Renaissance
Passion Project
Renaissance Project
A “renaissance person” is someone who is curious about
the world – so curious that he or she is constantly
learning, stretching to know as much as possible about all
kinds of things! The purpose of this project is for you to
explore something that you are interested in or curious
about. You might choose a project to solve a problem or
answer a question that you have observed.
As you complete your project, you will
have a chance to develop and
demonstrate:
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How you think
How you write
How you plan and organize your work
How you manage your time
The care you put into your work
Your enthusiasm for learning.
You will use the Planning Guide pages (blue) to get started and organize your
project in a notebook.
You will follow the research process completing the How to Do Research
Template (gold).
You will use the Renaissance Project Requirements page (yellow) to see what
you must include in your project and check off the activities as you complete
them.
You will keep track of what you do on the Progress Log page (orange). Every
time you attempt to make progress or do an activity, record it in your log.
You will keep track of the resources you use on the Resources and NoteTaking page (white). For each source, write a bibliography and take notes of
important details. Use the How to Write Your Sources pages (green) to know
how to write your bibliographies.
You will review the Assessment Rubric (purple) to double check your readiness
to present to the class.
Blue Planning Pages
Step I: BRAINSTORM
Make a list of a few things you might like to do for your Renaissance
Project.
Step II: CHOOSE
Write which topic you think you will do:
Step III: EXPLORE YOUR TOPIC
Read about your topic: Use an encyclopedia or other resource and spend
two 15-minute periods reading about your topic. Write down any ideas you
get for your project.
Choose a person who shares your interest. This could be a published author
or another expert on the topic. Plan to include this person's life and work in
your presentation.
Mindmap or list ideas: Make a mindmap or list with ideas for your project.
Think of all the different types of activities that would be fun to do that
relate to your topic.
Get ideas from others: Do a conference with 2 other kids. Ask them for
ideas of activities you could do for your project.
Step IV: MAKE A PLAN
Think about your presentation: Imagine what you might like to do to share
what you learn with the class. Take them on a field trip? Teach them
something? Do a play? Bring in guests? Set up an activity that includes the
whole class?
Write an Action Plan Essay: Write an essay that answers the following
questions. Use a new paragraph for each question. You may add any
information you wish, but you MUST answer these questions:
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ACTION PLAN ESSAY:
What is your project and who shares this interest? (What topic will you
explore?)
Why do you want to do this project? Why is your project worth doing?
What do you think you will do for your presentation?
What will you do first to get started on your project?
What are the next steps you think you will do?
What resources do you need to do your project? (People to contact,
books to read, field trips to set up, things to learn, etc.)
What parts of your project do you think will be hard to do, and will you
overcome these difficulties?
GETTING STARTED!
Step I: Read the Renaissance Project Requirements Pages.
Step II: Begin your research.
Read and review How To Do Research
As you work, keep a log of what you do by filling out the Progress Log
Paqe with the date and activity you did.
On the Resource and Note-takinq Page write down each source as you use
it and take notes. Refer to the "How to Write Your Sources" page so you
know how to write a bibliography.
How To Do Research
_____This is my research question:
_____ I have prepared key words to search for information.
These are my three key words:
1.
2.
3.
_____ I have used my search words to locate different types of information.
_____ I have made photocopies of everything that I think I will use in my
Research Paper. Sources could be: Books, Videos, Articles, Encyclopedias,
Magazines, Newspapers, Internet.
Renaissance Project Requirements
Part 1: Complete The Blue Planning Pages
____ I have completed my brainstorming, chosen a topic and person, and
explored my topic (reading and writing for at least 30 minutes)
____ I have made a mind map or a list of my ideas and have conferenced with
two other kids to get ideas.
____ I have made a plan and have written my Action Plan Essay. I have kept
this essay in my notebook.
Part 2: Researching My Topic Checklist
____ I have kept my notes and papers organized in a folder or notebook.
____ I have completed the How to Do Research page.
____ I have found seven sources of information from a variety of sources
(Internet, encyclopedia, magazines, books, newspapers).
