Passion Project- A K12 Project with Intergenerational Reach

Passion Project- SWS K12

What is your passion?

This is a new initiative. We are currently not enrolling students but are "beta-testing" the need and format. At a later date, we hope to invite a wider audience into this program.

Passion projects in K-12 education are student-driven initiatives where students explore a subject or a topic of their own interest, separate from the standard curriculum. These projects are a form of inquiry-based learning and are known by various names such as Genius Hour or 20% time in different educational settings. The core idea behind passion projects is to allow students the freedom to choose what they learn, fostering engagement and investment in their education. Passion Project Video - Genius Hour

Part of our mission at STEAMwSeniors is to bridge the generations. We hope students that participate with us can share their projects with multiple generations, as well as has find mentorship opportunities with experienced adults - young and old. Intergenerational collaboration builds community and health and wellness for all participants.

Although projects are owned by individual students, we hope they will be shared in some capacity with the STEAMwSeniors community - through research, volunteer opportunities, life enrichment, curriculum, and/or intergenerational program development. The possibilities to make an impact on the wider community are endless!

The process of undertaking a passion project typically involves several key steps:

Identifying a Passion or Interest: Students start by reflecting on their interests, hobbies, or issues they care about in their community or the world. This could be anything from a favorite academic subject, a hobby they enjoy, to a social issue they wish to address. The ideas are endless.
Formulating a Burning Question: The next step is to develop a specific, in-depth question related to the chosen topic. These questions should ideally be complex, requiring more than a simple internet search to answer.
Selecting Resources for Research: Students then gather information from various sources, including books, articles, websites, and interviews with experts. The idea is to use diverse resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Choosing a Product or Outcome: Based on their research, students create a tangible product, such as a presentation, a model or prototype, an art piece, a program, or a digital project, etc. The choice of product should align with the research question and the intended audience.
Developing and Submitting a Project Proposal: Students will submit a project proposal outlining the project's name, the central question, resources, target audience, and the planned product. This is intended to be fun and engaging, and not to bog students down. Modifications to the proposal format is tailored to the student.
Researching and Creating the Product/Service: Students engage in research and then create their product/service. This stage can involve experimentation, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Sharing the Project: Finally, students present their projects, sharing their findings and creations with classmates, peers, and the broader community through various mediums - face-to-face and virtual. It is hoped that the sharing can go beyond just the presentation - through research, volunteer opportunities, life enrichment, curriculum, and/or intergenerational program development.

Passion projects have several benefits, including enhancing creativity, allowing for personal growth, and giving students the opportunity to delve into topics of personal interest. They also encourage students to develop skills that may not be covered in traditional academic settings. All projects have the potential to have a greater impact beyond the self! Additionally, high school students may find these beneficial for college admission applications and grant opportunities - as they demonstrate personal initiative, creativity, and passion.

Improve Your Knowledge and Share Intergenerationally

Elementary

Middle School

Elementary School

(Grades 1-5)

Syllabus

Sample Outline

(Passion Projects are tailored to individual students. This is a sample only - the actual project design may resemble this, or it may be completely different. One size does not fit all)

Course Title: Explorers of Passion - Discovering Our Interests

(Grades 3-5)

Description: This project encourages students to explore their own interests, hobbies, and concerns through individualized projects. It is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning outside the standard curriculum.

To be successful, you need to be self-motivated.

Course Objectives:

Identify personal interests and passions.
Develop inquiry skills by formulating complex, non-Googleable questions.
Research using diverse sources, including books, interviews, and digital media.
Create a tangible product that represents their understanding and exploration.
Present findings to others

Week 1-2: Introduction to Passion Projects; Identifying Interests and Passions

Activities: Brainstorming sessions, interest surveys, discussions.
Utilize the Stanford.d.school Design Thinking Process

Week 3-4: Formulating the Burning Question

Activities: Workshop on creating deep questions, peer-review sessions.

Week 5-7: Research and Exploration

Activities: Library visits, expert interviews, research presentations.

Week 8-10: Creating the Project

Activities: Hands-on workshops, art and technology integration.

