Maui High School
660 S. Lono Avenue
Kahului, HI 96732
Mission
Maui High is a diverse community where all learners are challenged and supported to achieve personal success.
Principal
Bruce Anderson
Vice Principals
Jo-Anne Higa
Ty Ogasawara
Francoise Wittenburg
Senior Project Coordinator
Ti’a Joaquin
Janyce Omura
Senior English Teachers
James Ballao
Rachael Denessen
Keith Graham
Traci Rosario
Justin Rouleau
CONTACT INFORMATION
Maui High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Bruce Anderson, Principal, 808-727-4000.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Senior Project 3 What is Senior Project? 3
The Project4
The Paper5
The Portfolio5
The Presentation5
How Will this Affect My Grade?5
Policies6
Master Calendar7
Chapter 2: Choosing a Topic8
Senior Project Ideas9-10
Chapter 3: The Project11
Mentor Qualifications & Responsibilities12
Letter to Mentor13
Chapter 4: The Argumentative Research Paper14-15
Sample Ideas: Research Area, Topic & Product16
Yes Test17
Plagiarism Policy18
Chapter 5: The Portfolio19
Portfolio Yes Test20
Portfolio Scoring Rubric21
Chapter 6: The Presentation22
Presentation Guide23-25
Presentation Rubric26
Details to Remember27
Equipment Request Form28
Appendix A: Senior Project Forms29
Senior Project Proposal & Approval Form30-31 Commitment Poster/Portfolio Cover 32 Parent/Guardian Consent & Liability Release Form 33
Mentor Information & Agreement Form34
Project Log35
Journal Log & Sample36
Journal Log37-38
Mentor Evaluation form39
Self-Evaluation40
Thank you Letter to Mentor Requirements & Template41
Sample Thank you Letter to Mentor & Envelope Format42
Letter to Judges Guidelines & Template43
Sample Letter to Judges44
Resume Template45
A brief overview…
What is Senior Project?
Beginning with the Class of 2010, Senior Project became a graduation requirement at Maui High School. Senior Project is designed to provide you with the opportunity to apply all that you have learned in twelve years of school to a project which will challenge all of your abilities, stretch your limitations, and reward you immensely! The Senior Project will not only require the students to read and write, but it will also require students to analyze, synthesize, speak, apply, and evaluate. A successful Senior Project will demonstrate the following General Learner Outcomes:
●Self-directed Learner (The ability to be responsible for one’s own learning)
●Community Contributor(The understanding that it is essential for human beings to work together)
●Complex Thinker (The ability to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving)
●Quality Producer (The ability to recognize and produce quality performance and quality products)
●Effective communicator (The ability to communicate effectively)
●Effective and Ethical user of Technology (The ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and ethically)
The Senior Project will consist of four major components:
●the research paper
●the project/product
●the portfolio
●the presentation.
This handbook will guide you through the process. It includes most of the information and forms you will need to complete the project. You can download a copy from the school web page: .
The Project/Product (see Chapter 3)
The project is the core of the Senior Project experience. You will be choosing a project which extends your learning, stretches your potential, and challenges your abilities. What that may be is up to you. The goal is to choose a problem and act on it by finding or discovering something that you have never done or knew before but always wanted to do or learn and that also supports your community. The project forges a link between you, the school, and the community, as you work with a mentor and discover community resources and job opportunities.
For example…A possible project for someone who might be interested in a career in advertising would be to design an effective sustained advertising campaign around a societal problem such as teenage smoking - MORE than just a single poster or recording.
You will choose a project that will showcase your knowledge, skills, and creativity. Each student will select one of the following types of project:
●Service Learning/Community Service– The student completes a 20 hour service-learning project that makes a concrete and visible impact in the school or community.
●Career Project (Job Shadowing) – The student works with a community mentor for 20 hours in a specific area related to the student’s desired goals and interest.
●Academic Challenge/Student Personal Interest –A physical product that the student produces. For example: creates a fashion outfit, writes a short story, a video creation, learns to scuba dive, create a video game, etc. The student may choose a product that is performance or problem based.
