THE BUILT-FOR-SUCCESS PROJECT PLANInspired by the Leslie Knope Project Preparedness Super-System concept from NBCs Parks & RecreationTABLE OF CONTENTSSupply Checklist - For Every Project Evaluating the Project Understanding the Subject Monthly Table Schedule Understanding the Rubric . Presentation Style .. Researching the Project Dividing Up Work Gathering Resources . Compiling Information Sharing Information with the Group .. Finding Informational Potholes . Finalizing the Information Finding Additional Information .. Creating a Report Creating a Study Sheet Creating a Bibliography .. Creating a Presentation Brainstorming Unique Ideas .. Researching/Finding New Mediumsand Methods .. Inserting Information from the Report Adding Animation, Artwork andDesigns .. Reviewing and Editing.. Practicing for the Final Presentation Dividing Up Individual Parts Rehearsing the Presentation .. Final Practice Before Presenting Night-Before Checklist . Presentation Day Final Words .12 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27If youre working on an individual project, skip this pageKEY:SUPPLY CHECKLISTFor Every Project ! Rubric ! Laptop ! Encylopedia / Textbooks ! Sharpies ! Colored Pencils ! Blank Posters ! Report Cover ! Glue Sticks ! Scissors ! Paper Cutter 2EVALUATING THE PROJECTUnderstanding the Subject You have just been assigned a new project. !roughout the time you have to work on and present or hand in your project, remember the following questions. 1. Do you have a group? 1. If yes:You may have to work with some di"cult or unwilling students.Make sure to be gentle with them, and if they are not actively involving themselves, try to encourage them and give them options of things to work on. You may also have an amazing group and may meet new people to bond over your fantastic presentation and the research you do together. 1. With friends:Sometimes it is hard to ask friends to do things di#erently or at all. Remember that they should be happy to listen to your advice and ideas! 2. If no:!is project should be a bit easier since you are in control. However, you may have to work di#erently and do parts you would normally not want to do in a group. 2. Do you have a partner? 1. If yes:You might have to work with a di"cult or unwilling student. It is harder to have an uncooperative partner than a group member because all of your in-school work will be with them. If they are distracting, try to keep them on track, and always make up lost time at home. Otherwise, take the opportunity of a good partner to make a new friend. You may nish early, and if that is the case, make sure to perfect your presentation and check facts again. 1. With a friend:If your friend is assigned as your partner, it will become easy to get distracted. Try to keep on track, but always make up lost time at home. 2. If no:Again, this project should be a bit easier since you are in control. However, you may have to work di#erently and do parts you would normally not want to do in a group. 3. Are you passionate about the subject you are working on? 1. If yes:Great! Make sure to use that passion during your presentation, and try to motivate your group or partner, if you have one, to become passionate and interested as well. 3EVALUATING THE PROJECT2. If no:It is hard to work on and research something you care little about. Try to make the best of it and keep an open mind; you may end up liking it. Just because you are assigned something such as !e History of the Wheel doesnt mean it must be as horrible as it sounds. 4. Do you have previous knowledge about the subject you are working on? 1. If yes: Use this knowledge, especially if it is something you are passionate about. You may amaze your teacher if you come across as if you could answer any question she/he asks about the subject. 2. If no:!is is a new learning experience for you. Use this opportunity to expand your horizons and become an expert in something new! 5. Do you have a deadline set for this project?1. If yes:!is is the day you either turn in or present your project. It is extremely important to remember this date, and never rush to nish the day before. Fill out the schedule on the next page to organize mini-due dates for things such as nish the bibliography by today and 1 week left to nish the powerpoint. 2. If no:If this is a project that is due, for example, by June, it is still important to create a schedule and plan to be nished well before then. 4EVALUATING THE PROJECTMonthly Table Schedule 5Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdayEVALUATING THE PROJECTUnderstanding the Rubric 1. Were you given a rubric when you were assigned this project? 1. If yes:!ats good. You now have important information that will help you understand what the teacher is asking from you. You may be graded out of, for example, twenty points, and you can earn up to ve points for how well you do in four di#erent categories. !ose categories could be information accuracy, presentation, etc. 2. If no:!is means it is up to you to think to yourself and convey to your group that it is important to not only give a good presentation but make sure spelling and grammar is correct and to double-check facts, as well as hitting any major topics within your broad subject. Make sure you look over the rubric multiple times during your project to ensure you are doing everything the teacher is asking for so you get maximum points. Important Tip !ere may be additional information in the rubric. Even if you created the best presentation about the structure of a home in the late 1800s, the rubric may have said to also include details about landscaping. !e teacher may not mention these vital facts when they are initially talking about the project, and if you dont look at the rubric, you would never know that they are looking for that. 6EVALUATING THE PROJECTPresentation Style 1. Has the teacher told you what they expect to see as your presentation? 1. If yes:You must stick to their expectations. Do not try to change the project into something you want to do instead. You can and should supply additional information such as a bibliography, a written report or printed-out powerpoint containing all of your information, or a demonstration. 