Choose your challenge and make a plan
Real projects start with a clear brief and a realistic plan.
Reveal the 4 final project options with examples of finished work from previous students (or teacher-made examples). Build anticipation.
Students choose their project and complete a project plan template: (1) Brief summary in their own words. (2) Target audience (specific — not just "everyone"). (3) Success criteria (5 specific, measurable statements). (4) Asset list — what do they need to make/find before starting? (5) Two-session timeline — what will they complete in each session? Teacher approves the plan before they proceed.
Each student pitches their project in 30 seconds: what, who for, and why they chose it.
Use AI to help refine your brief — ask it "What would make this project excellent? What am I missing from my success criteria?"
Approved project plan with brief, audience, success criteria, asset list, timeline
Gather any assets you need for your project. Find images (credited), data, or draft text. Save everything to your project folder before next lesson.
Simplified project option with more structure and fewer decisions
Add a 30-second "pitch video" to their deliverables — record a video explaining the project
Don't let students start building in this lesson — the plan must be solid first. Approve every plan before Lesson 16.