Bonneville Elementay School

Great Brain Project

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Students can choose a topic of interest, do extensive research, and then prepare and give an oral report to their class. Applications are in the office.

A Note to Parents:

The idea is simple and easy to adopt. Each child is invited to become a "Great Brain" in a subject that interests him/her. This is done through intensive study over a period of weeks. When the child is ready, he/she signs up with the teacher to make a Great Brain presentation to classmates and invited guests. Following the presentation, the child's project is evaluated and the child is given the title "specialist," "expert," "mastermind," or "genius." Children are encouraged to use the public library, the internet or Bonneville library under the supervision of an adult.

LET'S GET STARTED!!!

STEP 1

Task Definition

At this step, the child will do the planning of the project. Do a survey of interests and list several subjects, which you may be interested in studying in depth. With parental help, choose the subject which is most appealing and offers the most promise of new discoveries for you. Be original—avoid common subjects like horses, cats, dogs, etc.

Establish a time line for completing the project. This project should take several weeks to complete. Prepare a journal where you can record your information. This will be turned in for review at the end of your Great Brain presentation, so it is important that you show your project's progression.

Decide on the type of product you want to make. For example, you may want to present a written report, computer presentation, a song, a video, a poem, etc. Choose something that you enjoy and that will be compatible with your subject.

Write a list of questions, which you would like to learn about your chosen subject. You can use these questions as an outline for collecting information. You may add to this list as you dig deeper and deeper into your subject.

STEP 2

Information Seeking Strategies

Brainstorm all the possible sources you can for finding out information about your subject. Remember to use print sources, electronic sources and human sources of information.

Now select the best sources for your topic.

STEP 3

Location and Access

During this step, you will need to find your sources. Schedule time to go to the library and seek out your sources. Make appointments for interviews. Review your timeline for completing the project. Visit the library, museums, exhibits, etc. and locate your sources. Check out the sources, if possible, or arrange for times to use them.

STEP 4

Use of Information

Read, watch, listen, cut and paste, ask questions and record the information you find about your topic in your journal. Do not copy the author's words. Make notes in your own words. Tell some of your own ideas. This is the step where you gather all information that you can.

Select the most important information, which you would like to share in your presentation.

Group the information together into an outline.

Keep a careful record of where you find each piece of interesting information. Write down your sources.

Review your plan to make sure you have all the information you need to make your product. Have you answered all of your questions? If you haven't, head back to step #2. How are you doing on your timeline? Keep in touch with your teacher to let them know how you are doing and if they can help you. Your parents are the best resource to help you have success so don't forget to keep them posted on your needs and what they can do to assist you.

STEP 5

Synthesis

Putting it all together is the final step. Develop an original product (e.g., a written report, a story, a poem, a piece of artwork, a video, a song, a power point presentation, etc.) to reflect your own thinking. You can make or collect audiovisual aids (e.g., pictures, posters, objects, etc.) to use in your presentation. Try to think of things you would like to see.

Now is the time for you to practice giving your presentation to family members in a loud and clear voice. Make sure to use your own words. Listen to suggestions for improvement and try again as many times as necessary. You would like this to be a polished presentation to present to your class.

Schedule a time with your teacher to present the project to your class. With your teacher's

permission, invite family, friends and others to hear your presentation.

Give the evaluation form to your teacher to complete after you have filled out the right side of the form. Now deliver your presentation to your class.

STEP 6

Evaluation

Take a deep breathe. Pat yourself on the back for all of your hard work. Then look back on your project and decide what you did really well and what you could improve on next time. Reflect upon both your product and the process you used. What did you learn from completing this project?

Examine and discuss the evaluation form with your teacher. Do the self-evaluation. Give the completed evaluation to the principal for recording purposes.

That was hard work! But it was worth it! Congratulations!

● Breakfast

● Lunch