The GT Independent Study Project (ISP) allows students to research a topic of their personal interest. Students will create an individual project to showcase their research and talents. The culminating event will be an ISP Showcase in the school library where students present their work to the public. Projects will be graded on depth of understanding, design and organization, inclusion of an interactive element, and overall impression. Students are expected to complete most work outside of class time. Note cards will also be required to document research and will contribute to the student's grade.

1. 2012 Gifted 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) where the public will be invited to enjoy the amazing talents and in-depth research 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.
Each student’s ISP is graded based on four categories:
1. Depth of Understanding/Knowledge
5 points- Depth of understanding surpasses same-aged 1 point- Depth of understanding is less than what can
peers. In-depth research of topic is evident.Knowledge be expected by same-aged peers. Research is broad,
of, and passion for topic isobvious. Interesting. unorganized, and not focused. Student is seemingly
uninterested in topic.
2. Eye Appeal/ Design/Display of Information
5 points-Project looks professional. Display is carefully 1 point- Project looks thrown together and
constructed and information is enhanced by design unorganized. Displayed information is scattered,
and eye appeal. Neat, organized, and readable. seemingly random, andmuddled. No thought to
design.
3. Interactive Element
5 points-Interactive elements invite the audience to 1 point- Project lacks any interactive element.
spend time with research and information. Engaging. Information is static, flat, and not interesting.
Enhances project and shows off creativity, Audience wants to skip over project.
individuality, and understanding.
4. Overall Impression
5 points- Project is informative, meaningful, and 1 point- Project leaves audience with the feeling that
appealing to the eye. Shows considerable care, the student simply didn’t care.
knowledge, and craft. Passion for topic is contagious.
Point Scale:
20-17= A
16-14= B
13-11= C
10-9= D
8-0= F
All projects and related project work will account for the majority of 4th Quarter’s grade.
Notecards: The major tool for independent student research will be note taking. Note card requirements will be an
additional 4th quarter grade.
6th Grade- 25 note cards (approximately 5 notes per card)
7th Grade- 30 note cards (approximately 5 notes per card)
8th Grade- 35 note cards (approximately 5 notes per card)