2. If no:You have the freedom to do whatever you want to impress your teacher. Go above and beyond a simple powerpoint; create an animated and interactive presentation experience. Ideas for Supplementing Your Presentation A demonstration A hands-on activity A short video Copies of important documents relating to your topic for the class and teacher Copies of a study sheet or list of discussed topics for the class and teacher Discussing books you used for research that students may want to read after Photographs relating to your topic to be passed around Any drawings or sketches that you made or found to be passed around Important Tip Make sure any demonstrations or activities last only a few minutes at maximum so you dont look like you are trying to waste time and are unprepared for your presentation. 7RESEARCHING THE PROJECT Dividing Up Work When your group is ready to start researching and working individually, a good way to start is to divide up the work. Let everyone say what they want to do to the entire group. If more than one person wants the same job, try to fairly negotiate or draw it out of a hat. Try not to be the bossy person who wants a certain job and will not settle for anything else. You are most likely going to be helping others or doing something di#erent additionally anyways. Since this is the rst time you are working together to solve a problem, it is important to not leave a sour taste in their mouths. If there is an uncooperative or di"cult member of your group, try to make them excited about their job and suggest something to tackle rst. 8RESEARCHING THE PROJECTGathering Resources Your resources are what supply you with the information you need for your project. !e most important thing about them is knowing if they are reliable. Website Checklist Does it look reliable? Is the author sourced? Is it an .edu or .gov? If no, is it a reputable .com, .org or .net? Was it updated recently? Is the spelling and grammar correct? Does any similar information youve already found match this websites? Besides using websites, sources such as books, o"cial documents, and encyclopedia articles are usually pretty reputable, and can show your teacher that you did some in-depth research below the surface level of the internet. If you suspect a group member of plagiarism, check their notes on the internet before confronting them. If you still think they plagiarized, it is vital to talk to them and remove their contributions. If the problem continues, you must tell your teacher. As you research, write down your sources or add them to EasyBib so you dont forget any. 9RESEARCHING THE PROJECTCompiling Information After you do your research, it is time to compile your information. 1. In your own words, rephrase the information you were given to make it easier to understand for those who are listening to your presentation. 2. Take out any unnecessary details that will confuse listeners or distract them from the main topic. 3. Create a comprehensive list of your revised information, separating your notes by subject or source. Example of a list: !e Creation of the Wheel Invented by the Mesopotamians. Invented in 3500 B.C. !e Modernization of the Wheel First made with rubber by John Boyd Dunlop First made with rubber in 1888 10RESEARCHING THE PROJECT Sharing Information with the Group Once you have compiled and revised your facts, you can share what youve found with your group. 1. Ask your group members to list their sources. If any are not reputable, ask them to discard information found from those sources. 2. Ask your group to highlight what they thought were important or rare facts that would be the most helpful for the project. 3. !e group will read their facts out loud or copied and pasted, and they will be compiled into a new list. 4. Create a rst draft of a bibliography of the sources used by all members. 11RESEARCHING THE PROJECTFinding Informational Potholes Now that the group has shared and compiled their information, it is time to nd any missing information that is necessary for a successful project. 1. Go back to the rubric and read over the project guidelines. If there is anything that is specically stated in it, look over your compiled notes and make sure you have explained that topic or answered that question completely. 2. Go through your information in order of how you are going to read it, and make note of any spots that could use some extra details or explanation. 3. Make sure your research is consistent and you understand it. If youre confused about what youre talking about, you need to gather more information and explain it better. 12FINALIZING THE INFORMATIONFinding Additional Information After you have lled in your potholes, you can add detail to all of your notes. For example: New information will be highlighted. !e Creation of the Wheel Invented by the Mesopotamians. !e Mesopotamians also created the rst permanent civilization because they had learned to farm and therefore could support themselves without having to move to hunt and gather. Invented in 3500 B.C. !e Modernization of the Wheel Was adapted into a pneumatic rubber wheel by John Boyd Dunlop He invented that because he noticed his son was uncomfortable when using his tricycle; it was made with solid rubber tires. He began producing them in 1888 Always add additional information to supplement your project as well as a written report. 