JFK’s Talented and Gifted Program Tackles the Environment and Alternative Energy

The new talented and gifted program at the John F. Kennedy Middle School is looking at ways to improve our environment and lessen dependency on fossil fuels.   The twenty-four students will be doing what is called a model Type III project along with Mr. Brian Zawodniak, their TAG teacher, before beginning their own student-driven Type III projects. (In concert with the Type III projects will be three academic competitions, including Future Problem Solving, History Day, and Invention Convention.)

What is a Type III project?  It is an in-depth research project that works to solve real problems in our local and global community, and it has to be presented to an audience.  It involves many skills like interviewing, researching, and putting together a presentation.  The students will become ‘experts,’ engaging in practices that professionals use in their jobs on a daily basis.  The skills they learn in their model Type III project will aid greatly in their individual Type III projects.

This model Type III will have two components.  The sixth graders’ project will be called “Go Greener, JFK.”  The seventh and eighth graders will be looking into alternative energies, aptly titled “JFK off the Grid.”  The students will do some community outreach seeking professionals who can assist them with their research.  It may even involve seeking grants.

Many good ideas will come out of these model Type IIIs.  The goal is to put some of these ideas into actual use!