If one wonders about the passions and imaginations in the minds of local 7th and 8th graders, the Personal-Interest-Projects (PIP) at the three Taconic & Green middle schools, were something to behold.
“The secret of PIP success is to ‘de-schoolarize’ the project, if that’s a word,” said Flood Brook teacher Cliff DeMarais. “The kids take all the skills they’ve learned in school and transfer them to researching, presenting and defending a topic of their own interest.The less involvement from teachers, the better.”
The results of the student effort was on full display at exhibitions held the first week of June at Flood Brook, The Dorset School, and Manchester Elementary Middle School. A group of students also volunteered to show their work to the T&G Board prior to the start of its June Meeting.
The students presented their work in varied formats. Some used iPads while others relied on poster boards illustrated with photographs, drawings and printed words. Teachers, fellow students and parents circulated through each exhibit asking probing questions, discussing the findings, and sampling the food samples when part of the show..
“It was joyful chaos,” offered one parent. “And I mean that in all the best ways.”
A casual stroll through each of the four showings revealed the panoply of interests explored: The History of Chess; Strawberry and Carrot Cupcakes; The Evolution of Professional Football, Skin Care Products; Computer Components, Homemade Drums and Bass Guitar; Animation; How Airfoils Produce Lift; International Foods; Music Production; Nursing; Make Your Own Video Game; Painting as Therapy; Wild Turkeys; The Origins of Spanish; The History of Women’s Fashion; Vincent Van Gogh; Juggling; Make Your Own Cheesecake; and How Does a Piano Work?
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
While food, sports, games, music, careers and products were prevalent, a number of students pursued a variety of social issues. Projects included what individuals can do to preserve our planet, a study of the death penalty, sleep deprivation in teens, endangered animals, and eating disorders.
Related to the subject of eating, one student explored The Two F’s: Family & Food. Not only does food connect family through conversations around the dinner table, the family preparation of the meal provides opportunities to bond while cooking together. Then there is the generational link as recipes are passed from grandparent to parent to child. All food for thought.
“I was very impressed with the work shown by our students,” said T&G Board Member David Chandler. “They communicated their project in a manner that showed knowledge, creativity, care, and critical thinking. Well done.”
(Photo above: MEMS student at the T&G Board PIP Presentation shows her study of the benefits of therapy painting. )
Dorset School 7th grader describes how airfoil creates lift for airplanes to T&G Board member David Chandler.
This Flood Brook middle school student wanted to find out how a piano makes sound.
The Dorset School's 7th grade math teacher Karen Mayne learns the art of making video games from one of her students.
This Flood Brook student loved cheesecake and learned how to make her own.
This MEMS student explores the art of music production for her Personal Interest Project.