Challenge Independent Projects

The Challenge program provides opportunities for students to bring their passions into the classroom.  At ITAG, Dr. Sally Reis shared how many gifted adults recalled the projects they completed in TAG classrooms. Those early interests became later careers passions. This year I rededicated myself to interest-based investigations.  As a result, students wrote and directed plays, created origami worlds, and designed science experiments to teach science concepts.  I wanted students to be creative producers of ideas rather than reporting knowledge.  
Pictures below show students engaged in learning while completing investigations.  

3rd grade take a break for a last minute party:

4th grade yo-yo demonstration:

5th graders complete projects:

New Resource for Parents, Teachers, and Students

Here is the link to the google site Tena Nelson created called Fairfield TAG.  I especially like the resources page.  Be sure to check it out.  We will be adding new links and information in the future.