Research shows that students learn best when they are engaged and in charge of their own learning. As 8th graders, STEM kids have the opportunity to decide on their own project-based learning for the 4th quarter (their last quarter of STEM).

Interest projects are selected during the 3rd quarter when students are given a list of "possible ideas". This is simply to get students started, but they are encourage to consider any project of interest, even if not on the list.

Students have the option to work individually, with a partner, or as a whole class group. Guidelines and projects requirements are based off of the final project outcomes goals and students are involved in the process of outlining their own project requirements. This gives them ownership of their own projects while also giving them a clear path of success.