PRINCIPIA SCHOOL SENIOR PROJECTS 2023

Striving for the Betterment of Humanity

ABOUT

How can we make the Principia School Senior Projects more impactful?

That was the question I was asked. As I searched, I found there was little more than samples of student work - but no guides for people like me who are trying to lead this endeavor. So, I've asked my students to put themselves out there and decided the least I could do was the same. This is my learning journey. Welcome to the Principia School Senior Projects Blog Page!

Take some time to explore the blog, read something interesting, and feel free to reach out if you would like to collaborate on a project together.

WHAT AND WHY

WHAT IS A SENIOR PROJECT?

A senior project is an independent project completed outside the typical school setting. Students (individually or in small groups) propose and create a project that will allow them to learn through exploration and experience. The project should embody the notion of “for the betterment of humanity” and must incorporate service as a key component. This year students will be taking a close look at the questions “who am I” and “where do I want to go.” The best project will be one in which who they are, that is, their values and ideas, are clearly defined. The best project will also help to establish where they see themselves in the future. Students will need to find a faculty sponsor and two professional experts. Students will be expected to complete 30-hours per week of work including 10 total hours of community service. Students will then prepare and give a 20-minute presentation to the community about their project experience.

WHY DO WE DO SENIOR PROJECTS?

A senior project will give the student an opportunity, through self-directed learning, to gain a deeper understanding of themselves through exploration of an issue that is important to them. Through this project, students will have ample opportunity to use and develop 21st-century skills of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Students should use this project as a chance to look outward and see how they can use their talents and abilities for the betterment of humanity.

IMPACT

For the Betterment of Humanity

CHANGE

Defining an Issue

If you want to make the world a better place you have to define the change you would like to see. Students were asked to identify an opportunity for change - an opportunity for them to work to better humanity.

INTEREST

The vehicle for change

We want the project to be something that the students enjoy doing. They were asked to identify something they were good at, what their gifts were, and how these gifts could serve as the conduit for the change they wanted to see in the world.

SERVICE

Putting ideas into action

Leadership through service is something we value at Principia School. We asked our students to come up with a way to serve their community and at the same time help them grow in their area of interest.

The retreat officially began by learning about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teen on Saturday.

But for most, it began right here... After 10+ hours and one very soggy lunch on the bus, we arrived at LOC and had time for a quick dip.

On the shores of lake Michigan

Day one included a fabulous hike on the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The hike had moments that pushed as all. But, there were also moments of prayerful study and outrageous fun.

Climbing the heights of Mind!

In this busy world, we rarely have time for quiet reflection. Thankfully, this time was built in on the last day so that the students could capture all the growth that had gone on during the trip.