●Capstone – Senior CTE completer students also have another opportunity to fulfill their senior project credit by taking a Capstone class during the regular school day. Students will work on other capstone projects in Capstone, not only their Senior Project. To be eligible for this credit class, students need to:
1. Be a senior in good academic standing
2. Be a CTE completer (must have taken and passed a core CTE class, the next level class in the same pathway, and the required academic class)
3. Get the pathway teachers’ approval.
4. Understand and agree to what is expected of them for the entire year.
Advantages: Students can work on their senior project “Product” in school. The pathway teacher may serve as their mentor.
Disadvantages: Students who do no pass the capstone class will not earn the Senior Project credit.
The Research Paper (See Chapter 4)
A research paper that proves a specific claim-MLA documentation style, 4-7 pages in length, 5-10 sources for your research. Works cited needs to be included. This will be completed in senior English.
The Portfolio (see Chapter 5)
Since much of the work on your Senior Project will be done outside of class, you will want to keep accurate records of the time you invested, how much money you spent, where you went, who you talked to, what you learned, and so on. The portfolio is simply a place to keep all of that. Eventually, your portfolio will be examined by your Senior Project teachers/coordinators and graded for completeness and attention to detail.
The Presentation (See Chapter 6)
Finally, you will present your project at Senior Presentation Day. You will make a formal presentation to a panel of judges including parents, teachers, and other community members. You will discuss your project and paper, the process you followed, what you learned along the way, and your personal growth as a result of your ambitious project. If you’ve chosen a project which really excites you and captures your interest, your enthusiasm will shine through to your Board, your parents, friends and the community.
How will this project affect my grade?
An excellent question! Your research paper and portfolio are embedded in your first semester Expos II/ELA grade and your presentation is embedded in your second semester ELA grade. Completing these components are mandatory to pass your English class. This class is a graduation requirement. The student who refuses to complete any portion of the Senior Project will not pass ELA 12. You will also receive 1 elective credit for Senior Project.
Dual Credit Class – You will still be required to complete the Senior Project to participate in Commencement Exercises (Graduation).
The Senior Project must be challenging and demonstrate a learning stretch.
A learning stretch requires a student to move from one level of understanding and knowledge to the next. A learning stretch means growth. There will be times when you may seem overwhelmed or frustrated. Growth cannot happen without discomfort. Creating a well-thought out schedule and step by step guide is important because it will remove as much stress from the growth process as possible. Meet deadlines, ask for help and do not procrastinate so that you can enjoy this achievement.
●Your English teacher will amend or add assignments and assign points to facilitate success. These practices will vary from teacher to teacher. (If you do not have ELA 12, you must meet with the Senior Project Coordinator).
●Communication is the key. If a major change is necessary to your project, please discuss the circumstances with your English teacher and the senior project coordinator. If you do change it, write a new proposal and give copies to the senior project coordinator.
●Whether your project takes place on or off-campus, your senior project is school related and you are a representative of Maui High School. As such, you are bound by the Maui High School Code of Conduct as explained in the Student Planner. If your behavior falls below these standards, you will receive appropriate school discipline and your senior project and possibly your graduation may be jeopardized.
●You must pass all four components of Senior Project to pass your English class. Passing Senior Project does not guarantee you will pass the class.
●Partner projects are highly discouraged. If one person becomes seriously ill or injured, moves away, or is unreliable, that could jeopardize the other person’s project.
●Materials (not limited to) Flash/ “Jump” Drive, 3 ring binder w/ view, Clear protector sheets, access to a camera, envelopes, index cards, stamp, printer/ink, etc.
LATE POLICIES:
❖August 26, 2016 is the last day to change your project. A personal interview with the SP Coordinator is needed to make any changes.
.
.
