G raduation project

Research paper Graduation project

What do I have to do? • Write a paper that is • A topic of interest • 6-8 pages • Typed • double spaced • size 12 font • Times New Roman or Arial • MLA or APA format • A clearly defined thesis statement • Student-made graph or chart

What can it be? • The research-based essay can be constructed from any genre, as specified by the English teacher, including but not limited to: • Literary • Compare and Contrast • Cause and Effect • Argumentative (Persuasive) • Critical Review • Analytical

What is the graduation project? • A research paper demonstrating research skills and writing skills • A product created through the use of knowledge and skills in a meaningful way to accomplish a goal • A portfolio to catalogue/document tasks, record reflective thinking and insights, as well as demonstrate responsibility for learning as work progresses through the entire process • An oral presentation, during which, students become a source of information communicating their project work before a review panel

Mentor • Allocates time and makes arrangements to work with the student on the project. • Provides suggestions and advice to the student on applicable aspects of the research paper, product, portfolio, and oral presentation. • Provides accurate and honest verification of the student's work. • Serves as a support and resource to the student in all stages of the graduation project process. • Signs and returns all required forms.

Narrow down your topic • What do you already know about the topic? • Is there a specific time period you want to cover on your topic? • Is there a geographic region or country on which you would like to focus? • Is there a particular aspect of this topic that interests you? For example, historical influence, sociological aspects, specific groups or individuals involved in the topic, etc.

Sources • Primary sources and secondary sources • Books • Newspapers and magazines • Interviews • website articles • Beware.com • Online databases • www.ncwiseowl.org • TV programs

SOURCES • BOOKS • MAGAZINES • .EDU SITES • .GOV SITES • DOCUMENTARIES • DATABASE ARTICLES • WIKIPEDIA • BLOGS • FRIENDS/ FAMILIES • ENCYCLOPEDIAS CREDIBLE NOT CREDIBLE

Reminders • Use mentors as a resource • Ask questions • Pace yourself, time management • Always keep a copy of your paper • At school • At home • With mentor • Email it to yourself • Use Google Drive

Portfolio Guidelines • The portfolio construction should employ technology. • The appearance and format should be neat and orderly. • The portfolio should be organized using a table of contents. • All forms and content should meet the requirements of the portfolio. • The portfolio should demonstrate depth in academic and personal growth. • The portfolio reflection should provide insight into how the student has anticipated and dealt with changes and contingencies.

Portfolio Requirements • Title page (including the Graduation Project topic, school and student’s name) • Table of Contents • Research paper rough draft • Research paper final draft • Progress checklists for paper, product, presentation • Résumé • Letter to the Review Board • Student project proposal • Evidence of planning for presentation (e.g. outline, note cards, etc.) • Outline of the presentation • Reflection on the overall graduation project

Portfolio (optional documents) • Mentor confirmation form • Mentor log • Research paper rough draft • Reflection the process of completing the research and then writing the research paper (1 page minimum) • Mentor reflection • Work samples, pictures, sketches • Communications (letters, emails, thank-you notes) • Copy of presentation PowerPoint or other visual aids • Letters of recommendation • Time logs • Documentation of research (note cards, drafts with comments)

Choosing an Idea for a Product • Physical product – build or make something; such as a fashion outfit, a computer program, a special engine or a model of a historical scene.

Choosing an Idea for a Product • Written product – write a short novel, a journal of reflective essays, a short story, or a collection of poetry.

Choosing an Idea for a Product • Performance – perform a dance, a musical selection that has been written, a drama or a magic show.

Choosing an Idea for a Product • Conduct a teaching or leadership experience – teach a junior high or elementary class a series of lessons or skill, teach a dance class or coach a little league team.

Choosing an Idea for a Product • Physical experience – learn to sky dive, run a marathon, go on a wilderness survival trip.

Choosing an Idea for a Product • Career-related project – complete a job shadowing experience in a professional area that you wish to work, volunteer your time at a local office of some kind. Note: simplistic products (like job shadowing without any application beyond the shadowing experience) are generally considered too lightweight to meet the “completion” requirements of the project

Choosing an Idea for a Product 􀂃 Physical product – build or make something; such as a fashion outfit, a computer program, a special engine or a model of a historical scene. 􀂃 Written product – write a short novel, a journal of reflective essays, a short story, or a collection of poetry. 􀂃 Performance – perform a dance, a musical selection that has been written, a drama or a magic show. 􀂃 Conduct a teaching or leadership experience – teach a junior high or elementary class a series of lessons or skill, teach a dance class or coach a little league team. 􀂃 Physical experience – learn to sky dive, run a marathon, go on a wilderness survival trip. 􀂃 Career-related project – complete a job shadowing experience in a professional area that you wish to work, volunteer your time at a local office of some kind. Note: simplistic products (like job shadowing without any application beyond the shadowing experience) are generally considered too lightweight to meet the “completion” requirements of the Graduation Project and are unacceptable unless some measure of increased sophistication applies.

