TWO YEARS, FOUR PIECES

SLE/ 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

BEFORE ASKING… WHAT QUESTION DO I WANT TO ANSWER WITH MY RESEARCH? START WITH THE END IN MIND WHO NEEDS THE INFORMATION THAT I WILL RESEARCH? WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET THAT INFORMATION TO THEM?

STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CHOOSE TOPICS THAT INSPIRE THEM OR THAT THEY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT. BEFORE THEY PROCEED, HOWEVER, THEY NEED TO THINK OF AT LEAST ONE SERVICE LEARNING EXPERIENCE IDEA. SERVICE LEARNING EXPERIENCES PROVIDE A SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. SLE’S CAN INCLUDE VOLUNTEERING, ADVOCATING, OR BUILDING AWARENESS OF THE CHOSEN ISSUE. STUDENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO VOLUNTEER.

SLE/PRODUCT PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION

Build Write Write a computer program Build a prototype of a temporary housing structure Write ads for volunteer opportunities Write a proposal to limit waste production at a specific company Write a petition to solicit public response and send it to the government

Perform Teach/Lead Mentor a performance with disabled actors Create a performance around the issue and perform it to build public awareness Teach an elementary or middle school class Coach a Little League team Establish a community garden and teach people to tend it Teach the elderly how to use the Internet, Skype, etc.

Move Plan for the Future Teach someone how to exercise Work with a buddy to prepare for Special Olympics Lead a group on an ecological tour of the community Volunteer at a local office, hospital, science center, etc. in a professional area that you wish to pursue

Does the SLE/product show significant learning (creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, etc.) over time? Is the SLE/product an outgrowth of the research that has real-world applications? Is there evidence of the use of varied resources and additional research? Does the SLE/product represent at least fifteen hours of contact?

An SLE/product takes the research "on the road" by sharing what has been learned with those who need to know it. Artifacts from the SLE illustrate the topic and/or what has already been done with it (models, posters, documentation, etc.)

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

The most authoritative research should be included. Questions Extemporaneous questions are required Students should respond politely Keeping time

Hold students accountable  The cumulative scores from the presentation, SLE/Product, and the portfolio will translate into a score out of 100.  Presentation scores are 20% of the second quarter grade in 4x4 classes Give credit for what is done well Be aware of what a level 4 means – exemplary work with leadership roles.