Seven Steps in Project Planning

SEVEN STEPS IN PROJECT PLANNING

At one of the meetings with the students, the coordinator can lead the discussion on how to plan a project. If a school’s STLP has more than one project, this form may help the coordinator plan the projects and manage how to work with one student leader of each project. Schools may have many projects, but up to five may apply for Fall Showcase this year.

Step One

Brainstorm ideas for projects that would impact the school or community.

As a team, determine which projects your school would like to focus upon this year.

Step TwoDo you have any research or data, need or interest by students to support the project?

Step Three

Select one project a small group (team) wishes to implement.

Consider the following questions:

Is the project a returning project?

How will the project impact others?

Does the project accomplish STLP goal(s)?

Does the project help?

Teachers gain Technology Standards?

Students gain technology skills?

Community persons gain technology skills?

Persons increase learning with the help of technology?

Is the project carried out over time?

Will the students hold interest in the project after the initial stages?

How does the project reach out to people or the community?

Is the project highly technical and stress STEM[1], instructional or community service based?

Does your group believe they can succeed in accomplishing the project?

Step Four

Talk about the project:

Has the school done this project before? Is there new work the new students can do to improve the returning project?
What type of project is it? (Community Service, Instructional, or Technical Expertise)

When to do the project? What has to be done? Who is responsible?

What resources are needed? (Materials and people)

How will you determine feedback and outcomes?

How will you collect the information to show impact?

Step Five

STLP is open to all students.

To ensure a stronger team, the make-up of the team members can be diverse in talent. A team could include: a student that is beginning to learn technology, one who likes to talk about the project, one with technical skills, and one which could teach others about the project. This can make a well-rounded team.

Check with students about sports, AP Testing, other club trips that may affect the student being involved in the project at fall showcase and at State Championship.

Step Six

Have someone record who and what are being done in order to complete the project and document the progress.

Step Seven

Does the project warrant going to fall showcase in the project category to compete? Register project online.

[1]STEM= science, technology, engineering and mathematics