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Empowering Unique Learners
Eighth-graders launch into learning with solar system capstone project
Katie Stalter


Miriam eighth-graders explored the solar system this spring for their middle school capstone project - and then they presented their research to others earlier in May.

“I thought the whole thing was cool,” said Addie, who researched the moon and its phases. “I found it time-consuming, but not hard.”

Mark, another eighth-grader, said he loves to learn about space. His favorite part was putting together his display board. Miles, too, said it was fun to build the display.

Students wrote an essay on their topic, created a visual aid for the presentation and developed an interactive activity to accompany it. 

“The purpose of the eighth-grade project is to push our kids toward independence as high school approaches, while also working on skills including research, time management and organization,” said Leslie Lockett, the middle school teacher who heads up the project.

They rotate each year between three topics - solar system, conservation and living history - and each year’s project includes the same three components.

Many find the scope of the project intimidating, Lockett said, but she meets with the students regularly to review important deadlines and walk them through each step before it’s due. The eighth-graders primarily work on the projects at home. 

“The challenges they face are similar to any typical student - time management, procrastination, etc., but they always rise to the challenge and feel proud of their hard work,” Lockett said.

Eighth-grader Tristan said, “We had our ups and downs, but it came out good in the end. I think everyone will love it.”

Tristan’s dad, Brian, said he was impressed with the process laid out by the teachers. “I think the way the school handled the whole plan for the project was very helpful,” he said, adding that the deadlines along the way helped keep his son on track.

“We had a lot of kids naturally interested in space, so it was a fun project for them,” Lockett said. 

Patrick researched Mars and said he came up with an activity right away - he used red kinetic sand to simulate the planet’s surface. He said, “I really liked finding fun facts that I didn’t already know.”
 

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