DERRY AREA HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATION PROJECT

HANDBOOK

The Graduation Project creates active students focusing on a long term academic goal as theydemonstrate and apply prior learning.

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Revised: July 2000TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROJECT RATIONALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1

DEFINITION OF GRADUATION PROJECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1

PROJECT OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES/TIME LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PROJECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

STUDENT/ADVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

SAMPLE TOPIC LISTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 5 -10

GUIDELINE FOR WRITTEN & ORAL PRESENTATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11

SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR ORAL PRESENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12

CRITERIA FOR GRADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13

REFLECTION/SELF EVALUATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14-15

OUTLINE FORMAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16

SAMPLE OUTLINE GRID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17

PROJECT APPROVAL FORM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18

ASSESSMENT FORM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19

COMPLETION FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20

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RATIONALE FOR COMPLETION OF GRADUATION PROJECT

1. Derry Area is charged by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the following mandate:

IN ORDER TO GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL, a student willcomplete a Project in one or more areas of concentrated study under theguidance and supervision of the high school faculty. The purpose of theProject, which may include research, writing, or some other appropriateform of demonstration, is to assure that the student is able to apply,analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and communicatesignificant knowledge and understanding.

Furthermore, it is the intent of this Project that students develop and continue the strengthening ofskills and applications learned through classroom courses. Additionally, the Project will fostercritical thinking and a respect for learning which will extend to the student after graduation.

2. The Board of Education affirms the mission of Derry Area School District to promote lifelonglearning. The Graduation Project not only provides an opportunity to apply, analyze, synthesize,and evaluate information, but also encourages communication of that knowledge. For thesereasons the Derry Area Board of Education supports the completion of the Graduation Project.

WHAT IS A GRADUATION PROJECT?

The Graduation Project represents work done by an individual on a topic of his/her choice. TheProject will be introduced in grade 9 and completed by the end of grade 12. To graduate from high school,each student shall complete a Project under the direction of the high school faculty. The Project mustincorporate the following guidelines:

1. Students may choose topics within subject areas. Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged.

2. The student must demonstrate, through the project, the ability to apply and communicatesignificant knowledge and understanding.

3. Faculty approval for the project must be obtained and all activities completed within theestablished time line.

4. The project must include a three to ten page typed presentation AND a ten to fifteen minute oralpresentation given to an appropriate audience.

The Graduation Project can be completed in any class taken in grades 11 and 12 identifiedby student and teacher. A career and technology student may elect to complete the GraduationProject through a class at Eastern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center.

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A BRIEF OVERVIEW

The Graduation Project is the result of a student's long range goal setting which leads toperformance assessment. Exploratory activities such as Library Orientation and Introduction to Speechbegin in the freshman year. Process Writing is also in place preparing students for the focused activities.

Gathering information, locating sources (print, non-print, community links, experts, etc.) andguiding the Project itself are clear responsibilities of the student.

The Graduation Project is a written and oral presentation originating in a class of the student'schoice. It should conform to certain standards outlined in this booklet. The Project may be completed ineither the junior or senior year, but submission is required no later than December 1 of the senior year.

HIGH SCHOOL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Sufficient time will be given in the class the student selects for project completion. Any new studententering Derry Area will be required to complete a Graduation Project. New students will be provided apacket at the time of registration. All students will be offered the following competency opportunities inpreparation for the completed project.

Freshman Year - Exploratory Activities

4 Library Orientation (Science Classes)4 Student Projects (English, Science, Social Studies, etc.)4 Intro to Keyboarding, Computer Applications, World of Work, and Intro to

Speech (Required 9th grade courses). Students will practice in Keyboarding andComputer Application the format for a report which conforms to GraduationProject standards.

4 Process Writing - 9th grade

Sophomore Year - Focusing Activities

4 Instruction will occur in English classes related to specific narrative, informativeand persuasive topics. Written and oral projects are encouraged in all areas ofcurriculum. (Outlining skills will be taught in Social Studies classes)

Junior & Senior Year - Final Activities

4 Student will select a course and complete the project as outlined in the booklet. 4 Final Project should include

1. Proposal for Project (See attached form)2. Outline of plan3. The Project (Both oral and written)4. Self-evaluation

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Reminder: The process of your work is as important as the Project itself.

