Engineering Passion Project Information

What is the Passion Project? ...Where student passions come to life!

Video on Passion Project Explanation

Passion Project is based on the concept of the Google 20% project - which states that if people are given time to work on projects that interest them- they will be more productive overall. My hope is that this time will allow you to research a science topic that you have not been giving an opportunity to study in class. String theory, black holes, microbiology, crime scene forensics, ocean life, how motors work, how airplanes have developed over history, how to program computers, what is the polar vortex and why is it making the winter season terrible - the possibilities are endless! I would like you to research something you are interested and wish to learn more about!

Newsela is a website that has articles that might interest you in your Genius Hour Project. Here is the website:

Click this Link

The Chicago Tribune newspaper has an online version for teens- a great place to find ideas

Click this Link

Timeframe: Passion Projects will last about 5 weeks in length. Through each semester, you will be learning how to research with Mrs. Fager, Mrs. Pinkus, Mrs. Squires, and our reading specialist, Mrs. Homel. You need a good foundation of research skills so that you can spend your time wisely and be efficient!

Places to find Passion Projects Topic Ideas:

Here is a link to some youtube videos that another teacher who used the Passion Project in his classroom has put together - they may inspire you...

Click this Link

Not sure what type of traditional research you want to do? Here are some activities that might be of interest to you.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Research a famous person and see how they got their career and what they do everyday at their job.

Would you like to create your own invention? That would be a great genius hour project. Tell us how you thought of it, how you made it and why people need it.

Another cool idea - create a video public service announcement (PSA) for example - is plastic bad for us? Should we stop using it- why? How about sun tanning- good or bad? Should you go to tanning beds? Warn other kids of dangers that are around us that we might not know about!

Make sure you communicate with Mrs Fager if there is any confusion. :)