Product Requirements Checklist • Represents a minimum of 15 hours of work • Is related to the thesis of the research-based paper • Is aesthetically pleasing and creative • Is connected to real-world situations • Demonstrates problem-solving • Implements a variety of sources • Shows evidence of technical skills • Shows use of detail

What is a thesis? • A thesis statement declares what you believe and what you intend to prove. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts. • A good tentative thesis will help you focus your search for information. • The thesis statement is typically located at the end of your opening paragraph. (The opening paragraph serves to set the context for the thesis.) • Remember, your reader will be looking for your thesis. Make it clear, strong, and easy to find.

Attributes of a good thesis • It should be contestable, proposing an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree. A strong thesis is provocative; it takes a stand and justifies the discussion you will present. • It tackles a subject that could be adequately covered in the format of the project assigned.

Attributes of a good thesis • It is specific and focused. A strong thesis proves a point without discussing “everything about …” Instead of music, think "American jazz in the 1930s" and your argument about it.

Attributes of a good thesis • It clearly asserts your own conclusion based on evidence. Note: Be flexible. The evidence may lead you to a conclusion you didn't think you'd reach. It is perfectly okay to change your thesis! • It provides the reader with a map to guide him/her through your work. • It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments

Attributes of a good thesis • It avoids vague language (like "it seems"). • It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In my opinion") • It should pass the So what? or Who cares? test (Would your most honest friend ask why he should care or respond with "but everyone knows that"?) For instance, "people should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol," would be unlikely to evoke any opposition.

Simple equations for a thesis might look something like this: • Specific topic + Attitude/Angle/Argument Thesis • What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it Thesis

Brainstorming a thesis statement • Select a topic: television violence and children • Ask an interesting question: What are the effects of television violence on children? • Revise the question into a thesis: • Violence on television increases aggressive behavior in preschool children. • Remember this argument is your “preliminary” or “working” thesis. As you read you may discover evidence that may affect your stance. It is okay to revise your thesis!

Create a list of sample questions to guide your research: • How many hours of television does the average young child watch per week? • How do we identify a "violent" program? • Which types of programs are most violent? • Are there scientific research studies that have observed children before and after watching violent programs? • Are there experts you might contact? • Which major groups are involved in investigating this question? • Violence on television increases aggressive behavior in preschool children.

Is it a thesis? • I would like to become a chef when I finish school. • Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in education, professional commitment, and artistry. CORRECT

Is it a thesis? • Our American family structure encourages men to repress their true feelings, leaving them open to physical, psychological, and relationship difficulties. • Men are chauvinists. CORRECT

Is it a thesis? • I enjoy white water rafting. • A first water rafting experience can challenge the body and spirit and transform an adolescent into an adult CORRECT

Is it a thesis? • Steroids, even those legally available, are addictive and should be banned from sports. • Steroid abuse CORRECT

Is it a thesis? • Hip hop is the best thing that has happened to music in twenty years • Though many people dismiss hip hop as offensive, hip hop music offers urban youth an important opportunity for artistic expression, and allows them to articulate the poetry of the street. CORRECT

Is it a thesis? • Despite their high-tech special effects, today's graphically violent horror movies do not convey the creative use of cinematography or the emotional impact that we saw in the classic horror films of the 1940s and 50s. • Many people object to today's violent horror movies. CORRECT

The End • Questions • Comments • Concerns Can we do this? If not, why not?

Activity • Get a piece of white paper • Follow along with me for folding instructions • Write down interests, topics, places, careers, and ideas of interest to you

My example 1. How can dancing be used to alleviate stress? 2. How can meals be prepared quickly that are healthy? 3. What can be done to reduce the instances of Malaria?

Ticket out the door • Answer the following question on a post-it note: • What is your biggest concern about the Graduation Project? • Please include your name on this post-it note • Post it on the wonder ponder wall post afterwards

Upcoming deadlines • By now • Topic proposal form • Mentor confirmation • Contract form • Due next: • 5 sources • Sept. 23 • Progress Check 1 • September 30

G raduation project