It is important to set the learning objectives for students based on the content of a project. It is also becoming increasingly important to align these objectives with state and local curriculum standards and to match them to proficiency test benchmarks.  Additionally, identifying specific student goals and communicating those goals to the students is an integral part of any project.

Middle school science students used the Biological Timing Online Science Experiment to learn how to integrate technology and scientific research. Their role is to act as teams of "expert scientists" who investigate and communicate their findings to others. As part of the lesson plan developed for this project, the teacher identifies the specific learning objectives for the students. They are:

1. Students will be able to gather and analyze sufficient data to predict hamster activity in response to light and dark conditions.

2. Students will be able to compare and contrast theories that explain biological timing in at least two organisms.

3. Students will be able to gather evidence about biological timing and propose viable solutions to improve students' morning sleep behavior and performance at their school.

4. Students will be able to learn how to collect, tabulate and interpret quantitative and qualitative data online through observations, surveys and experiments on biological timing and circadian rhythms.

Consider these questions as you review your project.

• Are the learning objectives for your project stated on the project web site or other related materials?

• If the learning objectives are stated, do you feel they are appropriate? 

• Do you need to add additional objectives?

• What goals do you want to set for your students?

• Developing Learning Outcomes - Instructional design planning template that assists you in developing learning objectives.
• A Quick Guide to Writing Learning Objectives - Good guide to assist you in writing robust learning objectives.  Several main characteristics for good objectives are provided on a related page. 
• Creating Behavioral Learning Objectives - These indicate the specific behaviors students must demonstrate to indicate that learning has occurred.