Successful completion of the Graduation Project should result in:

1. Increased analytical thinking.

2. Increased communication skills.

3. Learning to work both independently and collaboratively.

4. Giving learning concepts practical application.

5. Practicing higher order thinking skills.

6. Personal sense of accomplishment.

7. Strengthened organizational skills.

8. Enhanced student/faculty relationship.

9. Exploring community service opportunities.

10. Increased awareness of interdisciplinary opportunities.

11. A conscious reflection on development of Graduation Project.

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Student Responsibilities

1. Select topic/manage time.2. Submit preliminary Project description to teacher.3. Maintain time log---working journal.4. Conduct all research to support the Project and/or other work.5. Identify and contact resource people/material.6. Select Presentation time and date.7. Submit a completed, typed Project to the teacher using computer technology and

conforming to guidelines provided.8. Deliver an oral presentation according to guidelines provided.9. Topics must be submitted by end of Junior Year.10. Complete and submit all forms and work on designated dates.

NOTE TO STUDENT:Check written and oral presentation assessment forms included in the packet before beginning theProject. They will provide direction and focus and inform you of criteria for satisfactorycompletion of the Project.

Teachers will assist in the following areas:

1. Identifying a topic, developing a proposal, and adhering to a time line.

2. Keep a file folder for each student. The file folder may include the optionalactivity log and all documents related to the Graduation Project.

3. Review student’s project, written presentation, and readiness to present the projectorally.

4. Notify parents if progress is unsatisfactory using the standard progress report form.

5. Assess the written and oral presentation using the criteria for grading in the projectbooklet.

6. Complete the Graduation Project Approval Form (GP-1), Assessment Form (GP-2), and Project Completion Form (GP-3), and:a. Submit original copy to Guidance,b. Retain copy in student file,c. Issue copy to student

7. Award the file folder to the student upon satisfactory completion of the graduationproject.

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GRADUATION PROJECT - SAMPLES AND IDEAS

The following is a list of topics and ideas that should be considered as examples only. Teacherapproval of specific topics is required.

1. Agriculture/Horticulture

a. Develop a soil management plan for an area.b. Plan and maintain small animal genetic project.c. Develop a management plan for a livestock enterprise.d. Conduct an experiment with various growth regulators on plants in the school greenhouse.e. Develop a system for using tissue culture to grow a crop in the school greenhouse.f. Research the development of floral design and the effects of ethnicity on American designs.g. Explore the traditions, meaning, and culture associated with Japanese floral designs.h. Develop a landscape design for a community building or sight of cultural interest.i. Develop a plan for beginning an agriculture/horticulture business.j. Complete an internship in an agriculture/horticulture business.k. Research and introduce a new variety cultivar of plant to the greenhouse program at Derry.l. Plan, develop, and market a food science project.m. Design and implement a wildlife habitat plan.n. Design and construct an agriculture mechanics project.o. Analyze and monitor an aquatic area

2. Arts

a. Research the historical patterns of art forms.b. Design and construct garments and organize a complete fashion show.c. Create a detailed poster and explain its meaning and relevance in detail.d. Analyze the use and advantages of art in society.e. Develop a theory which explains the reason for the Renaissance Age, Baroque,

Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and/or Modern Age..

3. Biology

a. Investigate the landfill's impact on the environment.b. Design an environmentally protective factory.c. Create a model of a fictitious animal and explain how it survives in its environment.d. Analyze the changes in the way humans treat the earth when compared to past civilizations.e. Develop or refute a theory which would lead to a conclusion of evolutionary principles.

4. Business Education Department

a. Internship in a business firm in an entry level or high school position.b. Research and shadow a business occupation.c. Design accounting records for a specific business.d. Design a brochure for an organization employing Desktop Publishing Skills.e. Develop a plan (prospectus) for a new business.

f. Research and compare various computer systems and evaluate their effectiveness in anoffice environment.

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g. Volunteer time to perform clerical duties for a charitable organization.h. Design and implement an advertising campaign for a product

5. Chemistry

a. Investigate the development of the periodic table.b. Design an experiment to show how chemical reactions relate to the periodical table.c. Create an extension of the periodic table based on facts of known standards.d. Analyze and prove a given theory.e. Develop a theory to prove occurrences in chemical reactions.

6. Computer and Information Science

a. Build a useful and workable database.b. Organize and build research oriented web page.