May 18, 2016Senior Project Proposal due to Mrs. Joaquin
May 25, 2016Senior Project Approval returned (Eng)
August 26, 2016 Research Paper Topic Proposal due (Eng)
September 9, 2016 Mentor Agreement signed (Eng)
September 9, 2016 Signed Parent Consent/Liability form (Eng)
September 30, 2016 Commitment Poster/Portfolio Cover (Eng)
October 6, 2016 Research Paper Draft #1 due (Eng)
November 4, 2016 Research Paper Draft #2/Final due (Eng)
Plagiarism Policy due (Eng)
December 1, 2016 Completion of 20 hours w/ evidence
December 1, 2016 Research Paper Draft #3/“Not Yet” due (Eng)
December 12, 2016 Portfolio Done/Binder w/ Sheet Protectors (Eng)
November 2016 – Feb 2017 Practice Presentations (SS & Eng)
March 10, 2017 Senior Project Presentations
*All students must be in attendance on this date
March 13-April, 2017 2nd Senior Project Presentations for “Not Yet” students
May 20, 2017 Graduation!
**** Dates subject to change**
How do I pick a topic?
Choosing a topic for your Senior Project is a crucial first step. A good senior project topic:
●Is something you’re excited about. Why spend your senior year doing something you really don’t care about?
●Challenges you. Now is not the time to recycle a project you did earlier. If you’re still interested in that earlier topic, use your original project as the springboard to learning more about the topic.
●Is researchable. You have to write a Senior Paper that requires sources – make sure you’ll be able to find information.
●Let’s apply your knowledge. The Senior Product is your chance to do something with your new knowledge.
To find the perfect Senior Project topic trust your interests and passions. Think about all of the things you are interested in your neighborhood, your school, your state, or things you like to fix, do, learn, see, improve, create, experience, or own. Make sure your topic will lend itself to both an interesting research paper and product.
●A student who had epilepsy when she was younger wrote her paper about different types of epilepsy and volunteered at a hospital working with epileptic children.
●A student concerned about the environment wrote her paper about global warming and created a mosaic which she donated to the school.
●A swimmer interested in coaching researched how to create a strong team and then designed a website with individual, team, and conference times and pictures to help motivate the teams.
●A student from a hunting family (but not a hunter herself) learned the art of taxidermy and mounted a deer head.
Still stuck? Maybe you can find some ideas from the following pages.
TopicProject Hours
Tae Kwon DoTeach Tae Kwon Do classes
Women as firefightersJob shadow a female firefighter
Abstract Art-Major TrendsPaint something in that style
Massage TherapyJob shadow OR obtain a masseuse license
Acting techniquesDirect a one-act play
The health benefits of YogaTake yoga classes and write a story
LandscapingLandscape designs or Job shadow
Teenage PregnancyWork w/ a local agency
AutomobilesRe-build carburetors OR organize an oil change day for community
MeteorologyMake a weather station
Drug counseling therapyCreate a self-help pamphlet
DyslexiaTutor a dyslexic child
Causes of HomelessnessVolunteer at a shelter/organize food-clothing drive
Government ProgramsJob shadow or Photo essay
AcousticsBuild speakers
ADHDTutor a child with ADHD
Media ethicsCreate a school newspaper
Italian cuisineJob shadow
Avoiding prisonTeach middle school student’s positive activities
Censorship on radioJob shadow at a radio station
Weightlifting for womenDesign a fitness regimen and teach a workshop
CoachingCoach a team (AYSO, little league…)
SportsOrganize & conduct a clinic for kids
ObesityJob shadow a dietician
Internet & childrenTeach an elementary class
TaxesLearn to do your own taxes
Animal AbuseVolunteer at the animal shelter
Kindergarten studentsTeach a lesson to a K class
Pollution effects on ecosystemsOrganize a recycling campaign OR
Clean local beaches
CheerleadingCoach a squad
Battered womenVolunteer at a shelter
Criminal Justice SystemJob shadow
Effective Advertising CampaignDesign an effective, sustained ad for a product
Down SyndromeDesign drills & coach Special Olympics
Effective Reading StrategiesDesign lesson and teach an elem. class
Making a small business workJob shadow at a small shop/business
TopicProject Hours
Building/ConstructionBuild a chest using specific techniques
Polynesian navigatingLearn to paddle canoe/participate
Pollution of Tide PoolsLearn to scuba dive/Certification
The cooking styles of HawaiiansMake at least 5 ethnic dishes
Cooking in a commercial kitchenJob shadow
Poetry through MusicParticipate in a poetry reading OR create a collection of your own poems
Trends in teen bedroomsRepaint and redesign a room at home
EditingMake a music video
Guitar customizationLearn or teach guitar/performance
The Japanese GardenA scaled down Japanese garden
American Golf Course DesignA scaled down self-designed golf course
You Tube’s effect on amateur movieProduce a short film
VideographyPrepare a video for incoming freshman
Peer/media influences on teen clothingOrganize a fashion show
Cultural differences in dress stylesCreate patterns and sew one outfit
The influence of hip-hopCreate a demo with 6 original songs
Modern RoboticsCreate a robotic hand, etc.
