Educational Research has revealed that children learn best when the material is relevant to them. That is one reason why the “PIP: Personal Interest Project” has been a long tradition at Rainbow Mountain.
Students are allowed to chose ANY topic of their interest. They have to do deep research on their topic, write a research paper and give a presentation using PowerPoint. While some students chose incredibly sophisticated topics, others choose topics that may not seem particularly “educational,” but that’s okay. The primary point of PIPs is for students to hone their research skills. They learn how to delve deeply into a topic and become a “specialist.” By allowing them to chose a topic they are personally interested in, the PIP is relevant and very motivating for each student…and the students learn from each others odd and fascinating topics.
The sixth grade will be presenting their PIPs tomorrow. Here is their list of individual topcs: Vietnam War, Optical Illusions, Judas Priest, Betty Boop, Screech Owls, Cat Breeding and Show, Michael J. Fox, Extraterrestrials, Shamans, The Office, DC Comics, Led Zepplin, Dr. Who, Hello Kitty.