7. Foreign Languages

a. Write lesson plan for elementary school.b. Cultural display (hands-on) for learning support.c. Create travel brochure.d. Cultural analysis of historical figure, including foreign language vocabulary.e. How foreign language relates/in used in the business world.f. Pros/cons of immigration laws.g. Investigate role of bilingual schools in the United States.h. How is NAFTA viewed in United States/Latin American/Canadian politics.i. Compare/contrast early Latin American Indian tribes.j. Investigate language schools run by the military.k. Investigate Spanish/French-speaking country, including customs, cultures, economics,

politics, etc.

8. Literature and Language

a. Explore the contributions of authors, i.e., Edgar Alan Poe, John Steinbeck, Stephen Crane,Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, etc.

b. Develop a project around a Shakespearean theme---costumes, staging, historicalconnections, or re-enactments.

c. Research papers on any approved aspect of American Literature, World Literature, orBritish Literature.

d. Analyze and compare or contrast two works of literature.e. Create and perform an original script.f. Compare and study some aspect of language.

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9. Mathematics

a. Investigate the early knowledge and uses of a number system.b. Design a chart which would show numerical relations.c. Show an illustration of a mathematics equation to prove occurrences in nature.d. Analyze the changes in the significance of the use of numbers in our society.e. Develop a new way to prove a mathematical theorem.f. Develop a statistical application by collecting data relative to school and/or community.g. Develop a meaningful computer generated project (i.e., game, animation, statistical analysis

of collected data.)

10. Physics

a. Investigate theories behind Bernoulli's Principle.b. Design a frame for a car which would be less wind resistant.c. Create a model to describe a physics principle.d. Analyze the changes or discoveries in physics over the past 500 years.e. Develop and prove a new theory.

11. Wellness

a. Research the effects of drugs on the human body.b. Design exercise equipment to improve health/playground area.c. Create a new sport to be played by children.d. Analyze the effects of wellness.e. Develop a plan to make people become more wellness conscious.f. Design and perform a sport or dance presentation.g. Develop and run a sports clinic for middle school or elementary school students.

12. Social Sciences

a. History

1) Research a significant battle of any major war in history such as: the Roman Wars,the Crusades, the Hundred Years War, the Napoleonic Wars, the Civil War, and/orthe wars of the Twentieth Century.

2) Design a tool or piece of machinery which may have been used by the Egyptians.3) Create a model of the Wright Brothers first successful plane.4) Analyze the progression of the styles of warfare.5) Develop a theory to prove or disprove the unknowns of the John F. Kennedy

assassination or any other high profile assassination.6) Research family genealogy.7) Analyze development of the technology of metals or the evolution of a tool.8) Research local history.9)

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b. Foreign and Domestic Relations

1) Research the differences and similarities of two cultures. 2) Design a portfolio describing the separate cultures of the world....Egyptians, The

Romans, the Middle Age, the Renaissance, the Scientific Age, and/or the ModernTechnological Age.

3) Create a plan to promote peace in the inner cities.4) Analyze the effects of the world market over the past 50 years.5) Develop reasoning which would defend and promote democracy.

c. Law and Politics

1) Research the present day courts and describe the positions for reform.2) Design a newsletter to contribute to a current issue.3) Create a new political party to reflect your views.4) Analyze two opposing political groups and their impact on society.5) Develop a complete mock trail with presentation.6) Develop a plan with the class sponsors to help with class officers’ election from the

nomination stage through the voting procedure and vote count.

d. Psychology

1) Research the importance of the study of "Baby Albert."2) Design an experiment to determine a person's state of mind.3) Create a model to show the thought patterns of the brain.4) Analyze the impact of psychological advances in medicine.5) Research the contributions of the most important names in psychology---Sigmund

Freud, Carl Jung, etc.

13. Career & Technical Program Options

a. Design a project within the vocational-technical program from blueprint design throughconstruction.

b. Present your Best Work Portfolio. The portfolio must follow Level 3 on the Portfoliorubric in order to be considered for the Graduation Project. Follow both the product andpresentation rubrics.

c. Investigate the history and predict the future of your vocational-technical profession.d. Design and construct a tool to improve your vocational-technical area.e. Write a paper to illustrate the importance of academic skills (reading, writing, speaking,

mathematics, and/or science) in your vocational-technical program area.

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14. Community

a.. Research personal family tree and link your family to events in United States history.b. Design and perform a service project with local community.c. Create videos for a public service announcement.

d. Analyze the school district's population and its effect on the community's environment.e. Develop an inter-generational project.

