Parents and Guardians,
The following was posted to Middle School Language Arts Google Classroom classes this afternoon as a broad look forward at our next two weeks of distance learning. I hope sharing it here will allow you to engage your student in conversation about his or her Passion Project research.
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Salutations, and happy end of the week! I hope you have made time to take care of yourself during distance learning. Today, and every day, I encourage you to do something that brings you joy. Go outside. Play a game. Write. Make art. Stick your head out a window and SING, and let your neighbors think you’re weird. I know that stay-at-home life isn’t what we’re used to, but remember that you’re in control. Make time for happiness.
Speaking of happiness, I hope you’re enjoying engaging with your Passion Project topic. We’ve learned a wealth of skills so far: conducting preliminary research, concept mapping, writing varied and open-ended research questions, assessing source credibility, constructing and formatting a works cited page for multiple source types…and last but certainly not least, reading for information.
Next week, we’ll move into the research note taking part of our process. You might be thinking: I know how to take notes. I don’t need a lesson on this. But be encouraged! Research note taking is all about separating the wheat from the chaff (there’s an idiom for you…look it up) and organizing said wheat into carefully constructed research categories. Research note taking is a skill that will serve you in every future research project you take on, no matter the class or level. More information to come about this on Monday.
I also want you to start thinking about the type of product that could best showcase your Passion Project research. Remember, this entire endeavor has been about the research PROCESS, so your product can really be your own. Think about what fits with both your topic and your personality/style. Will you teach your classmates using a traditional presentation (either pre recorded on Loom or live on Zoom)? Will you create a podcast episode? Will you go more visual and use your graphic design skills to create an infographic? Or could a more tangible product work with your topic like a diorama or a piece of art? In true Summit style, the sky’s the limit for your end product. When it’s time to propose your product (probably near the end of next week), I’ll simply ask you to share what you plan to do and how that will allow you to showcase what you’ve learned in a thorough and engaging way.
One expectation will hold true regardless of what you choose to create: your audience will be larger than just me. Passion Projects are all about learning from each other. Even in a digital environment, I want you to connect with your peers. Experience the joy of learning about your classmates and what they love. So, start thinking about creative options. Next week, we’ll work together to brainstorm a list of products that could work in a digital environment, and the week after next, you’ll create your product of choice. Stay tuned for details.
I’m so proud of the effort you’ve been giving this unit. Your critical thinking skills are on display with every assignment you submit. Keep up the great work as we move into the final weeks of our Passion Project work, and enjoy your long weekend!
Ms. Brown
