20% Time - How Does It Work?

How does the 20% Project Work?

Brainstorming

At the beginning of the project, students will begin brainstorming ideas for a project proposal. I would prefer, due to the limited time we have allotted, that students work alone on a project that REALLY interests YOU!  But, I will consider proposals to allow you to work in small teams, no larger than 3 students. (EACH student must submit their own proposal)

While brainstorming, I will encourage you to make the project “Product Focused.” At the end of the semester I want you to have made something that is a completed product. It could be a physical product like a graphic novel or a balloon that takes photos from the stratosphere. It could be an organization or service as someone might choose for an Eagle Scout project. It could also be a digital project like a short film or video game. My point here is that I want you to quickly move from the idea phase of this project to the producing phase. 

Proposal

Once the individual (or team) has an idea of what project they want to pursue, they begin writing the proposal. This is how the team will “pitch” the project to me. In this proposal, students will answer the following questions. Proposals are due to be emailed to me by Tuesday, May 9th @11:00am. Share a Google Doc.

Address each of these in your proposal:

• What is your project?
• Who will work with you on this project?
• Who is the audience / user base / client base for this project?
• Why is this project worthwhile?
• What do you expect to learn from this project?
• What PRODUCT will you have to show at the end of the project?
• What sort of expenses will be involved in your project and how will you cover them?
• What sort of equipment will you need and where will you get it?
• What is your timeline for completing (or launching) your project?

The Blog

Each week every member of every team is required to write at least one public blog post (Blogger) where students discuss their progress. They write about what happened over the past week, what they learned, what challenges they faced, and what they anticipate in the future. Each blog post must be at least 150 words written in Standard American English and contain a related image that is posted without infringing on anyone's copyright.