IP10: The Value of Independent Study
As Grace’s newly-minted sophomores sat in their first grade-level meeting of the school year, Dean Hickerson and Mr. Todd officially introduced them to the Independent Project curriculum, beginning with a single question: “If you could choose any subject to explore, what would you choose?” The vastness of the question, reflected in the wide-eyed expressions of the students, is one of the reasons that IP10 (or March Madness as it’s known colloquially) has become an academic right of passage at Grace.
Tenth graders begin by defining an area of interest, after which they pose a driving question, conduct research, analyze data, draw conclusions, and finally, one springtime evening, present their findings. It’s an opportunity for students to pursue their chosen area of study autonomously, save for the leadership provided by their dean and advisors and the guidance offered by alumni, who volunteer their time and expertise to help students delve deeper into their projects. And because students have (almost) entirely free rein to follow their passions, the scope of subjects is as limitless as a high schooler’s imagination.
Attendees gathered around Chloe R.’s table, patiently waiting for an available set of headphones so they could listen to a sample of her podcast, “Changing the Narrative,” a series of interviews she conducted with social workers, policy makers, and fellow students to examine the question, “Why do people look away from people experiencing homelessness, and could changing the narrative improve the homeless crisis in New York City?”
This past May, after gingerly setting up their displays in the gymnasium, students welcomed an eager audience of families, teachers, and fellow classmates to the Class of 2026 IP10 Symposium and enthusiastically shared their projects.
Attendees gathered around Chloe R.’s table, patiently waiting for an available set of headphones so they could listen to a sample of her podcast, “Changing the Narrative,” a series of interviews she conducted with social workers, policy makers, and fellow students to examine the question, “Why do people look away from people experiencing homelessness, and could changing the narrative improve the homeless crisis in New York City?”
Dinosaur enthusiasts and fossil fanatics flipped through a children’s book about paleontology. Written by Zachary G., “Fossil Finders: A Guidebook for Young Paleontologists,” serves as a how-to guide for young people interested in pursuing work in the field and includes information and insights from Zachary’s time conducting research of his own and participating in fieldwork in Big Brooks, New Jersey. If you didn’t make it to the Symposium and happen to be on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, be sure to stop by Astro West to pick up a copy.
“Too much technology takes the life out of art,” said Toren S. to those who just watched his narrative film. Created using three different animation techniques—AI, digital, and cutout—the film revealed what was perhaps an unsurprising truth: The ease with which Toren was able to work with the specific technique was inversely proportional to how connected he felt to the final product. But he was quick to caution the artificial intelligence detractors against too much detracting, insisting that the advances in technology—including AI—made it possible for him to achieve effects and realize visions in this project that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. He concluded by expressing optimism about the ways technology can build upon human creativity by providing new tools to artists as they seek to bring their ideas to life.
A deep love of ice hockey and a connection to the Trinidadian community were the catalysts for the project created by Aidan W., who shared more about how his family inspired him: “My grandparents told me about an ice rink being built in a Trinidadian community. As a hockey player with a family from Trinidad, I was excited about the idea and knew it could be a great way to teach kids in Trinidad how to play ice hockey. I am thrilled about the opportunity to share my passion for ice hockey with kids in Trinidad who have never been on skates before.”
Over the barely audible buzz of a motorized container on wheels, Zach E. could be heard telling onlookers what inspired his project. “I realized I could combine my interest in robotics with a desire to improve people’s daily lives.” And so, the Carrier Companion was born. Using 3-D design and coding, Zach designed and created a robot to carry items for those struggling with back issues. “In the future,” he says, “I hope to continue to improve on my project and apply the skills I have learned to future work.”
Glossy issues of a magazine were fanned out at Zoe Z.’s table. “I wanted to create a magazine that showcases all things relating to sustainability in fashion.” She went on to say, “In my magazine I include interviews with different experts surrounding the fashion industry, examples of sustainable brands, the negative effects of fast fashion, and finally the improvements that have been made in the industry. My hope in making this magazine is to spread awareness about sustainability and to provide examples of ways my readers can make a conscious difference in their purchases.”
Click here to learn more about all of this year’s IP10 projects.