Investing in the stock marketHold a class to teach teens about $$$
Build ConstructionVolunteer with Habitat for Humanity
Art of silk screeningDesign, create, and sell a t-shirt for club
Television AdvertisingSubmit tv commercial in a contest
Study of magicDesign and implement show at elem.
Care of ElderlyVolunteer at a nursing home
Marketing FashionSketch and sew
The De-evolution of RadioDJ at a radio station
Animal AbuseHumane Society volunteer
Floral designLearn & make floral arrangements
Internet impact on businessDesign web pages
Hearing ImpairedTake a sign language class
Silent filmsMake a silent movie
ExerciseOrganize a walk a thon
2016 ElectionVolunteer to campaign for political party
HydropowerCreate a model
AccountingJob Shadow
DentistryJob shadow
Digital photo vs. filmJob shadow or make a portfolio
RunningTrain for and run in a marathon
Women and sportsCoach or shadow a coach
MinistryVolunteer with local ministry
Handicapped HousingDesign barrier-free house
Chapter 3: The ProjectMinimum requirements of the Project
Your project must…
●be a personal stretch and challenge
●take a minimum of 20 hours
●be approved by the SP Committee
●be legal!
●must be an appropriate and logical connection to the research paper.
●must have a minimum of 4 photos of YOU constructing or performing the following products from start to finish
Product Choice 1: JOB SHADOW- is an actual real-life experience with a professional in a chosen profession of interest. Do not shadow a relative. Your place of employment will not be accepted as job shadow hours. You are encouraged to be an active participant in the experience rather than a latent bystander.
Ideas:
- Law Enforcement
- Attorney
- Firefighter
- Nurse/Doctor
- Licensed Cosmetologist
Product Choice 2: COMMUNITY SERVICE is volunteer work. Your service must be performed at a legitimate, certified organization to receive your service hours.
Ideas:
- Community Clean up
- Hospital
- School Classroom
- Food Bank
- Local Library
- Hale Makua
Product Choice 3: ACADEMIC CHALLENCE OR PERSONAL EXPLORATION– is a commodity you can show. It must be created, organized, or produced by the student.
Ideas:
- Documentary film-create a film which showcases historical places/events
- CD-Create original songs for an event
- Website-Create a poetry website and invite students to share their writings
- Paintings or Mural-create a scene and donate your art to an organization
- Costumes or Set Designs-create items to be used for a local performance
- Short Story-create a story and submit it to be published in a magazine
- Heath Fair or Fundraising-sponsor a drive which include the general public or school
- Workshops or Camps-organize &conduct a sports camp; create a lesson plan
Note: These are only suggested product ideas. Do not limit your project decision to the choices on this page. Be creative!
MENTOR QUALIFICATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIESAll students need a mentor.
What is a mentor?
➢A person who will provide expertise, support, perspective, feedback, acceptance, understanding, verification, and evaluation of the student and the project.
➢A person whom the student can trust and with whom the student can develop a relationship.