The Senior Project

1. The Senior Project We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Buice for all of the information she has provided.

2. Choosing a Career and Product • Be sure to choose something you want to do in life. Don’t just pick a career because it is easy. • Find a mentor as soon as possible. The availability of a mentor may impact your product. • Ensure that you will be able to have access to the field. (Ex. It is difficult to gain entrance to certain medical/school environments.)

3. Proposal Form Be sure to complete the proposal form in great detail. This will help you realize what will be necessary in order to complete your product. It will also assist your teacher in assessing whether or not you need some guidance with your project. This is due August 21.

4. The Research Paper • Ensure that your research topic ties into your product. Do not simply “report” on a topic. Try posing a question such as the examples below: • Incorrect: What does a nurse do? • Correct: How does the shortage of nurses impact patient care? • Incorrect: How can I become a music therapist? • Correct: What impact does music have on Alzheimer’s patients?

5. The Research Paper (cont.) • Find a minimum of ten reliable sources. • Take notes as you research. Noodletools is a valuable resource to assist with this. • Form a strong thesis that you can support with your paper. • Be sure to meet all due dates, and turn in a product of which you will be proud .

6. Required Forms • While you should certainly meet all of the deadlines, there are four forms that you must submit in order to present your Senior Project. They are as follows:

7. Student Agreement Form – Details the student’s role in working with the facilitator and discusses facilitator’s role as well

8. Parent Consent Form – explains that the project is student-centered and discusses costsandplagiarism penalties.

9. Facilitator Agreement Form – further explains the facilitator’s role

10. Verification Form – requires the facilitator to verify the student’s work

11. Product Work Logs • There are four check-in dates for your product work logs. They are January 15, February 12, March 12, and April 16. Be sure to keep up with your time spent on your project. • Honors and AP dues dates begin in December. See Dr. Buice or Mr. Ingham for those dates if you are unsure about them.

12. Portfolio • Remember that your portfolio is the first introduction the judges have to you. Ensure that a well-edited copy of your research paper is in the portfolio, and be sure that your portfolio represents your hard work.

13. Speech Outline • Take advantage of the speech outline provided by your teacher. It is important to rehearse your presentation multiple times. The more prepared your are, the more comfortable you will be in front of the judges.

14. The Presentation • Your presentation will take place on either April 23 or April 24. Though you may be nervous, please understand that the judges genuinely want you to succeed. They are there to help you, and they are also there because they enjoy seeing what the community’s youth have developed. Enjoy your Senior Project!

15. Questions? • If you are at home and you have questions about the process or if you need copies of the due dates or the required forms, go to your teacher’s website. You will find what you need there. • Example: Dr. Buice's Senior Project Page