Week 11-12: Presentation and Sharing

Activities: Preparing presentations, peer feedback, final presentations.
Multigenerational and intergenerational sharing

Evaluation: Based on project proposal, research process, final product, and presentation. No traditional grades: feedback focused on effort, creativity, and learning process.

Strong self-evaluation component.

Additional Notes:

Mentorship: Students may be paired with mentors who have expertise in the chosen area of interest.
Community Involvement: Encouraged to connect with local organizations or communities relevant to their project.
Reflection and Growth: Emphasis on personal growth, learning from challenges, and developing a growth mindset.

Middle School

Middle School

(Grades 6-8) Syllabus

Sample Outline

(Passion Projects are tailored to individual students. This is a sample only - the actual project design may resemble this, or it may be completely different. One size does not fit all)

Course Title: Young Innovators - Pursuing Passions

(Grades 6-8)

Description: This project allows middle school students to delve deeper into their personal interests or concerns, developing critical thinking and research skills. Students will produce a project that reflects their understanding and passion.

To be successful, you need to be self-motivated.

Course Objectives:

Deepen understanding of personal interests.
Enhance research skills using a variety of sources.
Develop a well-thought-out project that represents their exploration.
Learn to present effectively and confidently.

Week 1-2: Understanding Passion Projects; Identifying Areas of Interest

Activities: Discussions on passion projects, individual and group brainstorming.
Utilize the Stanford.d.school Design Thinking Process

Week 3-5: In-depth Research and Question Development

Activities: Advanced research techniques, identifying credible sources, guest speakers.

Week 6-8: Project Development

Activities: Workshops on various project types (digital, art, science, etc.)

Week 9-11: Refining and Finalizing Projects

Activities: Peer reviews, teacher consultations, project revisions

Week 12: Presentation Week

Activities: Final project presentations, feedback sessions, reflection activities.
Multigenerational and intergenerational sharing

Evaluation: Based on project proposal, depth of research, creativity in project development, and effectiveness of presentation. No traditional grade.

Strong self-evaluation component.

Additional Notes:

Mentorship: Students may be paired with mentors who have expertise in the chosen area of interest.
Community Involvement: Encouraged to connect with local organizations or communities relevant to their project.
Reflection and Growth: Emphasis on personal growth, learning from challenges, and developing a growth mindset.

High School

Middle School

High School

High School

(Grades 9-12)

Syllabus

Sample Outline

(Passion Projects are tailored to individual students. This is a sample only - the actual project design may resemble this, or it may be completely different. One size does not fit all)

Course Title: Future Creators - Passion Projects for Real-World Impact

(Grades 9-12

Description: Tailored for high school students, this project focuses on developing independent projects that can make a real-world impact. Students will be guided to think critically, solve complex problems, and present their ideas effectively. This can serve as a great project to share on your college/university application.

Course Objectives:

Explore and refine personal and academic interests.
Conduct in-depth research using advanced methodologies.
Develop and execute a complex project with real-world applications.
Enhance presentation and communication skills.

To be successful, you need to be self-motivated.

Week 1-3: Introduction and Exploration of Interests

Activities: Self-assessment exercises, career exploration talks, identifying global and local issues.
Utilize the Stanford.d.school Design Thinking Process

Week 4-6: Developing the Passion Project Proposal

Activities: Workshops on writing effective proposals, mentor matching, peer brainstorming sessions.

Week 7-10: Advanced Research and Project Development

Activities: Field research, expert consultations, workshop on advanced project development (e.g., coding, scientific experiments, advanced art techniques).

Week 11-14: Project Execution and Refinement

Activities: Independent work with mentor guidance, group check-ins, project refinement workshops.

Week 15-16: Final Presentation and Community Sharing

Activities: Rehearsals, final presentations, community sharing events (e.g., school fair, online showcase).
Multigenerational and intergenerational sharing

Evaluation: Based on the comprehensiveness of the proposal, depth and rigor of research, innovation and creativity in project development, impact potential of the project, and effectiveness of the final presentation. No traditional grade

Strong self-evaluation component

Additional Notes:

Mentorship: Students may be paired with mentors who have expertise in the chosen area of interest.
Community Involvement: Encouraged to connect with local organizations or communities relevant to their project.
Reflection and Growth: Emphasis on personal growth, learning from challenges, and developing a growth mindset.