13FINALIZING THE INFORMATIONCreating a Report Creating a report to help wrap up your research and present to your teacher before a presentation isnt necessary, but may impress your teacher and make it easier for you to extract nalized information to directly add to your presentation. Important Tip: Always use 12 pt. Times New Roman font and add a report cover. Heres a basic example: The History of the Wheel The wheel was one of the most important inventions in history. We use it today to make our cars, heavy furniture, and countless other objects move. For our Important Inventions project, we investigated the origin and invention of the wheel The first wheel was invented around 3500 B.C. by the Mesopotamians. This group of people, who were located in present-day Turkey, were vital to the progression of civilization as well as invention. For example, they created the first permanent civilization after learning to farm, therefore being able to support themselves without having to move to hunt and gather Today, we use air-filled rubber tires for our cars. These were actually invented over 120 years ago! When an Irish inventor, John Boyd Dunlop, saw his son was uncomfortable while riding a tricycle, he decided to create an air-filled rubber tire that would make his ride smoother. Two years later, in 1890, he started his business and introduced the pneumatic tire to the world You can copy information from your report for a powerpoint or poster so you dont have to rewrite anything. Use https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ for MLAs rules on essay formatting. 14FINALIZING THE INFORMATIONCreating a Study Sheet Now that youve written up all of your information into a report, you can take the main ideas and vocabulary to give to the class as a study sheet. !is will we useful for them to study for any quizzes, tests, or essays about your subject in the future. It will also help you prepare for your presentation. An example: Te History of the Wheel Study Sheet Invented in 3500 B.C. by the Mesopotamians Adapted into the pneumatic tire in 1888 by John Boyd Dunlop Vocabulary -Wheel: a circular frame or disk arranged to revolve on an axis, as on or in vehiclesor machinery. -Tire: a ring or band of rubber, either solid or hollow and inated, or of metal,placed over the rim of a wheel to provide traction, resistance to wear, or otherdesirable properties. 15FINALIZING THE INFORMATIONCreating a Bibliography 1. Gather the sources you collected from your group, and individually type them into easybib.com or another bibliography site. 2. Make sure to include as much information as possible. 3. Never include the url unless specied by the teacher. 4. Copy and paste the bibliography onto a document and make any necessary changes. 5. Use https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/12/ for MLAs rules on creatinga works cited page. Example: Works Cited Dunlop." N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Aug. 2014. " Mesopotamia."Mesopotamia. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Aug. 2014. 16CREATING A PRESENTATIONBrainstorming Unique Ideas Your information is complete. Now it is time to make it into a beautiful, attention-grabbing presentation. Here are a few presentation software apps and websites: Powerpoint Keynote Flowboard Prezi iMovie Always try to nd new ways to present your information that will make it stand out from the others. Try to make a professionally designed presentation by using sophisticated fonts such as this one, Adobe Caslon Pro, rather than childish ones such as Comic Sans.Keep it sleek by using a dark palette composed of shades of grays and blacks and one or two accent colors for a pop. Always stick to a set palette throughout your presentation. Create an infographic. Draw a map. Make something that you cant nd on Google, and remember to tell your audience that you created it yourself. It will show your understanding of the subject if you can recreate the information in a new way. 17CREATING A PRESENTATIONResearching/Finding New Mediums and Methods A few unique ideas have been laid out for you on the previous page, but sometimes you need an even more interesting and fresh idea. To nd one, you have to search for it. Look through books. See how published information is presented. Try books such as Farm Anatomy and Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman, Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska, and Animalium by Katie Scott. Try magazines such as National Geographic that use drawings, photos, graphics, and charts to quickly and simply portray information. Watch commercials, seek out ads and billboards, read product packaging. Use ideas others use to sell products to sell information to an audience. If you need more ideas, ask someone. If they were going to be in the audience, what would keep them interested? Sometimes seeking the point of view of peers and friends can help you choose a presentation style that will keep all types of people interested. 18CREATING A PRESENTATIONInserting Information from the Report Now that you have an idea for your presentation and all of your research complete, you must combine the two. Your report consists of the most important but basic facts. Use the points you made in the report in your visual presentation, and then read in-depth explanations aloud from index cards.Never give away all of your information visually if you keep some hidden, you will seem more knowledgeable by not reading everything o# of a screen. !is will also help reduce stress on the audience, who will be rushing to read all of the information on the screen before you move on to something else. Give them an idea of what you will be talking about, and then explain in detail. Since the report is a collection of basic facts, you may want to pull some more interesting ones from your earlier research to supplement your points. 19CREATING A PRESENTATIONAdding Animation, Artwork and Designs Your information is ready to be presented, but your presentation itself may look boring. Youll want to add some visual aspects to help reinforce your ideas, especially if it is a di"cult topic for the audience to grasp. When it comes to animating a digital presentation, less is more. No one wants to stare at the screen for thirty seconds as your title swoops in or your image shrinks away. A simple swipe between slides or separation between bulleted lines can show you put time into the presentation, but didnt waste it by animating every last word. Important Tip: Use specic visuals to represent your information. For example: !is visual doesnt add anything to the presentation, but this one gives a unique perspective on your topic and helps explain it. Sometimes, however, your topic may be too specic or not well-known enough to have visuals that will be benecial to the project. Under this circumstance, you will have to create your own. Try drawing a diagram or designing an infographic. Always remember to source your graphics, especially if they contain information. 