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toc =Wiki Organization =  The York School Personal Project Student Handbook information is written in brown.

**Action items (due dates, forms etc.) are written in red.**

YOUR PROCESS JOURNAL ENTRIES SHOULD BE WRITTEN IN BLACK. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT EACH ENTRY IS PROPERLY DATED.

=Process Journal = = =  Maintain a process journal containing all your thoughts, decisions and actions. This document allows you to record your progress as you work on the project. It should be completed honestly and regularly to show how your project is developing. The process journal will also help you as you write the various sections of the report.

* //Adapted from MYP Personal Project Guidelines, Jan 2004//  The process journal should be written in each of the following stages of your personal project: Investigate, Design, Plan, Create and Evaluate.

**The process journal will be collected along with your written report on the due date for submission: December 11, 2009.**  The process journal is your account of the progress you make with the personal project. It is about:

a) What you are doing at that moment. b) What you are thinking c) What you are accomplishing d) How you are coping with each of the different stages of your project e) How well you are dealing with problems and what you are learning about yourself as a result f) What makes you happy, annoyed, angry, nervous, disappointed, proud g) It needs not contain only written material, you can use pictures, photos, sketches, checklists, recordings, anything which provides evidence of your planning and progress

For example:


 * Date || Thoughts/plans/challenges/decisions/accomplishments || Materials/Sources consulted ||

=Guiding Question=


 * How can I bring chinese pop music to the west? ||

=I. Investigation= Revisions to be made:
 * asian pop music ||

The concert is now an unrealistic dream again, The original plan was to hold a concert at the ACC and bring to Toronto one of Tawainese star. Now, I think the more realistic plan is to hold a small concert at the school or some other venue and have a small star come to the concert. Topic: Concert  <span style="font-size: 11pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">A Concert promotion takes time, contact agent, let them know what’s going on and then let them think of an appropriate time. As of now we are thinking of December 18 2009 to hold the concert. If the agent approves we have to book the venue at school and or some other place, promote the concert and have sponsors for the concert. Working has started with the concert and hopefully we will be ready. <span style="font-size: 11pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Resources will be from professional promoters. We have done some research on the Chinese population in Toronto and have already been to a concert held at the Air Canada Centre where a Chinese celebrity came, and the place was full. The celebrity chosen for the concert is as popular as the other one. Though there are other problems for example who will sponsor the concert? Last year when the Chinese celebrity came it was Rogers who sponsored the concert. There are many things which need to be planned out. <span style="font-size: 11pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">

<span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">
<span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**Part I: Brainstorming:**

[|Investigate_Brainstorming.pdf]

<span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**Part II: Some questions to consider**

Is there anything that you want to learn more about? That you’ve always wondered about? Are fascinated by? Is there anything that you’ve always wanted to learn to do? What are you interested in finding out about yourself? What challenge would you be willing to take? Have you traveled anywhere that changed your view of life? Where did you go? Have you ever experienced anything that changed your view of life? What was that experience? If you could go anywhere (country, city, building, behind the scenes) where would it be? If you could meet anyone, who would it be? Is there any deceased person that you wish that you had met? Who and why? Is there something in your culture/heritage to investigate, bring attention to, celebrate?

Do you have future aspirations? Describe them. Do you have any hobbies? What are they? Do you play any sports? Which ones? Do you participate in any competitive activities? What are they? Do you play any musical instruments? Which ones? If you don’t play any musical instruments, would you like to play any? Which ones? Have you developed any skills that you could use in your personal project? What are they? What are your major personal accomplishments? Why do you consider them accomplishments? Do you belong to any clubs, community organizations etc. that could be incorporated into your personal project? Which ones?
 * Part III:** **Questions to consider**

<span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">**NOW READ ALL THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN AND SEE IF YOU CAN MAKE MORE PROGRESS IN FINDING A SPECIFIC TOPIC FOR YOUR PERSONAL PROJECT. YOU MAY WANT TO DO THIS BY:

1. USING A MIND MAP VIA INSPIRATION OR BY HAND. YOUR MIND MAP** **WILL NEED TO BE SCANNED AND INSERTED INTO YOUR WIKI.**
 * 2. WRITE OUT ANSWERS ON LAPTOP OR BY HAND.**

1. Eliminate (cross out) any repetitive ideas 2. Eliminate any ideas that you really are NOT interested in pursuing 3. Put together any similar ideas 4. How can you relate your ideas to an Area of Interaction? Which one? Or two 5. Consider how relevant the ideas are to real life (are they doable?) 6. Consider the ideas most meaningful to you. Consider what, of yourself, you can bring to your ideas. 7. Can you formulate any questions about your ideas? Take a point of view? 8. Is your idea “researchable, interesting, realistic?

