1. Senior Projects Mr. Cook

2. I Search Project

3. What is It? A required major project for 2nd semester Authentic research of a “burning question or topic” through interviews, print media, and technology A process, a paper, and a presentation

4. Picking a Topic Pick a topic that truly interests you Don’t close your mind to wild possibilities Pick a topic that is worthy of your time and effort and emphasis in the course Choose a topic for which you will have access to sources

5. Writing the Proposal A two page typed paper in which you: name your topic explain why you are interested in it explain what you already know about it explain what you would like to learn list possible interview sources make your plan

6. Research Consult all types of print sources: i.e. magazines, newspapers, books, pamphlets Explore technological resources: i.e. the internet, library databases, etc. Consider writing letters to experts in your topic area Seek out people to interview; network! You will need 10 sources for this project 7 print/electronic sources 3 interviews

7. Your Notes Active reading responses to research Photocopies of articles, pictures, newspaper clippings Save web pages for future reference Notes and reflections of interviews Copies of letters sent and received

8. Interviews All interviews must be approved. You will submit a name, credentials, contact information, and the date and time of the interview. Interviews must have a minimum of 5 questions related to the topic, plus background and credential questions Fill out the Interview Cover Sheet for each interview You may only interview one D117 faculty member and / or one family member unless specific teacher approval is given Follow up questions are part of the original interview, and need to be attached to the source in the final binder

9. Interviews Prepare for the interview by researching the topic and writing out intelligent questions Dress and act appropriately so that you are taken seriously Take notes or record the interview Follow up with a reflection on the interview cover sheet You will a need a minimum of three interviews One interview must be in person, one may be over the phone, one may be written correspondence. All Interviews must be approved by the teacher.

10. Interview Types You must complete three interviews. Here are your options. InterviewsFace to FacePhoneWritten Correspondence Interview 1 xxx Interview 2 xx Interview 3 x

11. Writing the Paper Language and style should belong to you Paper should be written in the 1st person in the Intro and Conclusion. The paper is the story of your search; a narrative approach is very appropriate in the intro and conclusion The body must have an argumentative component. Divide your paper into various sections Properly document your sources with direct and indirect citations

12. The Look of Your Paper Should be visually appealing Form should be appropriate to your topic Title page should be creative and striking Have fun with the look of the whole product Include meaningful graphics, photos, charts, etc. to enhance the experience of your paper. Include graphics for aesthetic value

13. Presentation the culminating activity for the project should focus on one aspect of your search that will be interesting to your audience. You will not have time to present your entire paper. should contain a visual aid or some kind of class activity should convey your successes and frustrations with the project

14. Paper Requirements 15 Pages with graphics, 12 pages solid text. At least three sections – Intro, Body, Conclusion Minimum 10 sources Minimum 3 Interviews, Contact information provided. All research properly cited, and evaluated All research is of good quality (no Wikipedia, about.com, etc.) All elements of the project organized and turned in All documents of the paper are resubmitted in the final project. No plagiarism of any kind.

15. Assessment Final Exam Grade (15 percent of semester grade) 1. Final Project 2. Speech Other Grades – not part of final exam grade. 1. Proposal worksheet and final proposal 2. Research Deadlines 3. Outline and 3 page sample 4. Any other assignments

16. Deadlines and Timelines Dec. 8Research Proposal Worksheet Due Dec 12Research Proposal – Early Decision Jan 5Research Proposal due Jan. 15 1st Progress Report; Research binder checked Jan. 282nd Progress Report; Research binder checked Feb. 123rd Progress Report; Research binder checked Feb. 19Outline Worksheet due Feb 26Introduction due Apr. 1**Project Due (Due by 3:15) Apr. 27**Oral Presentations Begin ** Dates are subject to change. Presentations may begin earlier than stated**

17. The Unpleasant Stuff The following will prevent you from being successful on this project (i.e. passing) Plagiarism Missing Deadlines Not having enough sources Faking interviews Not turning in the project Any other general paper no-no’s A bad Turnitin.com report Academic Dishonesty This project is a requirement to pass second semester English!!!! This may jeopardize graduation!!!!

18. The Unpleasant Stuff Late Work The following will receive a 10% penalty per day for being late: Final Binder, Speech. All other work will receive a 50% penalty if late.

19. Questions?