Grade 7 Independent Project

7th grade students complete and Independent Project using PowerPoint 2007. The project has many components and I continue to add more. Currently students download a "script" or outline from my website this teaches them how to download a file and we create a folder for this class. Many students are unaware how to create folders and why you should keep files organized. Once the file has been downloaded we review this Word 2007 document as a class. The "script" has 16 place holders for students to research how a device or discovery. At this time I leave the topic for students fairly open, most research a new form of technology or an invention that they currently use. Students use the internet to complete the research portion of the assignment which takes 3 class periods. As student research the "script" has place holders for them to track their sources. I am trying to get them into the habit of giving credit to sources as many classroom teachers complain that students feel far too comfortable just copy & pasting information.
Students then create a PowerPoint 2007 presentation based on their research. We complete portions of this together such as the layout, formatting the background and adding animations. All students present the project to the class. I grade the project on the different areas, technology, content, design. I will post the Script, grading rubric and basic PowerPoint outline in my Google Docs for you to review and or use.
As always your comments are welcome