20CREATING A PRESENTATIONReviewing and Editing !is is a part of project preparation often overlooked but still vitally important. Running through your presentation at least once can help you nd and x spelling and grammar errors, confusing sentences, and nal potholes. First, reenact the presentation as if you were really presenting it. Go through the nal project, reading everything aloud, including additional information read o#-screen. If it doesnt make sense when you say it out loud, it wont make sense to your audience. After your initial run-through, nd at least one person not on your team to present to, ideally someone with little knowledge on the subject. !is will allow you to experience a real reaction from someone who is learning the information for the rst time. Next, go through everything again with your partners (if you have any) to hear their nal critiques. 21PRACTICING FOR THE FINAL PRESENTATION Dividing Up Individual Parts Now that your project is complete, you are ready to split up parts among your group for presentation. For a successful presentation, you need to make sure all group members appear to have equal time talking and displaying information. If your group members each researched individual topics, have them explain the information they explored themselves. !is will help show a sense of understanding throughout your group, and will allow them to talk about something they already know about. Otherwise, try to split up the presentation seamlessly by adding leading phrases to the ends of each group members script, such as, Now, Jeremy, could you tell us about how John Boyd Dunlop improved the wheel? 22PRACTICING FOR THE FINAL PRESENTATIONRehearsing the Presentation When working with a group, it is hard to make sure all of your colleagues are practicing for the presentation. Many students dont feel the need to prepare ahead of time, but there are a few ways to try to make sure they are ready: Gather your group together after school to practice Contact each member to remind them to practice Ask them if they have practiced Provide a sense of urgency and necessity to be prepared (grades depend on it, etc.) In many cases, your group members will refuse to practice, whether it be by lying that they did or just not responding to your messages reminding them to. Since they will not look professional, it is on you to pick up the slack and be over-prepared. Try these methods of preparation: Reading your part aloud In front of a mirror To a family member To a friend Recording yourself reading to play back and improve delivery and enunciation Rewriting your part on paper a few times to make it stick in your memory Come up with possible questions you may be asked and see if you can answer them Go over your partners parts as well in case they have questions they cant answer and you have to step in 23PRACTICING FOR THE FINAL PRESENTATIONFinal Practice Before Presenting If you are in a group, you will most likely be doing this on your own the night before the presentation. Set up your virtual presentation, notes, and supplies for any hands-on activities. Try to prepare everything as you will on presentation day. Go through your entire presentation. While practicing you may have skipped your group members parts or some facts you know by heart, but this is the time to run through the presentation as if you were in front of an audience. Perhaps nd a family member or friend to be your audience for you. 24PRACTICING FOR THE FINAL PRESENTATIONNIGHT-BEFORE CHECKLIST !Laptop or tablet ! Fully charged ! Presentation or websites needed already open !Notes ! Index cards or note cards ! Extra copies of group members notes !Clothes (if more formal dress is required) !Rubric !Bibliography !Report !Study sheets !Activity materials and other physical presentation supplies 25PRACTICING FOR THE FINAL PRESENTATIONPresentation Day AT HOME 1. First things rst, double-check your checklist and then pack all of your supplies. 2. Eat a lling breakfast so hunger wont distract you during your presentation. 3. Message your group members to make sure they have packed their supplies and are wearing their formal clothes. 4. Change into your formal clothes. AT SCHOOL BEFORE PRESENTATION 5. Set up your computer, making sure your presentation is ready to go. 6. Set up any hands-on activities, posters, and models. 7. Distribute notes to group members. 8. Hand in bibliography and report to teacher if they want it beforehand. 9. Gather your audiences attention in a calm way. 10. Pass out your study sheets. 11. Begin presentation. AT SCHOOL AFTER PRESENTATION 12. Hand in bibliography and report to teacher if they want it afterwards. 13. Neatly and quickly pack up your supplies. 26FINAL WORDSCongratulations! You have successfully made it through a school project. You seem like the type of person who is a dedicated worker and is happy to try hard to make a project come together. You should feel very proud of yourself, whether you tackled this assignment alone, had to deal with a di"cult group, or had a great time working with good students like yourself. I hope you get a great grade (and I have a feeling you will!) I hope you enjoyed this guide or at least found it helpful. I hope it provided you with some new ideas, new perspectives, and a little bit of encouragement to try your hardest! I would also like to mention that this Built-for-Success Project Plan is inspired by a concept from NBCs Parks & Recreation season six episode eleven, but only o# of the name Leslie Knope Project Preparedness Super-System and not of its contents. I adapted the fact that it was developed over thousands of government presentations that I [Leslie] gave over the past ten years to a school-project plan, considering I have done hundreds of them throughout the course of my life! 27