In order to ensure that you make steady progress on this project, we have established a set of checkpoints. You need to be prepared to show me your work at the beginning of the class on the day that is due.
During each class period you should be working on the next checkpoint, not the one that was due at the start of that class.
Take these checkpoints quite seriously. Falling behind hurts your grade– since the research process- not just the product- is the purpose of this unit, you won't get full credit for late checkpoints. Additionally, falling behind hurts your chances of writing a decent paper– when you're scrambling your work is not focused and you're not fully engaged with it.
If you get behind in your checkpoints, it is very difficult to get caught back up.
If you meet them all, it is very difficult to fail.