LouisburgHigh School

Graduation Research Project

This Handbook Belongs to

Faculty Advisor:______

Phone: ______

E-Mail: ______

GRP Coordinator: ______

Phone: ______

E-Mail: ______

Dear Senior,

Welcome to the Graduation Research Project (GRP). Starting with the 2007-2008 academic year, successful completion of this project has been a requirement for graduation. The Class of 2010will complete the final component of the project 7 April 2010.

The purpose of the Graduation Research Project is to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge you have gained and the maturity you have achieved in a meaningful and practical manner. The GRP gives you a chance to choose your area of study, to combine different disciplines, to satisfy specialized curiosity and to utilize your talents in a productive manner. It will help prepare you for the rigors of post-high school work.

The GRP is divided into four key components. The first involves researching and producing a written document in the form of a formal research paper, a resource digest, or a technical document on a topic of your choice. The second portion consists of applying information that you have gained to produce a project that demonstrates your mastery of the topic.

The third facet requires you to keep a portfolio which maintains records and materials relating to the project. The final part requires you to give a formal, 5-15 minute presentation followed by a question and answer period of up to 5 minutes, during which you have the opportunity to discuss your project, research and self-learning. You will present to a panel consisting of staff, community members, your mentor, and yourpeers.

Each student will need to choose a mentor that will provide expertise on his/her chosen topic and will verify the amount of time spent working on the project. A minimum of three documented contacts with your mentor and a minimum of 10 hours of independent work on the project will be required. All work will need to be completed outside the regular classroom.

A faculty advisor assigned to you will provide help in meeting deadlines and overseeing the project. Although at times you may feel overwhelmed by the project requirements, be assured that if you meet deadlines and put forth the effort, you will not only meet this graduation requirement, but you will have accomplished something very important and meaningful.

This handbook details the requirements that should help ensure success with your Graduation Research Project. The rest is up to you!

Good Luck!!

Jimmy AllenJohn CleekLou Davis

Board of EducationBoard of EducationBoard of Education

Paul KircherScot RogersJim Vallacqua

Board of EducationBoard of EducationBoard of Education

Tom York

Board of Education

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Starting with the 2007-2008 academic year, all seniors have been required to successfully complete a Graduation Research Project (GRP) for graduation. This project calls upon students to use skills acquired and practiced throughout twelve years of formal education. It also helps prepare them for the rigors of post-high school work.

This project has four components: a written document, a project related to the paper, a portfolio which maintains records regarding the project, and an oral presentation of the topic to a panel of judges. The Class of 2010will complete the final component of the project 7 April 2010.

The first component of this project, the written document, will require students to use specific skills such as research, organization, and time management to produce one of the following: a formal research paper, a resource digest, or a technical document. The second portion consists of applying acquired information to produce a project that demonstrates mastery of the topic. All students will need mentorswho will provide expertise for their projects. Projects are to be worked on and completed outside the regular classroom.

The third facet requires students to keep portfolios. The final component is an oral presentation given by students to a panel comprised of adults and students. During this presentation students will explain the learning that occurred in completing the research and the project.

One of the objectives of the GRP is to teach students to prioritize their time in order to meet deadlines. Due dates for the components are given many weeks in advance, and students are expected to meet them. There will be consequences for missing deadlines or submitting sub-par work.

A successful Graduation Research Project involves parent and teacher support as well as student initiative and self-discipline. To graduate in May, students must complete and pass each of the above components, as well as meet all other graduation requirements. We hope you provide encouragement and support for the projects. Do remember that it is the student’s responsibility to actually do the work.

If we all work together, this will be one of the most rewarding experiences the students will have in high school! The GRP handbook details all the requirements

Sincerely,

John CleekPaul KircherJimmy Allen

Board of EducationBoard of EducationBoard of Education

Lou DavisScot RogersJim Vallacqua

Board of EducationBoard of EducationBoard of Education

Tom York

Board of Education

Acknowledgement of Responsibility for

Graduation Research Project

LouisburgHigh School

The purpose of the Graduation Research Project (GRP) is to allow all seniors the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, work habits, time management, and self-motivation as they apply them in a multi-dimensional setting.

(Due: 23 April 2009)

Title of Project: ______

I acknowledge that graduation research project advisors have shared the expectations for the Graduation Research Project I will be completing during the 2009-10 school year. I accept my personal responsibility for completing this project to the best of my ability.

______

Student SignatureDate

I am aware that my student will be participating in the Graduation Research Project. I accept my responsibility in helping my student to live up to the responsibilities and obligations of this project.

