Final Word
On June 5th, 2024, Detroit Prep hosted its first ever Final Word: a research symposium designed for 8th grade students to experience work at the undergraduate level. Our research topics, which each student chose for themself, included a myriad of subjects ranging from impact on climate change in restoring the mammoth steppe to the reception history of The Simpsons. For most 8th grade students entering the last term of their last year at Detroit Prep, the thought of completing an independent research project that would encompass the entire term seemed daunting. However, what started as an ambitious idea very quickly transformed into a passion project, emphasizing exactly what we do best at DP!
“what started as an ambitious idea very quickly transformed into a passion project, emphasizing exactly what we do best at DP!”
The real magic behind these passion projects was in allowing students a choice. As a requirement for the project, students needed to choose a topic that was significant and meaningful to them. It was absolutely necessary that they chose something they would stay focused on and interested in for a full 6 weeks. This was the most challenging part of the project, but what incredible results we had! This project embodies true joyful ownership of learning because once students chose the topic that inspired them, they were eager to learn as much as they could about it. The magic of choice in the learning process not only motivated students to pursue a complex understanding of their topic, but it also developed the resilience required to overcome obstacles during the research and writing process. Final Word embodies our mission at Detroit Prep, “fostering a love of learning and passion for exploring and fulfilling their extraordinary potential as learners, leaders, and world-changers.”
“The magic of choice in the learning process not only motivated students to pursue a complex understanding of their topic, but it also developed the resilience required to overcome obstacles during the research and writing process”