____ I have kept track of my resources and notes on the Resource and
Note-taking Page.
____ I have contacted three people in writing before March 26th about my
Renaissance Project (print outs of written emails, letters to organizations,
etc.).
____ I have kept track of my work on the Progress Log Page.
____ I have written my research paper about my topic, included information
about a person who shares my interest and written at least 1,800 words.
Part 3: Designing My Presentation:
___ I have chosen a form of presentation.
(Circle one)
Posterboard Powerpoint Video Photostory Other
(In addition to your presentation, you can take the class on a field trip and/or
bring in guest speakers. The sky is the limit -- have fun!)
____ I have chosen _________________, who shares my interest, and
prepared how I will share about this person's life and work.
____ I have prepared to explain what I have read and will let my audience
know where I found my information.
____ I have practiced my presentation to stay focused on the important
information and it takes _____ minutes to complete.
____ I have prepared how I will involve the audience.
____ During my Renaissance project, I solved a problem by
______________________.
Progress Log Page
On this page, keep track of what you do for your
project.
Date
What I Did
Resources and Note-taking Page
0n this page, keep track of resources that you use while doing your Renaissance
Project. Print out or photo copy all of the resources that you will be using for
your research and add it to your notebook. Include people, videos, books,
encyclopedias, dictionaries, technology, magazines, newspapers, radio, TV,
pamphlets, etc. Use the example form page so you know how to write each one.
Use 7 resources.
Bibliography
Bibliography
Source 1
Source 1
Notes
Notes
Criteria for an Excellent Renaissance Project Research Paper
1. Cover Page: This is the first page of your paper. It should have:
• Title
• Date
• Your Name
2. Dedication: This is usually the second page.
3. The paper should be at least 1,800 words and have all of these parts:
• Introduction
• Body of Details (as many paragraphs as needed)
• Conclusion
4. Glossary of Terms
5. Bibliography (these are your 7 sources!)
6. One diagram (can be anywhere in the report)
7. At least one picture (can be anywhere in the report)
Renaissance Project Research Paper Outline (1800 Words)
Cover page
Title of your project
Date
Your name
Dedication page
Who would you like to dedicate this project to?
Introduction
Grab the attention of your audience
Tell your audience what you researched
Preview the information your audience will learn from reading your paper
Body Paragraphs
As many paragraphs as you need to fully present your information
Be sure to include a paragraph about the person who shares your passion
You share why you chose to research this topic
What are the most important things to know about your topic?
What are your key points?
You might include a brief history of your topic
Conclusion
Restates main points
Provides a “so what?”
Tells what you learned about your topic and how this information will affect
your actions in the future
Glossary of Terms
These should be terms used in your paper and relevant to your research topic
Check out a non-fiction book for a sample!
This should be a separate page
Bibliography
This is where you cite ALL your sources used
Be sure to use the proper format for each sources (see the handbook for
samples)
This should be a separate page
Diagram (one or more)
This is a diagram of anything that is important to your research topic
It may be a separate page or embedded in the paper
Picture (one or more)
This is a picture of anything that is important to your research topic
It may be a separate page of embedded in the paper
HOW TO WRITE YOUR SOURCES: Examples
(Note: Put all entries in alphabetical order. Indent any lines after the first one.)
Book/Pamphlet:
Author (last name first). Title. City where published: Publisher. copyright date.
Allen, Thomas B. Vanishing Wildlife of North America. Washington,
D.C.:
National Geographic Society, 1974.
Magazine/Periodical:
Author (last name first). "Title of article." Title of magazine Date (day
month
year): page numbers of the article.
Kanfer, Stefan. "Hear Any Good Books Lately?" Time 21 July 1986:
48-50
Encyclopedia:
"Title of article". Title of the reference book. Edition. Year published.
"Falcon and falconry." World Book-Encyclopedia. 2nd edition. 1980.
Newspaper:
"Title of article". Title of newspaper day month year, section: page.
"A School Without a Strike." Chicago Tribune 22 July 1986, sec
A:10.
