In this workshop, we will explore how the Watkinson School has built and implemented its ninth grade seminar to develop thinking, production, and presentation skills that will prepare our students to excel in the rest of their high-school career. We have discovered the power of student choice and authenticity delivered through a strong, transparent sequence and structure. Join us as we share components including process skills like planning backwards, iterative tuning, and the design process; content development skills like choosing and narrowing a topic, asking good questions, and evaluating information; and technology skills like creating original websites, graphics, and screencasts.