Suggested Project Themes for 2007 - Laois education Centre

Cooperation is Cool non Prescriptive GuidelinesA Cooperative project for the21 st CenturyCooperation is a Cycle of DevelopmentIntroduction•SponsorsGlanbia , Laois Education Centre,Leader•Project 2005/2006Suggested Project Themes for 2007Please note: Any Class/Group Project which involves Cooperationamong pupils would be a valid project themeCategories (There are three)Category 1. Project on Co-operationThe following are possible themes:The Co-operative MovementThe GAALocal Sports ClubsLocal Tidy TownsComhaltas Ceoltóir EireannCollecting Local HistoryThe Local BandCo-operation to help people with disabilitiesFuture co-operation projectsAny project which involves Co-operation by the studentsCategory 2.Project specifically on Donaghmore or a local associated Co-op.Category 3.Transition Year Project— Mini company.Valid Projects submitted in last two years included :1. A Credit Union set up in a primary school2. Local History of Croghan.3.Clear as a Mountain Stream(group water scheme)4.Cooperation in Our School.5. Có-oibriú sa Scoil6.The Quakers in Mountmellick

7.Cooperation in Our Grandparents' Time8.Cooperation is Cool in Seir Kierans-Fundraising9.Green school10.The Cooperation 'Three'11.Cooperation through the Ages12. Intercultural Co-operation13.St.Francis'School -Camera Use14.My own place15.Seoige16.Hot Dates and Cakes17.Just to Say18.Exploring Our Heritage19.Demonstration of CooperationG eneral Pedagogic Guidelines.•Students involved in Project should work as a cooperative team.•Students/Teachers should then have discussion on the themes/topics of theirproject.•Then the topic/theme could be shared among the pupils involved .•When each student has his/her topic each student should then be allotted tasks.•When there is a clear understanding of the project and its parts the teacher inconsultation with the students could prepare a task sheet andworksheets.Alternatively these worksheets might be prepared but be nonprescriptive.•Research andresearch techniques are very important .The research might just bereading but it should be added to by interviews with people who have experience ofthe Cooperative movement.Topic:Castle

Some Principles•Students should have ownership of the project.•The work should be students’ own work.•Insofar as is possible the artwork ,and camera work should be by the studentsthemselves•Teamwork and Cooperation should be emphasisedTechnical Guidelines•Internet Guidelines(ICT)•Internet Guidelines(safety and ethical)•Digital camera•Scanners•Web design &AuthoringPossible Steps in a project using ICTEmphasise the importance of off computer work.•Ø Deciding on Subject for Project(depends on Class etc).•Ø Deciding on subtopics….perhaps one per pupil.•Ø Teacher preparation workcards ,books from library,suitable software etc.•Ø Research by pupils….reading from books,CDs , Internet ,interviews etc.•Ø Artwork by pupils , on and off computer ,scanning, using digital camera etc.•Ø Craft work by pupils.(Artwork on local creamery maybe based on photo etc)•Ø Writing by pupils ,creative ,factual, reporting,observing, long/short articles ,draft and redraft, make synopsis, proofreading .•Øinterview local people• Design of project by teacher/students.•Ø Do project on Computer.Authoring package/WebsiteText/Pictures/Sounds/Buttons maybe animation/video.•Ø Present project on computer and on paper.•Ø Print, copy,collate and publish booklet.•Ø Publish project or a Report of project on the WWW. This aspect should beemphasised because of the importance of the student realising that his/her workcould be for a worldwide audience.•Ø Have an open day to show all projects.Resources Pack•1.The Book T.Fennelly•2.Archive material (copies of Photos,letters,documents etc.)•3. Local People from Cooperative Movement•4.NCTE printed materials.•Tutorial on Netscape and Hyperstudio :•5.Web based resources……..some archive material, photos,etc.Are uploaded toEducation Centre Website.•6.Worksheets based on archives,book, cooperation.

•7.Personnel: Project Steering Committee, trainers etc.•8.Useful Weblinks•9 Resource CDTraining for schools(non prescriptive•School based Education Centre•1.Launch of Project•2.How to put up a school website•3.Authoring training.•4.Help with ICT, digital cameras etc.Project Outcomes•· Exhibition (Student fair) (School and wider)•· Website•· Booklets(Write a Book Project Linkup)•· Enhancement of Local cultures and values•· Websites linked to Education Centre Website ,Glanbia ,Agriaware etc.•· Prizes Glanbia Shield•New Cooperation logo/picture/photo.

Co-operation is CoolJudging criteria1.The competitive elements of the project should not be overemphasised.2.The evidence of teamwork and co-operation would be highly valued.3.The educational value of the project would be more important than thetechnical aspect.4.The use of the technology would be important.5.If the theme of the project is not about the Donoghmore story thenthere should be some reference to the motivation etc provided by the“Triumph of Co-operation over Adversity” .(An article, preface, someworksheets done etc.)6.The project would be displayed in the Laois Education Centre in March2007 on Thursday March 29th. 4.30pm to 7.30pm7.The judging would be done based on this display , which could includeposters , craftwork , written work , computer work etc)8.There will be a special section for special schools.9.Judges should take the local environment into account.(Access totechnology ,special children , age levels)10. Inclusion of website would be a plus. (It doesn't have to be online.Itcould be added to Education Centre's website later.)11.Percentage of work actually done by pupils would be important.12. Pupils' own description of project to judges on exhibition day would beimportant.13. A strict numerical marking system should not be used.

Co-operation is CoolRules for Display of Projects on March 29th 20071.Each project will have 2 tables of desk space for computers,peripherals etc. Tables 2 x 4 feet.(This may change dependingon number of projects)2.Each project will have access to 2 electrical points. If youneed more then you should bring a multi-plug.3.Each project will be permitted to have a maximum of 8students and 3 teachers.Other pupils,parents and others willbe welcome from 4.30pm4.If you wish to have a vertical display you need to bring displayboards . No display will be permitted on the walls.5.The Education Centre will be open to project teams fromprojects that day to set up (Thursday)6.The public will be admitted from 4.30pm.7.The judges will be present from 5pm8.While the judges are present each project team should haverepresentatives(especially pupils) at its own project.9. Awards will be presented at 7.00pm.Note: These times may be changed slightly. If they are schools willbe notified