Thoughts on the Matter

This week the solar system projects started rolling in.  This is a project that I have a love/hate relationship with.  The students for the most part genuinely look forward to doing it.  I have tried to kill it, but I just can't seem to let it go. As the student proudly parade in with these projects I think hard as to why am I making them do this?  What is the value?  Despite the fact that every student is doing the exact same project, the same requirements, the outcomes are completely varied.   Here are some samples of my students' awesome projects.  I am so very proud of all the hard work they put in.