<span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">
 * BY NOW YOU SHOULD HAVE A MORE DIRECTED TOPIC FOR YOUR PERSONAL PROJECT. DO YOU HAVE ONE? WHAT IS IT?**

<span style="font-size: 90%; color: rgb(128,128,0);">1b) Areas of interaction [[image:tyspersonalproject:AoI.png caption="AoI.png"]]
[|Areas of interaction as lenses.doc]

<span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">1c) Focusing to a guiding question
<span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**WRITING THE GUIDING QUESTION**

A good guiding question is characterized by the following:

i) that prompts students to ask more questions ii) has multiple answers iii) ensures students learn content and do research iv) promotes deep thinking about an area of interaction v) not easily answered

Examples:

<span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**Topic** || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**Guiding Question** ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">Safety || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">‘How can I better design traffic flow around my school?’ ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">Poverty || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">‘How can I help reduce poverty in my city?’ ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">Sport Violence || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">‘How can I bring awareness to soccer violence and how can this be reduced?’ ||
 * THROUGH YOUR PERSONAL PROJECT YOU MUST ANSWER THE GUIDING QUESTION YOU CHOOSE ****.**

__<span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">** MYP PERSONAL PROJECT 2009 PROPOSED TOPIC ** __ <span style="color: rgb(255,0,0);"> ** THIS MUST BE COMPLETED BY Feb 25th **

1. My topic/area of interest is:

2. Briefly explain what inspired you to choose this topic.

3. Highlight applicable AOI

Environment Health and Social Education Community and Service Human Ingenuity

4. My guiding question is: (be as clear as possible).

5. Briefly explain how the above AOI(s) will be the focus of your project and how your guiding question is connected.

<span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">
<span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> Ask yourself the following questions: 1. What kind of information do I need to research? 2. Who has information about my topic? How do I contact people? 3. Where do I find the necessary material? 4. Do I need to interview individuals? 5. Do I have to carry out my own experiments? 6. Do I need to prepare, circulate and analyze surveys/questionnaires? 7. Do I need to visit a museum? Gallery? <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">Gathering the Necessary Material and Research ** When you have found a source of information and/or inspiration, you will have to decide how useful it is. The list of sources in your report should only include those you have actually used. <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">Write an annotated bibliography for each resource in the section below. <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> Remember to keep your personal project goal in mind. This will help you to select what is useful and relevant.
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">A book, journal, internet site: see **Bibliographic Resource tab** to the left.
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">An interview: record date of interview, name, address, title of person
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">A work of art: record name, artist, location of gallery/museum
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">An experiment: apparatus, circumstances

<span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">__1d) COLLECTING RESOURCES__ <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);"> Fill out this table below as you go... (at least 1 print source, 1 website, 1 interview) //List below:// || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">
 * <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">**Questions:** || <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">**Y/N** || <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">**Which resource addresses my guiding question, AoI,** ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">Have I collected a variety of resources?
 * <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">Are the resources enough to answer my question? || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">Do the resources support the area of interaction(s) || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">What changes could I make in my design(planning) and research to attain better results? || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> ||

=II. Design=

<span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**STAGE 2 DESIGNING THE PERSONAL PROJECT** After collecting and analyzing resources you are now in a position to make decisions about the best way to carry out your personal project.

Consider a table weighing out the different options you could take evaluating the pros and cons of each design option.

__**<span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">CHOOSING and APPLYING TECHNIQUES **__ <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(243,43,43);">Decide which design/technique you will use and write an explanation why you chose it.
 * <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">Design/Technique || <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">Pros || <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">Cons ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">1 || <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);"> || <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);"> ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">2 || <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);"> || <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);"> ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">3 || <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);"> || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> ||

What will my ideal Personal Project look like/be when it is completed?

= =

=III. Planning=

<span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);"> <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**STAGE 3 Planning the Personal Project **

After your research you are ready to plan how you will carry out your Personal Project.


 * Step 1:** Make a chronological list of steps you will take


 * Step 2:** Prepare a list of materials/resources needed and where and how you attain them (consider associated costs, people to consult and scheduling challenges if applicable).


 * Step 3:** Prepare a time line showing what you will do at each step (ie. A calendar or table itemizing action plans/anticipated results).


 * Step 4:** Include back up plans/alternatives should changes need to be made.