______

Parent/Guardian SignatureDate

1

Table of Contents

Student Letter...... ii

Parent/Guardian Letter...... iii

Acknowledgement of Responsibility Form...... iv

Goals and Timelines

Goals of Graduation Research Project...... 1

Graduation Research Project Main Component Timeline...... 2

Graduation Research Project DetailedTimeline...... 3

Graduation Research Project Expectations & Timelines...... 4

Project Selection & Proposal Process

Selection of a Project...... 5

Brainstorming Project Ideas...... 6

Graduation Research Project Proposal...... 9

Graduation Research Project Final Form Example...... 10

Graduation Research Project Proposal Resource Projections...... 11

Mentor of Expertise

Selecting a Mentor of Expertise...... 12

Mentor of Expertise Commitment Guide (Mentor Copy)...... 13

Mentor of Expertise Commitment Guide (Student Copy)...... 14

Mentor Log Sheet...... 15

The Written Document

Written Document Overview...... 16

The Research Paper...... 17

Research Paper Assessment Rubric...... 18

Resource Digest Overview...... 20

Resource Digest Organizer...... 21

Resource Digest Assessment Rubric...... 22

Technical Document Overview...... 24

Technical Document Assessment Rubric...... 26

The Thank-You Letter

Instructions for typing a Thank You Letter...... 28

Example of a Thank You Letter...... 29

The Portfolio

Portfolio Overview...... 30

Activity Log/Journal Entries...... 31

Reflection Piece Overview...... 34

Graduation Research Project Portfolio Assessment...... 35

The Presentation

The Presentation...... 36

Audio-Visual/Facility Request...... 37

Project Presentation Assessment Rubric...... 38

Appendix

Research Paper...... 40

Resource Digest...... 45

Technical Manual...... 50

Goals

and

Timelines

Goals of Graduation Research Project

Culminate thirteen (13) years of education.

Present the opportunity for students to become aware of the abilities acquired in their years of education.

Show an in-depth pursuit of an area of interest.

Demonstrate writing ability and research skills.

Demonstrate technological research skills.

Apply appropriate sources of information.

Produce a written document with a sound understanding of a chosen subject.

Give an effective oral presentation with visual aids.

Involve the community in education and to display student knowledge to the community.

Address the community interest concerning seniors’ ability to write/produce a research paper.

Prepare students for the rigors of post-high school work.

LouisburgHigh School

Graduation Research Project

Main Component Timeline

2009-2010

Due at the End of Seminar Period on the Due Date

ComponentDue Date

Project Proposal 23 April 2009

Written Document19 November2009

Portfolio25 February 2010

Oral Presentation07 April 2010

Graduation Research Project

Detailed Timeline

2009-2010

Two of the key skills measured through this project are time management and self-motivation. Your project componentsare due to your advisor by the end of the seminar period on the due dates. If you are absent on a due date, you must turn in your component to your advisor the morning you return before 8:00 a.m. If you miss a deadline, you will be assigned an Overtime which will be served with the GRP coordinator from 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on designated Overtime days. If you miss your overtime, you will be assigned a Friday school and your parent/guardian will be contacted.

Your advisor will work with you to stay on track and complete your project on time. This checklist should assist you throughout the year. Please don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.

Due Date /  / Project Component
09 April 2009 / Project Proposal Rough Draft Due
Copies of Four (4) Related Articles Due
23 April 2009 / Acknowledgement of Responsibility Form Due (p. iv)
23 April 2009 / Final Proposal Due
Proposal Resource Projections Form Due (p. 11)
07 May 2009 / Mentor of Expertise Commitment Form Due (p. 14)
15 September 2009 / Written Document Rough Draft Due--Advisor Check
(with all supporting components)
16 October 2009 / Written Document Rough Draft Due--Reading Team Check
(with all supporting components)
19 November 2009 / Final Written Document Due--Reading Team Check
(with all supporting components)
Technical Project Proof of Completion Due
21 January 2010 / Corrected Final Written Document Ready
for Portfolio—Advisor Check
09 February 2010 / MentorThank You Letter Rough Draft Due
Non-Technical Project Proof of CompletionDue
25 February 2010 / Portfolio Due
Final MentorThank You Letter with Envelope Due
07 April2010 / Oral Presentations
May 2010 / CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS!!!

Graduation Research Project

Expectations & Timelines

The Graduation Research Project involves a worthy endeavor through which the student selects and completes a project that demonstrates mastery of competencies expected of all LouisburgHigh School graduates. The project demonstrates the student’s achievement in knowledge, skills, work habits, time management, and self-motivation, showing the student can apply skills at high levels of quality across disciplines.

Projects must include these four key components and must utilize technological learning and presentation tools.

The Final Written Paper(Due 19 November 2009)

  • Each student must produce a quality written document related to a specific component of his/her project. Acceptable document formats include:
  • A formal research paper adhering to MLA style;
  • Resource digest including summary and analysis;
  • A technical document.
  • Students will select their own topics which will be approved by the GRP advisors.
  • Length of written materials will be subject to approval of the GRP advisors.
  • Each student must apply his/her knowledge in the product/demonstration phase of the project.
  • Students will include a primary resource in the research paper and technical writing.

The Project: Technical (Due19 November 2009)

Non-Technical (Due 09 February 2010)

  • Each student is required to produce a product that demonstrates his/her chosen topic.
  • Projects are to go beyond the school curriculum, and should pose a learning stretch for the individual student.
  • The project requires at least 10 hours of independent work, NOT includingtravel time, thinking time, writing your paper, or time spent practicing your presentation.
  • Students will set goals, monitor their own progress, and meet deadlines.
  • Students are required to have a minimum of three contacts with an approved mentor of expertise during the course of their projects. A mentor of expertise is defined as a volunteer and/or faculty member with appropriate knowledge. A mentor may NOT be a family member or the student’s GRP advisor.
  • Students may NOT receive pay for their work or their products.

