What IS a SUCCESSFUL SCENARIO?
A Unique Enrichment Opportunity for Focused,
Independent Study by Gifted Students
Any possible Scenario will…
1…be based on an area of student strength and/or interest
2…involve an enriching challenge or “stretch” through
activities not available within the regular curriculum
3…involve a series of steps/goals which will be planned &
implemented by the student
4…result in a creative, original student product
Some SUCCESSFUL SCENARIOS created by previous Purpose Students:
Literary Genre Study
– A student researched the characteristics of three literary genres (fantasy, historical
fiction, and realistic fiction) and wrote an original short story in each genre.
~A student researched the lives and work of three science fiction writers (Bradbury,
Asimov, Herbert) and then wrote an original science fiction novella.
~POETRY STYLES~DRAMA~AUTHOR COMPARISON~LITERARY CRITICISM (Students may
choose to write in any of these styles and/or analyze the works of any past or present
poet or author.)
Cuisine/Chef Study
– A student researched three types of cuisine (Roman, French, and Chinese) and
created traditional meals using authentic recipes and ingredients.
~ A student studied three regional cuisines, researched the role of food in each
culture, and created meals from each.
~ A student compared traditional recipes and created modern adaptations.
~A student created a website with basic cooking tips and simple recipes for teens
Robotics and Programming
– Several students have built and programmed robots to solve real-world type
challenges. (ie. Create a robot to draw the lines on a sports field.)
~Other students have built and programmed robots to follow a maze or run a race
Bridge Builder
~A student used the West Point Bridge Designer Software to design and test several
different types of bridges, some of which he modeled after specific bridges which he
photographed in the city of Pittsburgh.
~A student learned and applied physics and engineering basics to design and build a
scale model replica of the “Golden Gate Bridge” using popsicle sticks and glue
SUCCESSFUL SCENARIOS created by previous Purpose Students, cont.
Animal Studies
~A student researched the temperament and care needs of a bearded dragon lizard
and the most reputable pet stores and breeders who sell them. He then went on to
purchase and raise the lizard as his pet while charting the animal’s growth and
behaviors. Ultimately, he created a website to advise others on how to best care for
this kind of pet.
~Several students have researched and compared a variety of breeds of cats, dogs,
horses and have created magazines or websites dedicated to the care, feeding and
enjoyment of them
~A student planned, charted, and reported on the training and care of her African
Grey Parrot that she raised from a chick; she showcased his speaking and other “tricks”
at the culmination of her project
Architecture Study
~Many students research a famous architect and several “Classic Styles” of
architecture before designing a “Dream House” using computer software.
– A student surveyed over 100 people about features that would be in their “dream
house” and designed a house based on the results of the survey.
~A student researched trends and techniques in “Green Architecture” and designed
an ecologically & energy efficient home
Artistic Style/artist Study
~Students often study the works of several painters, sculptors, or other media artists
in preparation for creating replicas of those works and, ultimately creating original
works of their own
~Some students have studied the styles and notable works of specific artistic time
periods (Renaissance, Impressionism, Cubism, etc.) and then have created original
works inspired by those styles
Intro to Computer Animation
~Students use an icon-based programming language to learn and apply computer
programming skills while creating original animations and games
“Mathcounts”
~Students work to figure-out at least 100 increasingly difficult math problems with the
option to compete/qualify in school, regional, and state-wide competitions
“My Museum:” Time capsule
~A student created and gathered a collection of photos, writings, and artifacts which
together showed her experiences as a 7th grader living in Western PA in the year 2009.
She “Catalogued” and described these items as if they were in a museum and being
looked at in the year 2109.
~A student created what she called her “100th Birthday Present” which included items
like the above time capsule, but which she would save & store until she (or her
descendants) would open it on her 100th birthday.
SUCCESSFUL SCENARIOS created by previous Purpose Students, cont.
Photographic Art Exploration
~Several students have had great success creating original photographic art inspired
by famous art photographers in various styles, such as surrealism, nature, portrait,
reflection, black and white, narrative photography.
~A student created a photo project on the concept “A picture is worth a thousand
words” in which she put photographs of her friends, school, and neighborhood
together to tell a story.
Scientific Studies/ Mythbusters
~Students follow the scientific method to research and perform experiments to prove or
disprove past or current “myths” and/or solve real-world problems
~After researching the dangers of food-borne illnesses, a student tested the antibacterial/anti-mold capabilities of common food preservation products such as plastic
wrap, aluminum foil, plastic containers, and refrigeration.
Screenwriter
~A 7th grade student adapted a favorite children’s book into a screen play for a short
movie, including “casting” the roles with known actors, photographing “set locations,”
and preparing a “story board” to present to potential producers. In 8th grade, this
same student, filmed & produced her screen play using peer actors and nearby locales
– A student wrote a script for a short movie and then filmed it in “Claymation” using
stop motion animation and voice-overs.
Wall Street Stock Study
~Students learn about the history and workings of the NYSE, different kinds of stocks,
how to track stocks, and create a “virtual portfolio” of stocks which they can track
throughout the year to determine if their virtual investment earns dividends or losses
World Traveler
~A student created a website which chronicled her family’s trip to India and included
tips for teens travelling internationally
~Several students have become “Virtual World Travelers” by researching the people,
history, and terrain of a country or region and planning out a time-line of events
and destinations for a “Virtual Trip.”
~A student became a “World Travel Agent” by researching the current costs of airfare,
lodging, clothing, and supplies necessary for a month-long tour of Europe. He created
an itinerary, supply/packing lists, and a budget for the trip.
Culture Creation
~Many students have channeled their creative energies into creating a fictional
culture (or “Tribe”) of people. Some examples have been “utopias” for worshippers of
chocolate, wolves, flowers, under-ocean living, and inter-planetary living. They
create the history, laws, customs, traditional costumes, and literature of their people.