Graduation Project Topic Selection and Proposal

Topic Selection Overview  Overall Topic of Interest  Research Paper Topic  Practical Experience  Mentor/Expert for Project (Interview, Hours)  Complete Graduation Project Forms  Complete Proposal Form (due Fri, Feb 8)

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 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 Parent/Guardian Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Resubmit if Topic Changes Resubmit if Topic Changes English Teacher/GPC Approval English Teacher/GPC Approval Due Fri, Feb 8 Due Fri, Feb 8

Other Forms 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