1. Quick Write – 11/30/15 What do you think the most important aspects of choosing your Senior Project will be, especially considering the fact that you will have to write a 10-page research paper?

2. Your Interests To narrow down your search for a Senior Project topic and research question, begin by listing three areas of interest. (For example: computers, psychology, business management) Avoid simply listing your current hobbies, as related projects will likely lack substance.

3. Research Question For each of your three areas of interest, come up with a research question that relates to it. (Child Development: How does attending pre-kindergarten affect the overall educational development of a child?) Your research questions should be specific, but also broad enough to allow for 10 pages worth of content.

4. Physical Product In addition to the research paper and the presentation, there must also be a physical product as part of your Senior Project. For each research question, think of a physical product that is related to it. (Business management: What does it take to start and run a small business? Physical product: A formal business plan, or a scale model of a restaurant).

5. Senior Project You now have three possible ideas for your Senior Project. To decide which one is best (i.e., which one will give you the best chance of creating a high-quality product), consider that you must also have the following: A mentor who is knowledgeable about your topic Two interviewees who are knowledgeable about your topic (can’t be your mentor) An observation in which you visit somewhere that relates to your topic For each of your three topics, think of possibilities for the three above necessities.

6. Letter of Intent Your letter of intent will show me and your parents/guardians your plan for your Senior Project. Your project must be approved by both me and your parent/guardian via signature. Your letter of intent, which must be typed and in business letter format, is DUE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 th.

7. Senior Project Ideas Check With a partner, share your ideas for your Senior Project. Your partner should question your decision, forcing you to respond with a solid plan for every aspect. Can the research question yield a 10-page paper? Will the topic be interesting to research? Are there reasonable options for interviewees? A place to go for an observation? A physical product?

8. Research Question Analysis A major aspect of the Senior Project is learning how to conduct legitimate research using legitimate resources. In order to do so, you must be able to hone in on the important aspects of your research question. REMINDER: Your research question should be APPROVED by this point. If I wrote on your Letter of Intent that you need to see me regarding your research question, then you need to do so before completing the Research Question Analysis assignment!!

9. Research Question Analysis Eight questions. Answer them individually. 1-2 pages (1 min., 2 max.) Typed DUE Tuesday, January 19 th at the beginning of class! As with all Senior Project assignments, you will get half credit for any late assignment! If you are absent on Tuesday the 19 th, you must email it to me before in order for it to be on time. I will not grade it until I receive a hard copy! If I don’t get a hard copy the next class period, it’s considered late!

10. Upcoming Due Dates Research Question Analysis – 1/19 Commitment Poster – 1/27 Mentor Form – 1/29

11. Commitment Poster 12 x 12 Poster Board Must display your name, research question, physical product, and a graphic that represents your topic! For example: Question: “What are the health benefits of a vegan diet?” Project: Create a vegan cookbook. Make it colorful and aesthetically appealing. It will be adorning our classroom walls! Type font preferred but not required! DUE Wednesday 1/27!

12. Mentor Verification Form Mentor cannot be immediate family (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.) Mentor must possess a level of expertise in the area of your topic Will review your Research Question Analysis and Research Paper Rough Draft in order to give feedback and suggestions Will meet with you four times throughout the entirety of the process Signed Mentor Verification Form DUE FRIDAY 1/29!!!