Annapolis High School Parent Information Meeting March 22 Personal Project 2018-2019 Annapolis High School Parent Information Meeting March 22

By the end of our meeting I will: Explain the basics of the Personal Project Clarify the new timeline and deadlines (calendar) Explain how you can support your IB student Preview upcoming digital/hard copy resources

What is the Personal Project? The aims of Personal Project are to encourage and enable students to: participate in a sustained, self-directed inquiry within a global context generate creative new insights and develop deeper understandings through in- depth investigation demonstrate the skills, attitudes and knowledge required to complete a project over an extended period of time communicate effectively in a variety of situations demonstrate responsible action through, or as a result of, learning appreciate the process of learning and take pride in their accomplishments.

What does that look like? an original work of art or showcase a written piece of work on a special topic an original science experiment an invention a developed business plan a special event develop a new student or community organization organizing and running a fundraiser for a local charity/church/organization designing a website Explain to parents that there is no limit on student choice, but the goal is that whatever their student chooses to pursue it will challenge them, make them think, question and grow as a global learner.

How will your student get started? They will choose a topic or something they are very interested in They will find a Personal Project Supervisor (someone who is NOT a family member or friend, preferably a teacher at AHS, but it can be someone related to their P.P. interest) The will create a Process Journal. (This can be digital or hardcopy.) The PJ will be a place where they capture their brainstorming, planning, research, drafts, images, sketches, calculations, reflections, notes, etc. They will need approximately 15 FULL PAGE process journal entries. They will begin brainstorming/planning their Personal Project They will conduct initial research to better understand their PP topic, gather more information needed, find contacts/experts and other necessary resources. Explain to parents that the majority of this can start now at home and at school with their help, but that at the beginning of April when the PP is kicked-off they will have time in their English class to work through some of these initial steps.

Personal Project Process Journal Examples

Revised Timeline Kick-off/Launch mi-April (initial class time, approx. 2-3 class periods) Pre-Summer Check-in (late May/early June) We will check in with students to ensure they have done the following Chosen a topic Found a supervisor Conducted initial brainstorming/planning and research Created a plan of action Summer Students will be asked to use as much of their summer time to work on their Personal Project. Because each student needs to tackle their PP in their own way, they will need to devote time and energy to working on their product/outcome over the summer. Continue creating Process Journals If at all possible, meet with their supervisor. Back to School We will check-in with students again to see what they accomplished over summer break and to review their Process Journals Students will be encouraged to meet with their supervisors to go over what they completed and work on next steps Late Fall/Early Winter Up until Thanksgiving Break, students will have time to continue working on their PP (actual product/outcome, Process Journals, begin their Written Report). Ideally, students should be done with their project by the end of October. WINTER BREAK – From Nov. to Dec., students will have time (and need to) create their Written Report. This comprehensive packet will be what is submitted to IB and is due the WEEK BEFORE Winter Break. Revised Timeline Explain to parents that everything will be housed on Google through a Google Classroom, Website and Drive. Through the Google Site, parents will have access to all resources and documents and calendar their students will. Explain to parents that students will be working primarily through Google so they can work on their project wherever they are and they are less likely to lose the files. Additionally, tell them everything will be submitted digitally to me through Google at the time of final submission.

How can you support your IB student? Time Management Review timelines Make additional reminders, calendars, etc. Help provide and find time to your student to work on their Personal Project Become knowledgeable Ask questions!! Review all materials (digital and hardcopy) with your student Google site Personal Project Packet Google Calendar Be their cheerleader! Offer your help and support whenever you can Check in with them throughout the process Go into more detail for those bullet points.

Questions? Angela Speach, IB MYP Coordinator aspeach@aacps.org 410-266-5240 ext. 327 AHS Personal Project Google Site https://sites.google.com/aacps.org/ahspersonal project/home