6.1.1 Passion Project Introduction

Passion Project Introduction

Lesson 6.1.1

Learners can:

• identify and explain their Passion Project

• In this unit, you will complete a passion project that showcases your English skills while allowing you to pursue your own interests

• Another important part of this unit is reflecting on the progress you made this year

• Overall, this unit is about exploring something you care about and sharing it with others.

Unit 6 Intro

Poll

Which of the following school projects would you most like to complete?

• something related to books—I just want to read!

• something where I can share information with others, like recording a podcast

• something creative like making a film or writing a short story

• something related to research—I love to learn!

What is a Passion Project?

​Passion Projects are messy but in a good way! You might change your idea midway through or find that your first idea is leading you in an entirely different direction than you thought it would. That is okay! Just go with it and see where it leads you.

​Reflection has always been a part of your ELA course. That does not change with the Passion Project. As you work, you will reflect on the progress you are making, as well as what you are learning through the process.

​Passion Projects are more hands-on and engaging. You have the opportunity to be creative and get away from completing the standard five-paragraph essay that is typically found in an English course.

​A Passion Project is tailored to you. While there are some guidelines you will need to follow, you can choose what kind of project to complete, what you want to learn, and what you want to create.

• While the Passion Project is learner-centered and personalized, there are still some guidelines to follow. Your project will fall under one of the following categories:

  • Get Swept Up in a Story

  • Explore a Topic

  • Weave a Twisted Tale

  • Be a Relevant Reporter

• You can learn more about each category for the project by clicking on the + buttons on page 6 of edio

Categories

Guidelines

​Weave a Twisted Tale

Goals: ​

• Create a story or retell a tale by manipulating the plot of a story​.

• Use writing and imagery to engage the audience​.

• Discuss the reasoning behind changes made to the story​.

• Manage your time to complete the task.

​Be a Relevant Reporter

Goals: ​

• Research information about an important current event in the community or the world​.

• Read nonfiction independently​.

• Communicate relevant information to peers in an engaging way​.

• Manage your time to complete the task.

Explore a Topic

Goals: ​

• Research information about one of your interests​.

• Explore connections between interests and literature.

• Communicate relevant information to peers in an engaging way​.

• Manage your time to complete the task.

​Get Swept Up in a Story

Goals: ​

• Read fiction or poetry independently​.

• Communicate to others about the main points and literary elements found in your reading​.

• Convince others to read your book​.

• Manage your time to complete the task.

​You have two tasks for today.

1. First, you will select the topic of your Passion Project.

2. Then, you will determine what information or resources you need to help you complete your project.

Day 1 (Today)

Days 2 to 4 are work days. You will have the majority of the class period to work on your Passion Project. Remember, the goals are to explore something you are interested in and reflect on the process. While you will submit something on Day 4, it does not need to be a polished final product.

Days 2-4

If you need a few minutes on Day 4 to wrap up your project, you may take that time. However, you have two other tasks to complete.

1. Submit your Passion Project.

2. Reflect on your learning and creative process. This piece will take the majority of your time.

​Day 4

​Work Schedule

• The Passion Project will be graded on five domains: Reflection Log, Organization, Evidence, Information, and Conventions.

• If you would like a copy of the rubric, you can find it on page 8 of edio

Scoring for the Project

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• The rest of class is independent work time to choose your topic and complete the graphic organizer for your project.

• To start, you need to download the Passion Project Graphic Organizer from page 9 in your edio lesson and fill it out completely.

• After you finish, save your work and submit the completed graphic organizer on page 9 of your edio lesson

Topic Selection and Prep

• After you finish your graphic organizer and upload it to edio, the rest of class is time for you to complete the Knowledge Check in today's edio lesson

• If you have class time left over after you finish the graphic organizer and knowledge check, you can have choice time

  • iReady Reading Practice

  • Silent Reading

  • Overdue Edio Lessons

Wrap Up and Knowledge Check