Understand the different components of the GP Brainstorm possible topics Graduation Project

GP Overview Choose a Topic of Interest  Proposal Form – early approval  Proposal Letter – Eng IV  Research Paper – Eng IV  Practical Experience/Product— Eng IV (begin before Eng IV)  Portfolio – Eng IV  Presentation— Eng IV (end of sem)

Topic Selection  Overall Topic of Interest  Research Paper Topic  Practical Experience/Product  Mentor/Expert for Project (Interview, Hours)

Components of Graduation Project  Overall Topic of Interest i.e. Sports, Photography, Animal Welfare  Research Paper Topic Related to Some Aspect of Overall Topic (Honors/AP)—Argumentative/Pro/Con (Standard)—Informational or Argumentative Research-based

Components of Graduation Project Product/Practical Experience Product/Practical Experience Connected in Some Way to Paper 15+ Hours of Work/Hands-on Activities Examples: Skill (i.e. Learn to play instrument) Production of Item (i.e. Design & build piece of furniture) Participation in Activity (i.e. CPR classes & certification) Volunteer Work (i.e. Coordinate fundraiser, Coach Special Olympics)

Components of Graduation Project Mentor/Expert in the Field Mentor/Expert in the Field Must be 21+ years old Cannot be Family Household Member Mentor May be Expert in Field Mentor May Help You Locate Expert and Coordinate Project Interview – Mentor or Other Expert

Sample Topics Overall Topic Research Paper Project/Experience Youth involved in sports perform better in school Coach a youth soccer team and track academic progress of team members Punk Music Punk music promotes politics Take guitar lessons and perform a song Sports Birth Defects Children with Down Syndrome benefit from Early Intervention services Volunteer at summer camp for children with Down Syndrome and coordinate an event

Topic Selection Inappropriate Research Paper Topics: Opinion papers Opinion papers Personal essay Personal essay Honors/AP – No “how-to”, “history of” Honors/AP – No “how-to”, “history of”

Proposal Form Proposal Form Brief Description – Paper, Product, Possible Mentor Brief Description – Paper, Product, Possible Mentor Resubmit if Topic Changes Resubmit if Topic Changes English Teacher/Panel Approval English Teacher/Panel Approval Submit for approval before beginning work on project Submit for approval before beginning work on project

Other Forms Get Forms Signed Before Beginning Product Get Forms Signed Before Beginning Product Keep Copies in Portfolio Keep Copies in Portfolio Parent/Guardian Consent Parent/Guardian Consent Mentor/Parent Consent Form Mentor/Parent Consent Form Recognition of Risk (if necessary) Recognition of Risk (if necessary) Recognition of Excessive Cost (if necessary- $75+) Recognition of Excessive Cost (if necessary- $75+) All forms on Graduation Project Forms web page All forms on Graduation Project Forms web pageGraduation Project Forms web pageGraduation Project Forms web page

Graduation Project Process English III  Topic Brainstorming & Narrowing  Search for Print Sources -- Background Info about Topic Optional  Search Online Databases -- Background Info about Topic  Use Info to Select Research Paper Topic and Product  Submit Proposal Form & Preliminary Research Worksheet  Work on Practical Experience Semester/Summer After Eng III if possible

Graduation Project Process English IV  Locate Specific Print & Online Sources for Research Paper  Submit Proposal Letter for Topic Approval  Select and Interview Mentor/Expert on Topic  Begin Writing Outline and Research Paper  Save Everything (flash drive/H drive/Google Drive)  Practical Experience Due  Portfolio Due  Presentation

Timeline  Proposal Form (11 th )/Letter (12 th )  Research Paper- includes Expert interview (12 th )  Practical Experience – includes work with Mentor/Expert (11-12 th )  Portfolio (12 th )  Presentation (12 th )