Foundations (7-8)

Why is the DIGS?

DIGS stands for Dynamic Investigation of Great Stuff. In this self-directed project, you get to choose a topic to explore in-depth! It could be something that interests you,that you want to know more about, or already be a passion that you will take to the next level.  THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

There are 3 MAIN parts to the DIGS project:

• Do: You get to have a HANDS ON component to the DIGS. This is the experiential part where you get to really dive into your project. Make sure to document this part with pictures, video, journaling, and more. *Aim to complete your "DO" by the beginning of January. 
• Research:  You get to become an EXPERT on your topic. You want to learn all you can about your topic. You want to read, talk to others (consulting), take a class, and more. Make sure to document your research through a Google Presentation, research paper, or however best organizes everything you've learned. *Your research can start the DAY to make the choice to study this topic in depth & continue forEVER... but you need to document this information (please remember to keep track of your resources!). 
• Activity & Sharing: Now that you've done your project and are an expert on it, you get to TEACH others all about it. The best kind of teaching involves a hands-on component, so plan an activity others can do to learn about your topic. You'll have an opportunity to share and present your learning with others at The Big DIG in March/April.

Resources: 

1. Proposal:  After you come up with an IDEA, you need to write a proposal. Your proposal is your plan for how you are going to do it.  You get feedback on your proposal from your triad and advisor. After you have a final copy of your proposal, you'll have a PROPOSAL MEETING with your triad and advisor.
2. Triad Questions: Here are ideas for questions that your triad can ask you during your proposal meeting. This document is also helpful to know what people are expecting to hear or see when you share your DIGS project.
3. Consulting Log: Consulting is an action- not necessarily one person. Consulting is the act of learning about your topic from someone who already knows a lot about it. By talking to others, you are doing research on your topic. You could consult with a teacher, parent, Walkabout student, and more. Keep a LOG of your consulting experience.
4. Wrap Up:  After you have completed all 3 parts of your project, you need to write a wrap up. Your wrap up will reflect on your experience. You get feedback on your wrap up from your triad and advisor. After you have a final copy of your wrap up, you'll have a WRAP UP MEETING with your triad and advisor.

Timeline

• Proposal Rough Draft Due: First week of October
• Comment On Triads’ Proposals Due: Second week of October
• 2nd Drafts Due: Third week of October
• Final Due: End of October
• Actual Proposal Meeting: First week of November 
• Research Part: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY... and BEYOND
• Do part - DECEMBER/JANUARY (FEBRUARY if needed)
• Activity ("Teach others") & Prepare for Sharing: FEBRUARY/MARCH
• Presentation (Sharing): MARCH
• BIG DIG Museum-style sharing event (dioramas, tri-folds, mini presentations, sharing with WHOLE JCOS community): April-ish 
• Wrap-Up: APRIL

Sample DIGS: Cake Decorating

1. Proposal- written paper & meeting
2. Research- documentation of this (this student volunteered at a bakery)
3. Do part- documentation of this
4. Sharing: (this student used ePortfolio for all documentation)
5. Activity (had a cake decorating contest with Triads in Advising)
   • Formal presentation (feedback form) 
   • Big DIGS - made mini cupcakes, shared photos & displayed tools used
6. Wrap up- written paper & meeting

How to Write a Basic Proposal DIGS Project Proposal Graphic 

What is community connections?

Community connections is about students being involved in their communities (inside and outside of school) and giving back to others through service experiences. This improves self-image, increases empathy, breaks down stereotypes, and creates a profound sense of fulfillment.

What are examples?

• Being in the theatre program
• Playing on a sports team
• Taking karate
• Taking music lessons
• Youth group
• Helping in the JCOS garden
• Library aide
• Service trips
• Being in Leadership class
• Jeffco Action Center
• Cat Care Society
• Granville Assisted Living
• Being a pen pal
• Leading a PLAID
• Helping elementary teachers
• Sewing masks for others
• Helping custodians

Students are required to keep a log of at least 24 hours of community connections as well as 24 hours of garden service.