IB Middle Years Program projects help students to develop the attributes of the IB learner profile; provide students with an essential opportunity to demonstrate approaches to learning (ATL) skills developed through the MYP; and foster the development of independent, lifelong learners.
At schools where the MYP ends in year 3 or 4, students must complete the community project. At Murchison Middle School, grade 8 is the equivalent of year 3 in the IB program. The community project focuses on community and service, encouraging students to explore their rights and responsibilities to implement service as action in the community. The community project may be completed individually or by groups of a maximum of three students. Students are expected to spend approximately 15 hours on their MYP community project. This time includes:
- meeting with supervisors (advisory teacher serving as supervisor, and/or IB Coordinator, serving as project coordinator)
- independent learning through research, planning, development and completion of the project
- reporting of the project
Murchison Middle School’s IB Coordinator, Megan Meyer, creates materials for advisory teachers to use in guiding students through the phases of the community service project. This includes checklists, how-to videos, slideshows with editable portions for students to complete, and a website with resources.
Each Tuesday of advisory is dedicated to making IB CSP progress, with weekly goals set by Ms. Meyer. These goals are shared with advisory teachers and NJHS student emissaries, who check on and assist assigned advisory classes.
Important Note: While all four phases of the project are expected to be completed by students on-schedule, the checkpoints from phase II and phase III (as seen in italics above) are required for student eligibility in end of year celebrations.
^ Students were informed of the project requirement connection to eligibility in January.
| Phase of Project | Month(s) | Goals | Checkpoint(s) |
| Introduction | October |
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| Phase I: Investigate | November & December |
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NEWLY ADDED DEADLINE, AS OF 2/10/2026: Students must have a project proposal to IB Coordinator, Ms. Meyer by Monday, February 16, 2026. This must be submitted via the IB Project Proposal Google Form (only accessible via AISD login). Students completing the proposal form in January must choose from a pre-approved list of ideas as there is no longer time for a back-and-forth discussion with the coordinator via email.
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| Phase II: Planning | December & January |
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NEWLY ADDED DEADLINE, AS OF 2/10/2026: Students must have Checkpoint 1: investigate and planning checklist and rubric reflection to their advisory teacher by Tuesday, March 10, 2026. A paper copy was provided to students in advisory. Click here to see a digital version. |
| Phase III: Taking Action | February, March & April |
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| Phase IV: Reflection | April & May |
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