F:  What’s the Independent Project?

M:   It’s a special high school program. In it, each student learns to dosomething new.

F:     Like what?

M:  Well, one student learned to cook. Another learned to play the piano —and now he can play really well. Another student learned to make a movie. Students choose their own ideas.

F:  And students have four months to finish their projects?

M:  Right. Then, at the end, every student gives a presentation to explain their project.

F:   And what do the students in the Independent Project do exactly?

M:   In the first week, each student states their plan clearly. For example, one plan was this: “I want to learn to cook an Italian meal for eighty people.”

F:  Uh-huh. So, how does a student learn to cook, or play an instrument ... or anythingelse?

M:  Students talk to teachers and other experts outside school. They also read books and information on the Internet.

F:  Andwhat do they do at the end, when they’re finished?

M:  Well, every student has to show and explain their project to the other students inthe program.

F:  That sounds really interesting.