountered? How have you worked through these challenges? What have you accomplished so far that you are most proud of? 3. Act Your Personal Project is a work in progress. You are encouraged to use your reflection, analysis, and critique to adjust and make changes to your work. Remember to meet regularly with your mentor and to manage your time wisely! Step 5: Submitting the Paper, Process Journal, and Product The nature of the contents of your report will vary depending on the type of Personal Project; however, all projects must include a structured piece of writing. Your written statement should include a critical reflection on the choice, development and completion of the Personal Project, and on its links to the area of interaction. These links should, of course, be evident throughout the project (e.g. poetry, art work, or special event), but your statement will allow you to step back from the product itself and develop your thoughts in relation to the area of interaction. Step 6: Assessment You will not receive a class grade for the Personal Project. However, submitting an acceptable Personal Project is one of the continuation requirements for the IB program. In other words, if you do not submit an acceptable Personal Project August, 2009, you may not continue into IB courses in grade 11.