Step 2 Sample

📚 Passion Project – Step 2: Do the Research

Name: Jordan Taylor  Project Title: From Microwave Meals to Homemade Pasta
Project Option (Circle One): ✅ Learn a New Skill

✅ Research Goals:

In this step, your job is to find at least 3 reliable sources and learn as much as you can about your topic or skill. Try to include a variety of formats (e.g., article, video, interview, website, book, etc.).

📖 Source #1

Type of Source: Article
Title or Description: “How to Make Fresh Pasta from Scratch”
Author/Creator (if known): Emma Christensen
Website or Publication: The Kitchn
URL: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-fresh-pasta-from-scratch-734421
Key Takeaways / Notes:

• Making pasta only requires flour and eggs, but technique is key.
  
  

• Kneading and resting the dough is essential for elasticity.
  
  

• Rolling it thin enough takes patience; a pasta roller helps but isn't required.
  
  

📖 Source #2

Type of Source: YouTube Video
Title or Description: “Italian Grandma Makes Spaghetti from Scratch”
Author/Creator (if known): Pasta Grannies (YouTube Channel)
Website or Publication: YouTube
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5l6I0xP7XA
Key Takeaways / Notes:

• Watching the process helped me understand the texture and timing.
  
  

• The grandma added olive oil to her dough — some recipes vary.
  
  

• She cooked with confidence but didn’t rush — very helpful model to follow.
  
  

📖 Source #3

Type of Source: Interview
Title or Description: Interview with my Grandma
Author/Creator (if known): N/A – personal conversation
Website or Publication: N/A
URL: N/A
Key Takeaways / Notes:

• She recommends prepping all ingredients before starting.
  
  

• She uses fresh basil in her tomato sauce and prefers hand-crushed tomatoes.
  
  

• Her biggest advice: “Don’t be afraid to mess up. That’s how you learn to cook.”
  
  

✏️ Extra Source (Optional but encouraged!)

Type of Source: Cookbook
Title or Description: The Silver Spoon: Classic Italian Recipes
Author/Creator (if known): Phaidon Press
Website or Publication: Library book
URL: N/A
Key Takeaways / Notes:

• Learned about timing multiple dishes at once (pasta, sauce, bread).
  
  

• Found a garlic bread recipe I’ll try for my final project.
  
  

• It includes tips on seasoning and taste-testing while cooking.
  
  

💭 What Are You Starting to Learn or Notice?

Write 3 things you're learning that feel important or surprising:

1. Cooking from scratch takes time and planning—especially if you’re making multiple dishes.
   
   

2. Everyone has slightly different techniques, and that’s okay—it’s part of the fun.
   
   

3. You don’t need fancy equipment to cook well; you need patience and attention to detail.