Videotape or film:
Title. Type of medium (videotape, film, etc.) Production Company, year.
length.
The Grizzlies. Videotape. National Geographic Video, 1987, 60 min.
Computer CD-Roms:
Encyclopedia:
"Title of article." Title of Product. Edition or version. CD-ROM. City:
Publisher, date.
"Japan." Cartopedia. CD-Rom. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1955.
Magazine:
Author, "Tile of article." Magazine Title date: pages. Title of Product.
CD-ROM. City: Publisher, date.
Gray, Robert. "Do You Believe in Dragons?" Ranqer Rick Oct. 1933:
21-29. SIRS Discoverer. CD-ROM. Boca Raton: SIRS, Inc., fall 1996.
Personal Interview:
Name of person, Personal interview. day month year.
Doe , Jane. Personal Interview. 16 Sept 1999.
Television/Radio:
"Title." Name of Program. Station, day month year.
"Latch-Key Kids." Hour Maqazine.
CBS, 15 Nov. 1983.
6th Grade Renaissance Project Rubric
Planning (20%)
1 2 3 4 Your blue planning pages, Progress Log Page, and How to Do Research
Template are well written and complete. You kept notes and papers
organized in a folder or notebook.
1 2 3 4 Your Action Plan Essay is well written and complete.
1 2 3 4 You have seven sources of information from a variety of sources (Internet,
encyclopedia, magazines, books, newspapers). You have kept track of your
resources on the Resource and Note-taking Page.
1 2 3 4 You have contacted three people in writing before May 1st about your
Renaissance Project (print out of written emails, letter to organizations,
and possible responses).
1 2 3 4 You met all deadlines.
6th Grade Renaissance Project Rubric -- continued
Paper (40%)
1 2 3 4 You included a cover page and a thoughtful dedication.
1 2 3 4 Your introduction grabbed your audience’s attention, stated your topic and
previewed the information in your paper.
1 2 3 4 The body of your paper includes paragraphs on the person who shares your
passion, why you chose this topic, all key points, and any other information
necessary to get your point across.
1 2 3 4 Your conclusion restates your main point and tells what you learned about
your topic and how this information will affect your actions in the future.
1 2 3 4 Your glossary of terms is correctly formatted and complete.
1 2 3 4 Your bibliography cites all your sources and is properly formatted.
1 2 3 4 You have included at least one diagram and one picture that help your
reader understand your topic.
1 2 3 4 Your paper shows understanding of proper conventions.
1 2 3 4 Your paper shows evidence of thoughtful research.
1 2 3 4 The final draft of your paper is carefully formatted with attention to detail
and a professional appearance.
6th Grade Renaissance Project Rubric -- continued
Presentation (40%)
1 2 3 4 You have completed a PowerPoint, Posterboard, or other visual.
1 2 3 4 You used your visual effectively to highlight your main points, engage your
audience, and lead your audience to greater understanding of your topic.
1 2 3 4 You clearly explained why you are passionate about this topic.
1 2 3 4 You shared about a person who shares your passion.
1 2 3 4 You explained what you have read and let your audience know where you
found the information.
1 2 3 4 Your presentation stayed focused on the important information.
1 2 3 4 You involved your audience in your presentation and kept their interest.
1 2 3 4 You were able to answer their questions.
1 2 3 4 You used effective presentation techniques (appropriate voice level,
speed, most of your presentation is memorized).
1 2 3 4 You were well-prepared for your presentation and have all necessary
materials.
How We Will Support 6th Years at School
• Regular 6th year meetings
• One-on-one student-teacher conferences
• Deadlines for accountability
• Templates/outlines and other accommodations as appropriate
• Communication with Learning Support teacher about project
and additional support from her.
Ways You Can Support Your Student at Home
• A regular time to work on the project (weekly?)
• Help with organization as necessary
• Access to resources (library, internet, community
resources)
• Accountability for deadlines (print calendar and put
in on the fridge/family calendar, etc.)
• Regular communication
• Let them know you are there to support them!