Content Standards and Passion Projects

Transform Your Future with STEAMwSeniors Inc Passion Projects

The standards and practices are derived from a combination of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), as well as the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Students.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS): These are educational standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (ELA) that outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. The CCSS were developed by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association (NGA) to ensure students across the country receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college and careers. They focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): Developed by a consortium of 26 states and several national organizations, the NGSS are a set of high-quality science education standards. These standards are rich in content and practice, with an emphasis on coherence and progression across grades K-12. They integrate three dimensions - disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts - to help students deeply understand the nature of science.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Students: These standards are designed to empower student voice and ensure that learning is a student-driven process of exploration, creativity, and discovery using technology. The ISTE Standards for Students provide a framework for learning, teaching, and leading that is amplified by technology, fostering skills and dispositions that are essential for future success. These standards emphasize the importance of students being empowered learners, digital citizens, knowledge constructors, innovative designers, computational thinkers, creative communicators, and global collaborators.

Broadly, these have been broken down and dissected to address broad STEAM standards, that address the 21st Century Workplace Skills. The standards addressed will vary, based upon the Passion Project chosen.

Apply problem-solving skills with critical thinking to explore STEM-related real-world challenges.
Identify and explain the steps in the core practices of science and engineering.
Conduct research to develop meaningful questions.
Define simple problem scenarios and scientific investigations.
Develop fundamental design solutions through various technologies.
Engage in experimentation.
Conduct increasing levels of mathematical modeling and data analysis.
Effectively communicate solutions and scientific explanations to others
Articulate how technology is used across a wide range of STEM disciplines following opportunities to explore STEM career fields and occupations.
Empowered Learner - Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving, and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.
Digital Citizens - Students recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical.
Knowledge Constructor - Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.
Innovative Designer - Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions.
Computational Thinker - Students develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions.
Creative Communicator - Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.
Global Collaborator - Students use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in teams locally and globally.

via Everett Public School. 21st Century Skills / 21st Century Skills (everettsd.org)

Getting Started With Passion Projects

Transform Your Future with STEAMwSeniors Inc Passion Projects

Questions to focus on in an interview to access interests. Modify to fit the age level of the students. These questions are a guide.

What topics/subjects/skills have you really enjoyed learning about in school?
What skill have you taught yourself, on your own, outside of school?
What was the last thing you felt curious enough about to investigate on your own?
What kind of books, magazine articles, blogs, or websites do you read, or podcasts do you listen to, for enjoyment?
If you could ask a remarkable person for advice, who would it be? What would you ask?
If you could plan a field trip anywhere, where would you go? What would you learn?
Which of these challenges do you find most engaging? Rank them in order from 1 to 7.

__ Figuring out how things work to fix them (for example: electronics, cars, appliances).

__ Understanding what makes people tick—their motives, experiences, and values.

__ Engaging in creative, imaginative thinking (creating a story, song, recipe, etc.).

__ Helping others with problems (for example: relationships, health, emotions).

__ Working with numbers and statistics to analyze information or solve problems.

__ Practicing hard to get good at something.

__ Exploring deep questions (for example: about the universe, the meaning of life, society).

Depending on the answers and the ordering of the challenges found to be most engaging, start to tailor a program and project ideas that would fit those areas of interest. See the GUIDE to help structure the learning and focus.

Passion Project- A K12 Project with Intergenerational Reach

Passion Project- SWS K12

Improve Your Knowledge and Share Intergenerationally

Elementary

Middle School

Middle School

Middle School

Middle School

Middle School

High School

Middle School

High School

Content Standards and Passion Projects

Transform Your Future with STEAMwSeniors Inc Passion Projects

Getting Started With Passion Projects

Transform Your Future with STEAMwSeniors Inc Passion Projects

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