1. TWO YEARS, FOUR PIECES

2. Product ideas Research paper Junior Year English Begin (or continue) product Summer Finish product Assemble portfolio Senior Year English Presentation to Review Board December or April

3. BEFORE ASKING… WHAT QUESTION DO I WANT TO ANSWER? START WITH THE END IN MIND WHAT PRODUCT CAN I DO FOR THIS TOPIC? WILL THE PRODUCT BE CONCRETE OR EXPERIENTIAL?

4. STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CHOOSE TOPICS THAT INSPIRE THEM TO BECOME EXPERTS. BEFORE THEY PROCEED, HOWEVER, THEY NEED TO THINK OF AT LEAST ONE PRODUCT IDEA. MANY GREAT TOPICS DON’T WORK FOR THE GRADUATION PROJECT BECAUSE THEY CAN’T LEAD TO A PRODUCT.

5. Concrete Experiential design create build publish volunteer work job shadowing internships mission trips clinics & workshops (student-led)

6. Concrete Experiential design for high school uniforms working bio-diesel converter syllabus for a medical volunteer class symphony model and financial plan for a sports center volunteering with holistic veterinarian teaching clinic for Little League pitchers building wells in Guatemala conducting music experiments at Lake Wylie Elementary

7. These products work well with a wide variety of research topics:  websites  books (recipes, diet, children's, etc.)  documentaries  experiences related to a future career

8. A product takes the research "on the road" by doing something new and creative that educates or enlightens. A visual aid illustrates the topic and/or what has already been done with it (models, posters, etc.)

9. THE RESEARCH PAPER MUST PROVE A FOCUSED THESIS WITH CREDIBLE RESEARCH. PAPERS SHOULD HAVE 6-8 PAGES OF TEXT, INCLUDING A STUDENT-PRODUCED GRAPHIC. PAPERS CAN TAKE ALMOST ANY FORM ARGUMENTATIVE COMPARE-CONTRAST CAUSE & EFFECT CRITICAL REVIEW ANALYTICAL

10. Each paper must cite a minimum of five different sources that are authoritative and current. Students should strive for variety and balance by using print, online, interviews, digital media, and other reliable resources. They should not rely solely on online sources. It is important for students to evaluate each source’s credibility, especially if it is an online source.

11. Sources should include at least one primary source. Primary sources are original materials produced in the time period or immediately after, usually by someone with direct experience. Examples include audio/video recordings diaries/letters interviews/oral histories newspaper articles written at the time records of organizations/government agencies speeches surveys public opinion polls

12. Papers are scored anonymously by two teachers in different disciplines, using the rubric contained in the student manual. Paper scores are 20% of the second quarter grade in 4x4 classes (standard, honors) and 40% of the 4 th quarter grade in AP.

13. Can… Cannot… Teach lessons on research, essay writing, documentation, and avoiding plagiarism Provide feedback on rough drafts Work with students one-on-one in class or after school Score drafts using the final draft rubric Revise or edit papers for the students Score the final draft of their own students’ papers

14. PRODUCT PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION

15. Copy of the research paper Paperwork as designated by Coordinator and teacher Three reflections  paper  product  overall process Mentor paperwork (all parts if extra credit is to be earned) Professionalism, neatness, evidence of technology

16. Professional dress required Research and development for both years presented while showcasing learning over time – not just a speech Product may be used as a visual aid or presented last Poise and charisma are important – but substance is crucial

17. The scale score is a combined total from the product, portfolio, and presentation. Each piece is scored holistically on a 4-point scale, for a total of twelve possible points. Completed mentor paperwork with solid evidence earns one extra credit point (up to thirteen total). Excellent evidence earns two extra credit points (up to fourteen points total)

18. The total of all three scores is translated into a score out of 100. Presentation scores are 20% of the second quarter grade in 4x4 classes (standard, honors) and 40% of the 4 th quarter grade in AP.

19. Can… Cannot… Teach presentation skills, resumes, portfolios, and professional dress Provide feedback on reflections and practice presentations Work with students one- on-one in class or after school Score portfolios, products or presentations using the final rubric Revise or edit papers for students Sit on the Review Boards of their own students

20. OUR GOAL IS A THREE-MEMBER TEAM (TEACHER, PARENT, AND COMMUNITY MEMBER) FOR EACH PRESENTER – IN OTHER WORDS, A DIVERSE CROSS-SECTION OF ADULTS. JUDGES IN THE PAST HAVE INCLUDED METS TEACHERS AND STAFF (AND THEIR FAMILY/FRIENDS) FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE, AND JUNIOR PARENTS TEACHERS FROM LAKE WYLIE AND RIVERGATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS LOCAL CLERGY ENGINEERS GRADUATE STUDENTS RETIREES

21. Arrive in holding area 30 minutes before timeslot When called, report to designated room Give portfolio to judges and set up presentation materials Complete presentation Leave product and presentation with judges Return to holding area Wait for scores to be returned by Review Board Get final score from Coordinator Direct any questions or concerns to the Coordinator

22. http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/ci/grad-project/Pages/default.aspx