15. Internships:

a. Intern in business firm at an entry level or higher position.b. Intern with elementary teacher/subject area teacher.c. Intern in health related career.d. Intern with government or private industry.e. Intern with newspaper or publishing entity.f. Intern with designing firm/local theater/art association.g. Intern at day care center.h. Apprentice with seamstress or tailor.i. Other approved internships.

16. Entrepreneur Projects:

a. Set up small business and keep all records and accounts.b. Student contracted project.c. Students form company and design, develop and produce a product.d. Organize fund raiser for a service organization.e. Establish catering business.f. Establish coffee shop.

NOTE: These are some of the possibilities for Graduation Project topics. This list should not beconsidered all inclusive.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS FOR GENERAL TOPICS

The following broad areas may help you make connections, ask questions, wonder how, or question why. Your thinking will help you narrow the broad areas into something suitable as a research topic

Social Sciences: agriculture, political movements, battles, political or religious leaders, feminism, civilrights, summit conferences, underground railroad, carpetbaggers, media influence on elections, origin ofdemocracy, economic impact, psychological study, cartography

Environment: landfills, toxic dumps, national lands, timber harvesting, recycling, wetlands, air and waterpollution, endangered species, ozone layer, acid rain studies, greenhouse effect, environmental controls,EPA, pesticides, oil spills

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Health: research funding, national health care, eating for good health, insurance, pesticides and herbicides,ethical and moral issues, sports medicine, exercise, selecting a doctor, cost control, transplants, artificiallimbs or organs

Science and Technology: impact on education and workshop, impact on home and daily life, safety mineland reclamation, wildlife habitat, television's influence, robotics, fuel-efficient automobiles, and spacetravel.

Home and Family: day care, early childhood education, home safety, cross-cultural education, schoolchoice, single-parent families, latchkey children, home ownership, care of elderly, adoption, changing rolesof men and women, care givers

Business: work incentives, employee-owned industry, cottage industries, family and corporate farms,investments, flexible work hours, changing assembly lines, communication changes, transportation,infrastructures

Music: composers, scores, instruments, lyrics, performers, audiences, types (jazz, rock, country, classical),recording facilities

Entertainment: sports (injuries, recruitment, competition, role models, spectator sports), theater (changing,technical aspects, behind-the-scene techniques, directing, musicals, cost), film (casting, competition formovie theaters, video, copyright controversy), television, stage vs. screen

Literature: an author, a single work, two authors or two works (compared or contrasted), a metaphor orsymbol, universal or common themes, imagery, style, applied to daily life, reflection of author's life orhistorical period

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GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN PRESENTATION

The written presentation:

1. should tell what your project is2. should explain how you did your project3. should explain what you learned4. should have an introduction and a conclusion5. should be typed, double-spaced, and 3-10 pages long6. should have a cover page which includes your name, the title of your project,

your advisor’s name, and the date7. should be submitted to your advisor by agreed upon due date8. will be evaluated using the criteria in this booklet

GUIDELINES FOR ORAL PRESENTATION

The oral presentation:

1. should tell what your project is2. should explain how you did your project3. should explain what you learned4. should be 10-15 minutes in length5. should have an introduction and a conclusion6. should include an audio-visual aid7. may be done using note cards8. will be evaluated using the criteria in this booklet

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SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR ORAL PRESENTATION

You may present your project following the suggested outline. The questions listed besideeach speech component are intended to assist you in organizing a thorough, effective presentation.

Introduction LDid I state/define my project fully?

Preparation LDid I show evidence of work and organization?LDid I show knowledge of audience?LDid I keep within time allotted(Minimum 10 minutes; Maximum 15 minutes)

Content LDid I display knowledge of the subject?LDid I cite authorities on the subject?LDid I avoid reading the paper?LDid I make eye contact?LDid I use note cards?

Organization LDid the speech follow a logical pattern or order?LWas my material understandable?LDid I use transition?

Articulation LDid I pronounce my words correctly?LDid I use appropriate voice control?

Enthusiasm for Subject LDid I use appropriate body language/stance/posture?LDid I modulate my voice?LDid I make eye contact with the audience?

Use of Audio Visuals LDid I use a video?LDid I use handouts?LDid I use charts/diagramsLDid I use photos?LDid I use the project itself?LOther?LWas the visual large enough for the audience to see?LClearly presented?

