What is Senior Project?

A chance to learn and become an “expert” on almost anything you are interested in!! As long as it meets a few criteria…………..

Main Parts of a Senior Project 1. Research Paper 2. Product 3. Presentation 4. Portfolio

Research Paper 10 pages 8 sources 4 sources must be non-internet 1 source must be from your personal interview with an expert 12 point font, double spaced Works Cited page

Research Paper Can’t be very broad ( example: art, fishing,) But don’t want to be super specific, you have to write 10 pages ( example: being a human statue at bele chere, catching catfish with your bare hands) Find a happy medium ( oil painting, flyfishing)

Product - Must spend at least 15 hours outside of class Examples Learning some type of skill ( dance, music, martial art, underwater basket weaving) Making something ( clothing, art, banjo) Training or Certification ( CPR, 1st aid, star trekology) Participating or creating a program

More on the Product… Must relate to the paper Must be able to find a LOCAL expert you can meet with and be mentored by. Should be inexpensive, the best things in life are free?! Must show proof of work and hours, through pictures, video, bringing your mentor to school!

Presentation Must be 8-10 minutes long Must have visuals, such as a powerpoint, product, pictures, videos Focus on – overview of paper, who your mentor was, what you learned, why you chose your topic, what you struggles with, what your product was Judges will be 4 professionals from the area

Presentation Must dress like a professional Must be on time to presentation Must shake hands and introduce yourself to the judges I make this look good!

Your Professional Judges

Portfolio Documents all of your hard work Including Resume Final draft Product description Mentor Stuff Personal Reflection

Finding a topic….. Hmmm…

Good ideas Pick a career you are maybe interested in pursuing Pick a hobby you have always wanted to learn Pick something in the community that you would like to work to better Think of a time in history or historical figure you are interested in.

Very Important Your research paper, product, mentor, must all be related. You must have a paper and product idea to get approved.

Finding a mentor 1. Should be an expert in your area 2. Should be willing to meet with you at least 4 times in the semester 3. Must be interviewed 4. May have a chance to come in and give a little speech for extra credit……

Examples of a good senior project Learn about the history of knitting (paper)knit your own scarves and blanket(product)  mentor was in charge of a knitting club Learn about history of pottery  make own pottery (product)  mentor owned pottery studio

More good examples Paper on wilderness survival  went to a survival camp  mentor was instructor Paper on digital animation  made an animation  mentor was ab tech professor Paper on guitars  student made their own guitar mentor was woodworker

What’s most important…. Pick a subject you actually WANT to learn about!! If you are not having fun with your projects, its your own fault for picking a lame topic!!

Remember…. Don’t get stressed out, we have the whole semester to work on stuff..