Intro to 20% ProjectsSecond Semester
Journal PromptWhat kind of work/school environment do you
thrive in: one that is structured and strict, one that is extremely laid back, or somewhere in between?
Explain your answer!
Question: What do Google, Apple, and 3M have in common?Yes, they are among the wealthiest
companies in the United StatesYes, they are among the top innovators of the
United StatesBut there is something else they all have in
common. . .their workplace!!!
How are their workplaces the same?They all follow the 20% time
programThis means, they are allowed
to spend 20% of their time each week (one day) working on their own side projects (whatever they want!!!)
The 20% time program has caused the following to come into existence:Gmail (Google)The post-it note (3M)Masking tape (3M)
Video Cliphttp://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwwdtQHqd9g
What does this have to do with us?We are going to be
implementing this 20% time program into our classroom (with some differences)
That means, that, each week, you will be given a day in class to work on whatever kind of project you want
At the end of each month, you will submit these projects to me for a SUMMATIVE grade
Question #1: What form does this project have to come in?
Answer: It can be almost anything!A paperA digital presentationArt (music, drawings,
graphic arts, etc.)A self-made movieThe sky is the limit!
Question #2: How will our time in class each week be monitored?
You will be expected before each “free” day to think of a goal that you want to set for yourself in relation to your project choice each week
At the end of class, you will be expected to reflect on whether or not you achieved that goal and why or why not (along with other questions). This will come in the form of an exit ticket.
Part of your grade also STRONGLY depends on how class time is being used to do your project.
Question #3: What do you exactly mean by “anything we want” for a topic?
Here’s some examples:Ever wonder why some people sit in the same seats for
classes, even when they’re not assigned? Research it!Still not sure what career you want to pursue after school or
want to learn more about your desired career? Now is the time to find out more!!!
Skilled in the arts and want to do a project based on a particular book/ song/ piece of art?
Always wanted to travel but weren’t sure where interesting places would be to go? Well, now’s your time!
Ever wanted to brush up on your knowledge of a particular subject of interest? Go for it!!!
Question #4: What is the timeline for this project?
You will always have Tuesday to work on this project
We will have the library signed out for most days
Your first 20% project will be due Monday, March 3rd, 2014.
That means you get a total of 5 work days in class (we have mid-winter break the week of the 17th)
Question #5: How are we going to be graded for this project if we are all doing different things?You will all be graded using the same rubricThese are the components on the rubric:
Use of time in class (25 points): Did you actually use the time, or were you talking to friends, playing on your phone, or doing work for another class or assignment? You will receive a participation grade out of 5 points for each work day.
Execution (25 points): Was there effort put in? Is it organized/ is there a method to your madness? If it is a visual project, is it aesthetically pleasing? Does this look just thrown together?
Exit tickets (25 points): You need to fill each one out at the end of each work day
Grammar/ Spelling (10 points)
Final Question: Why are we doing this? It seems random!ALL of college is about being able to manage
your own timeProfessors usually give you a list of due dates
at the beginning of the semester; it’s your job to keep them in mind
This is practice for college!
Goal for Today: Choose a topic!By the end of tomorrow, I want you to have
the focus to your project chosen, as well as a list of possible ideas on how to execute this focus (what form will the project take?)
This counts as one of your exit tickets.Have fun!!!
