1. 2013Gifted and Talented Independent Study Project
The GT Independent Study Project (ISP) is an interest based learning activity. The ISP caters to each student’s talents,
interests, and learning abilities. It provides students with an individualized learning experience and gives them the
opportunity to research something that they are passionate about. The culminating event will be an ISP Showcase (held
in the school library towards the end of 4th quarter) where the public will be invited to enjoy the amazing talents,
research and projects on display. Although some class time will be allowed for work on ISPs, students are expected to
complete much of the project on their own time.
Students: think of the ISP project as an opportunity to explore and create something you’ve always wanted to learn
about. This is not another History Day or Science Fair project! The ISP project allows you much more freedom to do what
you want. Along with in-depth research, your project will included some sort of related product. Unlike History Day or
Science Fair, this product doesn’t have to take the form of an informative trifold or backboard. Consider the options
below from past ISP projects that were particularly successful:
-compose an original song
-create a graphic novel
-create a portfolio of drawings or paintings
-build something: catapult, robot, invention
-computer related projects i.e. programming, website development
-develop and teach a lesson
-give a speech or other oratory
-embody a historic character and play the role
-create a sports playbook
-develop a method to design tee-shirts
-restore something old
-dissect something and display the inner workings of it
-do an art project i.e. sculpture, or painting
-create a book of poetry and actually make the book
-write a research paper
-put on a performance
-conduct an interview
-record a podcast
-make a movie
-start a business
This is not a complete list. Think about your interests and choose a topic subject and produce a product that aligns with
it! Feel free to work with me if you’re having trouble thinking of something to study.

2. All projects and related project work will account for the majority of 4th Quarter’s grade.
Your ISP is graded based on four categories:
1. Effort- You should be energetic and passionate about your subject and project. This enthusiasm will be apparent in an
“A” project. 5pts
2. Knowledge of Subject– You should be a ‘resident’ expert about your subject and project. Your expertise will be
apparent in an “A” project.5pts
3. Product- An “A” product is the result of in-depth research and hard work. You should be proud of your creation and
happy to display your product during ISP night. 5pts
4. Overall impression- An “A” ISP project should reflect care, dedication, and your best work.5pts
Point Scale:
20-17= A
16-14= B
13-11= C
10-9= D
8-0= F
Notecards: The major tool for independent student research will be note taking. Note card requirements will be an
additional 4th quarter grade. Note cards and research CPU lab time will be provided All note cards must be handwritten
in your own words (not plagiarized!)
6th Grade- 20 note cards (approximately 5 notes per card)
7th Grade- 25 note cards (approximately 5 notes per card)
8th Grade- 30 note cards (approximately 5 notes per card)
Student Checklist:
1. Topic:
2. Product:
Parent Signature
Student Signature