Topic+Selection

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//**What will your verse be?**//

//**Take this opportunity to learn about something that you are curious or passionate about, something that relates to a potential future profession OR something that speaks to your artistic, creative side. But whatever you choose, __be sure that it is deeply important to you.__**//


 * Selecting a topic: Entry #2 in Process Journal **

As entry #2 in your process journal, answer the following questions:

1. What general topic or topics are you considering for your self-directed learning unit? (Ex. family history, nature, capital punishment, music)

2. Look again at your potential topics. What questions do you have about these topics? (Ex. How did my family get to America? What patterns in nature exist, and what role do they have in human lives? Is capital punishment moral? Who is the most influential rock musician of the 20th century?)

3. What personal connection do you have to these questions? In other words, why do you want to spend several weeks exploring this question in depth?


 * Refining and Focusing your Topic: Entry #3 in Process Journal **

As entry #3, you need to consider the following as you further consider your topic.

1) On a scale of 1-5, rank your level of interest in this topic. // If you are not at a level 4 at least, you need to select another topic, as your interest level is the #1 factor in your success. //

2) Is your focus question a how, why, who, when, where, or what question?

3) Look again at your question. Is it reasonable to think that you could become a "local expert" on this topic during the 3 weeks allotted for this unit? On the other hand, do you think it will be a significant enough question to devote that amount of time to? Explain your answer, please.

4) What other, smaller questions can you think of that are related to your focus question? (Consider who, what, when, where, how, and why questions)?

5) Other than your interest in the topic, what makes your focus question worth asking? What reason do others have to be interested in your topic?