Encourage tinkering with ideas, relationships, connections. Set up situations where students have to find information not readily available in school texts. Provide opportunity for students to design open-ended explorations of the concept. Provide multiple options so students can plan a unique "proof" of learning.

Individual/group research in historian's lab.

Objective: To extend and apply concepts learned.

Activity: 1) Students in small groups or individually select a topic for further investigation. At this point, the "history lab" activities assume greater importance as students focus on specific areas of inquiry. Teacher and students collaboratively add to the resources in the "history lab." 2) Students select a mode of project presentation suited to their particular learning style preference and interest. A wide variety of art supplies and other production materials should be available for student use. 3) Hold large group mini-conferences affording students opportunities to share their "work in progress" and to learn from each other. The teacher facilitates such conferences by diverting student questions to one another whenever possible and linking students with similar interest and need.

Assessment: Quality and efficiency of project planning; the degree and quality of student participation in mini-conferences.