<span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);">Planning and Development Worksheet:
<span style="font-size: 130%; color: rgb(255,0,0);">__Due Date:__ April 29 <span style="color: rgb(255,0,0);">

//This is the first step of your project – to plan and to make a goal. Your goals and timelines may change throughout the project somewhat, but it is important to state and explain clearly the reasons for the changes in your process journal.//
 * You must complete this worksheet and share it with your supervisor at the your first meeting. At the end of the meeting both you and your supervisor will sign this sheet.**

Topic:

Focused Guiding Question/goal:

Area of Interaction (AoI): Justify and explain how your chosen personal project fits into the above stated AoI and guiding question. <span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(255,0,0);">D <span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(255,0,0);">escribe the process you will carry out to address your personal project guiding question <span style="color: rgb(255,0,0);"> Outline a detailed plan and timeline of what you hope to achieve. (Recognize plans can change, but only if there is a plan). You will want to take into account the deadlines that have already been set by the school (see page 2 of this guide)
 * <span style="color: rgb(255,0,0);">Plans || <span style="color: rgb(255,0,0);">Approximate Deadline ||

<span style="color: rgb(255,0,0);"> List __all__ the resources needed to carry out your personal project (this includes print sources, people, organizations, community services).

= = = = = =

= = = = =IV. Creation= <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**STAGE 4 CREATING the PERSONAL PROJECT**

After research, choosing the best technique and planning you are now ready to create your personal project.

Ask yourself the following:

Have I written in my process journal regularly? Have I taken photographs (if applicable) at various steps? Have I attained all the materials that I need?

= =

= =

= = = = = = =V. Evaluation and Reflection= <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> ** Writing the Personal Project Report <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);"> FIRST DRAFT DUE DATE: November 6th
 * STAGE 5 EVALUATING and REFLECTING
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**CONTENTS** || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">Yes or No ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have a contents page written with sections labeled introduction, description of research, process, analysis of process, conclusion, bibliography, appendices (if applicable). ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**INTRODUCTION** //Written in future tense approximately 1-1.5 pages// ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have clearly identified my goal within its context (i.e. WHY it is important), and some background on my inspiration towards the chosen project. || <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);"> ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have justified my choice of AoI focus. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have written a detailed outline of the steps taken to achieve my guiding questions, this includes a variety of resources (at least 1 print, 1 website, 1 interview). ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS** //Written in past tense approximately 1.5-2 pages// ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have described the possible techniques suitable to answering my guiding question and have justified my choice/technique. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have described my process clearly (all production steps/components) referring to my plan in the introduction. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**ANALYSIS** //Divide into 2 sections research analysis and process analysis// ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have reflected on the resources collected (design stage) to attain my project goal and the AoI chosen: emphasizing the value of the resources. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have considered if the AoI is well connected to the resources. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have supported my arguments thoughtfully with evidence. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have reviewed my goal: challenges and achievements. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have reviewed the process (plan and doing phase): considered the timelines, ease/challenge of 'doing': reliance upon others/experts, materials/equipment. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">Review if your chosen AoI is effective in your project process. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">//*Analysis is not description which is telling. Rather identifying factors that shaped the idea/point. It can be comparing and contrasting. It may also be understanding the significance.// ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**CONCLUSION** ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have analysed the outcome: the strengths or weaknesses in my final outcome/project? ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have considered how to improve upon the project. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have shared new insights gained about the project. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**BIBLIOGRAPHY** ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have completed an annotated bibliography following a format outlined in the Bibliographic Resources tab. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have correctly cited borrowed ideas in the text of my report. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT** ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have organized my work logically and clearly. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have met deadlines and made use of my process journal. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have shown enthusiasm and commitment. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have correctly cited borrowed ideas in the text of my report. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">**PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT** ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have organized my work logically and clearly. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have met deadlines and made use of my process journal. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have shown enthusiasm and commitment. ||  ||
 * <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">I have shown enthusiasm and commitment. ||  ||

WRITING the SECOND DRAFT and SUBSEQUENT DRAFTS <span style="color: rgb(128,128,0);">

Do not expect your first written version to suffice. Check your project with the ASSESSMENT CRITERIA and YOUR MENTOR.

Have the first draft read by, for example, a peer, a parent, or your mentor and ask for feedback. After consulting with one or all of the above persons you are ready to edit your draft. Remember that this draft should be as complete as possible and follow the structure outlined in section B of this booklet. The more editing the closer your report will likely meet the assessment rubric. <span style="color: rgb(243,43,43);"> FINAL COPY - DUE DECEMBER 12, 2008

The written piece should not exceed 4000 words.

=Resources and Bibliography=