Conclusion/Personal LWhat did I learn? Project Evaluation LWhat could I improve?

LWhat were my strengths?LDid I manage my time well?LHow did my critical thinking and communication skills change?LWhat were the possible results of the project?

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CRITERIA FOR GRADING GRADUATION PROJECT

Excellent

O Project shows clear purpose, distinct focusO Project shows fully developed ideas and supporting detailsO Project shows precise use of oral and written language re: mechanics,

usage, sentence variety, and accuracy

Satisfactory

O Project shows some focus and purposeO Project shows appropriate organizationO Project shows some ideas and supporting detailsO Project shows appropriate use of oral and written language with

acceptable usage and sentence variety

Unsatisfactory

O Project has not yet met all requirements.O Research lacks detail.O Poorly organized - difficult to understandO Errors in sentence structure and mechanics.

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REFLECTION/SELF EVALUATION

Evaluating Strengths and Weaknesses

The ability to process or learn from the experience is as important as the Graduation Projectitself. Self-evaluation is vital to any learning situation. To that end, please consider carefully and thenrespond in the space provided. The goal is to understand how you learn best and what steps can bemade to enhance that learning.

1. Choice of Project

2. Writing skills, strengths and weaknesses

3. Work habits - strengths and weaknesses

4. Use of time

5. Use of Sources

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6. Use of Libraries and other school/community facilities

7. In reflection, what would I do differently?

ORAL PRESENTATION

1. How was my speaking technique?

2. Were my visual aids effective?

3. Did I know my material?

4. Was I prepared and organized?

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OUTLINE FORMAT

1. Center the Title in All Caps on Line 1.5" and Quadruple space after Title.

2. Roman Numerals are typed in ALL CAPS.

3. Double space BEFORE and AFTER Roman Numerals.

4. Tab once before A's and B's, typed in Upper and Lowercase Letters.

5. Single space A's and B's.

6. Tab twice before 1's and 2's, typed in Upper and Lowercase Letters.

7. Tab set for 0.5" or 5 spaces.

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SAMPLE OUTLINE GRID

TITLE

I.

A. B. C. D.

II.

A. B. C. D.

III.

A. B. C. D.

IV.

A. B. C. D.

V.

A. B. C. D.

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GRADUATION PROJECT PROPOSAL (GP-1)APPROVAL FORM

NAME OF STUDENT

PROJECT TITLE NAME OF TEACHER

DATE SUBMITTED TEACHER INITIAL YES

THE PROPOSAL AND OUTLINE: YES NO

1. States the purpose of the Project 9 9

2. Provides an outline of Project 9 9

3. Describes a plan for gathering information 9 9and/or dataa) possible sourcesb) actionsc) time line

Signature of student

Signature of parent or guardian

Explanation and suggestions

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GRADUATION PROJECT ASSESSMENT (GP-2)

Name Home room Date

Advisor Project Title

WRITTEN PRESENTATION EXCELLENT SATISFACTORY UNSATISFACTORY

FOCUS1. Establishes and maintains a clear purpose2. Exhibits clarity of ideas

CONTENT1. Information/details are specific and relevant2. Ideas are sufficiently developed

ORGANIZATION1. Logical order2. Introduction and conclusion are evident

CONVENTIONS1. Few mechanical or usage errors2. Sentence completeness

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ORAL PRESENTATIONS

CONTENT

1. Introduction includes explanation of project2. Sufficient information presented3. Information organized appropriately4. Sufficient explanation of what has learned

DELIVERY

1. Correct pronunciation, clear and distinctspeech

2. Appropriate volume, rate, and variety ofexpression

3. Eye contact and appropriate body language4. Effective audio-visual aids

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PROJECT

1. Demonstrates the ability to apply andcommunicate sufficient knowledge andunderstanding

2. Project fully developed

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OVERALL PROJECT

GRADUATION PROJECT COMPLETION FORM (GP-3)

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has satisfactorily completed an approved graduation project Student’s Name

In or Title Course Name and Number

. This project was completed on . Specify Date

Student’s Name

Teacher’s Signature

EVALUATION:

EXCELLENT ” SATISFACTORY ” *UNSATISFACTORY ”*REASON

THE GRADUATION PROJECT MUST BE EVALUATED AS EXCELLENT ORSATISFACTORY IN ORDER FOR THE STUDENT TO GRADUATE.