EHS Senior Project Presentation Information & Guidelines 2012

General Information:

  • All seniors will have a 20-minute time slot for their presentation, which includes time for questions at the end. Presentations lasting fewer than 10 minutes cannot address all of the necessary components and will not pass. Presentations running over 20 minutes typically show lack of planning or rehearsal and may not pass.
  • All presentation rooms (with the exception of the wrestling room)have a projection system (computer, screen, document camera, CD/DVD/VHS player, wireless keyboard and mouse).
  • Students must provide a presentation guide or outline for the audience. Most students use PowerPoint©.
  • Other visual aids are essential: pictures, samples of work, drafts, sketches, mistakes, etc.
  • Any outside media (pictures, video, music etc.) must be used in accordance with Copyright and Fair Use guidelines.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that a copy of their presentation is available in their server folder AND on a backup storage device (CD, thumb drive, etc.). Your presentation will not be rescheduled if you can’t find/load your PowerPoint©.
  • The following guiding questions indicate the information that panels and audiences expect to hear during your presentation. Be creative with your organization, but remember that your panel and audience need to follow your presentation easily.

Guiding Questions for Senior Project Presentations

How can you capture your audience’s attention quickly?

What is a good way to introduce yourself and your project?

What were your project goals? How did they change over time (if they did)?

What were your project’s major activities? How did you spend your time? Who helped you?

What did you achieve or produce or conclude?

How will you show your panel and audience a closer look at your project work? [THIS IS A REALLY CRUCIAL PART!]

The purpose of this segment of the presentation is to provide a close-up view of a small part of your project. Providing your audience with a detailed description and evidence of one aspect of your project helps to illustrate the depth and scope of your work. This is the core of the presentation!

  • These options have worked well in the past, but you are not limited to them. Be creative and be mindful of the time you have for the presentation:
  • Identify a problem you had and explain how you solved it OR
  • Showcase a small part of your project in depth OR
  • Demonstrate a new skill and explain how you acquired it OR
  • Tell the story of a day (or 2?) in the life of your project OR
  • Do something else that holds a (metaphorical) magnifying glass up to some aspect of your project. Stuck for ideas? Ask your panel or Advisor or Senior English teacher for help.

What new skills and knowledge have you gained from this project?

In what intangible ways have you grown during this project?

Intangible growth might include the ability tobalance multiple demands, the possession of work ethic, development of analytical thinking, increased practice in collaboration, etc. Review your reflective journals as you consider this question.

What changes would you make in your activities/project if you could start over?

What concluding idea or image or sound is a fitting end to your presentation?

Additional Information

  • The “closer look” section often makes the difference between a satisfactory and an excellent presentation
  • Note cards are acceptable, as long as you do not stare at them or read the entire presentation from them. Make regular eye contact with the entire room.
  • Avoid facing or reading from the screen. Keep your face and body TURNED TOWARD THE AUDIENCE.
  • Have a trusted friend or parent help you edit your presentation visuals.
  • Avoid verbal fillers such as “um,” “uh,” “like”
  • PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE