Independent Education Project
Inspired by The Independent Project, this group supports teen homeschoolers as they each complete one major self-designed project.
Beginning in September, participants will meet every other week to clarify their goals and learning objectives, to discuss their progress, and to receive feedback from the Rise Out facilitator and from other group members. At the end of the year we’ll present our work to a small group of friends and family members.
In past years, Rise Out students in the Indie-Ed group have:
- built a quadrocopter
- recorded a solo EP
- begun the patent process on an original invention
- written a film script
- built a tiny house
- built a computer
- coded an alternative to iTunes
- launched a YouTube channel
- researched pre-Columbian Native American history
- designed and taught a physical education class
- started a nutrition education project for children at farmers' markets.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
> All meetings will be small groups of no more than 15 students.
> We’ll help you find outside resources related to your project, such as books, classes, workshops, web sites, research materials, or conferences that are open to teenagers.
> If possible, we’ll help you find a mentor. We are actively expanding our mentor network.
> Be willing to take initiative! You’ll need to design your own project and work on it on your own time. We’ll encourage you and help you move forward, but we can’t do the work for you.
> Share your findings, thoughts, and questions with the group as you go along, and provide feedback to other group members as they do the same.
FAQ
"What if I don’t have an idea for One Big Project?"
No problem – that’s the first thing we’ll talk about. You’ll get lots of encouragement with this.
"What if I start a project and then change my mind mid-year? Can I do something else?"
Evolution is expected: that’s how “real” scientists, artists, authors, etc. work.
"I’m shy/introverted/prefer to work alone. Do I have to share my work every meeting? What if I don’t have anything to say?"
We hope that once you’re sufficiently into your project you’ll feel differently, but we’ll never force you to talk if you don’t feel comfortable with it. Sometimes just listening to others can be educational. It’s very important that this be a safe space and that every single person feels welcome and included, even if some contribute more than others.
"How much outside work is required?"
That's up to you! You complete your project on your own time. In the past, some students have made their project the central focus of their year, while others have taken a more laid-back approach.
DETAILS:
Suggested age range: 13+
When and where: Every other Monday from 10:00-12:00 at The Democracy Center in Harvard Square (directions). Six sessions: Sept. 19, Oct. 3, Oct. 17, Oct. 31, Nov. 14, and Nov. 28, 2016. Note: Although students may register for one semester only, this will be offered again in the spring and students are encouraged to design projects that will take a year to complete.
Fee: $180/semester + $15 registration fee. Payment plans available. Fees waived for families with financial need. (Waivers and payment plan information.)
Photo credit: Laura Fokkena with Lawrence Black Cloud