Planning for TPSP
Educator, Grades K-12
Educators discuss how to plan and start with performance standards projects.Video Library
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Secondary Considerations for TPSP Implementation
Educator, Grades 6-12
Provides guidance for secondary (grades 6-12) implementation. This includes how to serve students in a content classroom, in a special elective, and using an advisory period model for services.
TPSP Showcase Events
Educator, Grades K-12
Provides guidance for K-12 implementation of a Showcase Event. This includes preparing students for presentations, handling event set-up, and involving parent support for the event.
Animal Nation - Earthworms
Sample Project, Grade 1
A first-grade student presents a research project about earthworms. This includes descriptions of how to identify adults, what earthworms eat, and how earthworms are beneficial to farmers.
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Who's Who: A Study of Biography - Jane Goodall
Sample Project, Grade 1
A second-grade student presents a biography of Dr. Jane Goodall. This includes an overview of her life and key highlights in her journey of studying animals.
Who’s Who: A Study Biography - Lucille Ball
Sample Project, Grade 1
A second-grade student presents a biography of comedian Lucille Ball. This includes an overview of her journey from childhood to her success in show business.
Mathematics in Nature
Sample Project, Grade 3
A third-grade student presents a research project on the intersection of math and nature. This includes an overview of related concepts including fractals, Fibonacci, the golden ratio, and tessellations.
Innovation Celebration - The Triple Sip
Sample Project, Grade 4
A fourth-grade student presents their invention of a thermos able to hold three drinks at once. This includes a discussion of the design process, materials used to create the thermos, and product functionality.
Bridges
Sample Project, Grade 4
A fourth-grade student presents a research project on bridges. This includes an overview of various bridges and their construction.
Story Quilt - Air Pollution
Sample Project, Grade 5
A group of fifth-grade students present a research project on air pollution. They outline the negative impacts of air pollution on individuals and humanity at large.
Pursuit of Passion - Bluetooth Technology
Sample Project, Grade 6
A sixth-grade student presents their invention of an Android Bluetooth-controlled outlet. This includes the materials used, design process, and ultimate financial savings associated with the outlet.
Terrestrial Real Estate
Sample Project, Grade 6
A sixth-grade student presents a research project on the possibility of humans living on a planet other than Earth. This includes a discussion of potential habitable planets according to the Goldilocks Zone concept.
Culture Shock - Georgia
Sample Project, Grade 6
A group of sixth-grade students present a research project on the country of Georgia. This includes an overview of Georgian history, culture, and local landmarks of interest.
Pursuit of Passion - Beyond the Screen
Sample Project, Grade 7
Two seventh-grade students present a research project on video games. Specifically, this project explores the evolution of video games and the potential benefits of gaming.
Pursuit of Passion - WWll and the Jeep
Sample Project, Grade 7
A seventh-grade student explores the role of Edmond B. Gregory in the production and use of the Jeep during World War II. This research study presentation details the controversy surrounding the development and creation of the Jeep for use in war.
Pursuit of Passion - Self vs Traditional Publishing
Sample Project, Grade 7
A seventh-grade student presents the processes of self- and traditional book publishing. This includes an overview of the entire publishing process, from conception to distribution.
Pursuit of Passion - Realities of Immigration Detention Centers
Sample Project, High School
A high-school student presents a research project on the state of the immigrant detention center in Houston. It outlines the conditions in which immigrants are housed and identifies opportunities for reform.
Pursuit of Passion - Precocious Gland Involution in the Absence of PK2
Sample Project, High School
A high-school student presents a potential strategy for addressing aggressive types of brain cancer through the identification of therapeutic pathways. This project finds PLK2, a tumor suppressor gene, to be an unsuitable pathway for these types of cancer.
High School: Exploring Ways to Encourage Solar Energy Use
Sample Project, High School
A high-school level student presentation on increasing the use of solar power energy via new and affordable technology. The includes an overview of the potential costs and applications of solar energy and the development of a solar powered portable charger.
High School: Pursuit of Passion - Designing for Zero Waste
Sample Project, High School
A high-school student presents a research project on plastic waste pollution. The concept of circular economies and waste is explored through an art piece made of recycled materials.
High School: Pursuit of Passion - Houston Urban Heat Island Adaptation
Sample Project, High School
A high-school student presents a research project on the heat island phenomenon, in which densely built areas experience significant concentrations of heat. This includes an overview of contributing factors, current technology solutions, and a proposed prototype turbine that would support the use of alternative energy sources.
High School: Pursuit of Passion - The Dangers of Climate Change on Texas Agriculture
Sample Project, High School
A high-school student presents a research project on the effects of climate change on Texas agriculture as evidenced by decreased crop yields. It explores contributing factors to climate change present in current agricultural systems and proposes further research for addressing these issues.
High School: The Difference in Classroom Learning Between Low-Income and High-Income Elementary Schools
Sample Project, High School
A high-school student presents a research study on differences in math instruction at the elementary level according to resource levels. A mathematics board game devised to address disparities is introduced as a potential learning tool.
High School: Pursuit of Passion - A Disease of Our Own Making
Sample Project, High School
A high-school student presents a research study on the use of pesticides for mosquito control in Mexico. This addresses the environmental and health issues present in pesticide use and possible alternative solutions for mosquito management and invasive species eradication.
Pursuit of Passion - An Early Assessment of Tumor Exome Sequencing
Sample Project, High School
A high-school student presents a research project on tumor exome sequencing for pediatric cancer patients. This includes an explanation of exome sequencing, the relationships between cells, cell mutation and cancer, and implications for the patient-care system.
High School: Pursuit of Passion - Plastic Pollution
Sample Project, High School
A high-school student explores the issue of plastic pollution in marine environments. They present a public awareness strategy of reusing plastic litter to create art that communicates the dangers of plastic pollution.