The Portfolio(Due 25 February2010)

  • Students are required to keep a portfolio in which they maintain records and materials relating to the project.
  • Students will include relevant information about their product,a log sheet of time spent on the project, and pictures.
  • Students will share their portfolio during the formal presentation.

The Presentation (Due 07 April 2010)

  • Students are required to make a formal 5-15 minute oral presentation to a panel consisting of a staff member, mentor, community member, and a member of the junior class.
  • Presentations are to incorporate visual aids, including such possibilities as a computer-generated presentation or video. The aids should be designed to enhance the presentation, but may not replace the live performance of the student.
  • A question and answer session with the panel, in addition to the presentation, may last up to five minutes.
  • Students are expected to dress formally for the occasion and present themselves in a professional manner.

______

NOTE:Any senior enrolling throughout the school year will be assigned a senior seminar GRP advisor.

Graduation Research Project requirements will be adapted according to the enrollment date.

1

Project

Selection

and

Proposal Process

1

Selection of a Project

Perhaps the most important phase of the Graduation Research Project is the selection of a topic and project. You need to give your project choice careful consideration before making a final decision. Your project will need to meet the following criteria:

Applies information gained through research to create an experience which demonstrates learning and mastery of the topic.

Involves goal setting and time management skills.

Involves no fewer than 10 documented hours in a student log which records the amount of time spent and reflections on each of the activities concerning the project. Travel time, thinking time, writing your paper, or time spent practicing your presentation does not count toward the 10 project hours.

Requires verification of hours, written forms, student logs, written summary, and physical evidence (e.g. photos, receipts, scrapbooks).

Utilizes at least one mentor of expertise to guide the student.

Requires activities to be completed outside of school.

Demonstrates a learning stretch (intellectual, physical, and/or emotional growth and development).

Represents a hands-on experience in the real world.

In addition to meeting the stated criteria, your topic needs to be challenging and interesting to you on a personal level. Choose something that offers the opportunity for personal growth and that holds your interest.

The flowchart below demonstrates how to narrow a general research topic to a more specific area of research, leading to the development of project choices.

General Research Specific ResearchProject Choices Specific Project

Brainstorming Project Ideas

Because the Graduation Research Project will be the most important assignment of your high school career, and because you will spend many weeks working on it, you need to consider your topic carefully. Completing the following brainstorming list will help you begin the process of selection. It may, also, help you formulate other goals.

Think about all of the things you would like to fix, do, learn, understand, see, improve, create, experience, or own. Jot your ideas under the proper categories as they occur to you. Don’t edit this list at this time. So you want to visit Paris? Write that down, even if you can’t afford to go now. If you want it, write it down.

  1. Fine/performing arts (music, drama, dance)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Health/physical fitness (steroids, diet, physical goals)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Business (entrepreneuring, trends)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Travel (vacations, languages, explorations)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Careers (schooling, job market research, personal goals)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Social Programs (homeless, aging, youth problems)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Photography/film(making a movie, photography showing)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Math/science (computers, ozone study, mathematics theory)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Writing/literature (writing a novel, poetry book)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Sports/recreation (climbing, learning to scuba dive)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Home economics (designing and sewing a dress, cooking)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Technical economics (wood, metal projects)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Education (learning styles, early childhood schooling)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Art (Impressionism, paint a mural)

1.______2. ______3. ______

  1. Religion/philosophy (comparative studies, existentialism)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Specialized hobbies (coins, car restoration)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Space (exploration, extraterrestrial theories)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Social Studies (historical study, cultural study)

1. ______2. ______3. ______

  1. Other

1. ______2. ______3. ______

Topic Selection Analysis—Part 1

Now that you have completed your list, go back and start narrowing.

Start by circling those items that:

  • will be possible to research. (Is information available?)
  • will take a minimum of 10 hours to complete.
  • will lend themselves to the project phase.
  • will be affordable. (Consider both time and money.)
  • will stretch your knowledge and experience (Don’t set out to knit a sweater if you’ve already knitted a dozen.)
  • will give you a taste of a possible career.
  • will maintain your interest for five months.

Now set your list aside for a week.

Topic Selection Analysis—Part 2

After a week has passed, choose three of the circled items that interest you the most.

List your three topic choices:

  1. ______
  2. ______
  3. ______

Spend some “think time” on each of the three items you chose. Write in the choice that best answers each of the following questions.

  1. Which area am I most likely to be able to use after I1. ______

graduate? (Think in terms of specialized knowledge,

lifelong hobbies, or a career option.)

2. Which choice will “stretch” me the most?2. ______

3Which area will probably provide access to the most3. ______

resources?

  1. Which area is the most unique and will probably be4. ______

different from most of the other Graduation