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Independent Inquiry Program
Your curiosity will drive your journey to discover more about the world around you with guided checkpoints along the way. You will have an opportunity to explore 'the high adventure' of learning when it is defined under your own terms and driven by your questions of investigation.
Tentative Title
STEAM INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Delivery Model
Students will meet weekly during the After School program; or, daily during the Summer Program.
Learner Characteristics
STEAM Independent Project is open to any students ages 10-15 who demonstrate a passion for learning, a desire to ask questions and willingness to find the answers. They must also be creative, self-driven, and open to problem-solving.
Prerequisites
Personal Inquiry Statement
Purpose of the Program
This is an innovative program offers kids an opportunity to pursue personal interests and further investigative research skills in STEAM areas to promote the joy in the "High Adventure" of learning and inquiry and be paired with mentors in the field to support their investigation in topics beyond levels presented in a regular school day. Students will deepen scientific understanding and comprehension; nurture Engineering Design Process skills; explore humanities; and develop learning plans in order to build a strong foundation in knowing how to find answers to their own questions.
Overall Learner Outcomes
Using inquiry methods to investigate interests, students will strengthen research skills; develop and nurture ideas and skills to promote higher education; develop a foundation of collaboration; increase critical thinking and problem solving skills; present findings to peers, teachers, interested partners, business leaders and community and civic groups.
Anticipated Timeline
Launch Summer Enrichment with at least 16 students during the school year. Future development pending for After-School program.
Content Standards
Illinois Science Standards
STATE GOAL 11: Understand the process of scientific Inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems.
STATE GOAL 13: Understand the relationships among science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts.
The New Illinois Learning Standards for English Language Arts
CC.K-12.W.R.1 Text Types and Purposes: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
CC.K-12.W.R.2 Text Types and Purposes: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
CC.K-12.W.R.6 Production and Distribution of Writing: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
CC.K-12.W.R.7 Research to Build and Present Knowledge: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
CC.K-12.W.R.8 Research to Build and Present Knowledge: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.
CC.K-12.W.R.9 Research to Build and Present Knowledge: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CC.K-12.SL.1 Comprehension and Collaboration: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CC.K-12.SL.2 Comprehension and Collaboration: Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
CC.K-12.SL.4 Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CC.K-12.SL.5 Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations