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Project Kickoff - Instructor Checklist

Pre-Day Preparation

  • Review intern's progress and brainstormed project ideas
  • Prepare project planning template
  • Set up starter code or empty project repository

Morning Session

Hour 1: Project Planning

  • Discuss Project Ideas (30 min)

    • Review brainstormed ideas
    • Select a project that matches intern's interests and skills
    • Define project goals and features

  • Break Down Project (30 min)

    • Identify main components
    • Sketch out program structure (classes, methods)
    • Assign first tasks

Hour 2: Setup & First Steps

  • Set Up Project in IDE (30 min)

    • Create new project or repository
    • Set up folders and files
    • Review version control basics (Git intro)

  • Start Coding (30 min)

    • Implement first feature or class
    • Test and review progress

Meeting Participation

  • Before Meeting
    • Brief intern on today's meeting focus (project planning in real teams)
  • During Meeting
    • Encourage note-taking on planning and teamwork
  • After Meeting
    • Debrief and answer questions

Afternoon Session

Hour 1: Continue Implementation (45 min)

  • Guide intern to work on next project feature

  • Encourage regular testing and small commits

  • Troubleshooting (15 min)

    • Help with any blockers or errors
    • Discuss debugging strategies

Hour 2: Checkpoint & Wrap-Up

  • Checkpoint Review (30 min)

    • Review progress and adjust plan if needed
    • Set goals for tomorrow

  • Q&A and Wrap-Up (30 min)

    • Reflect on what was learned
    • Assign optional homework: Research a feature for the project

Assessment Checkpoints

Technical Understanding

  • Can break down a project into tasks
  • Can set up and start a Java project
  • Implemented first feature

Engagement Level

  • Participated in planning and coding
  • Asked questions about project work
  • Took notes during meeting

Areas Needing Attention

  • Note any confusion about planning or implementation

Materials Needed

  • Computer with Java and IDE
  • Project planning template
  • Printed handout for reference

Time Flexibility Notes

  • If ahead: Add more features or stretch goals
  • If behind: Focus on core functionality

Success Criteria for Day 6

  • Project started and first feature implemented
  • Maintained positive engagement