Senior Research Project “Occupational Hazards….” By Mrs. M. Brown Mansfield High School

Getting Started: Select two topics- What job you would like to have in the future: ____________________ ____________________ One more job/occupation that you are curious about: ____________________ ____________________

Research the following (for each job): 1. Definition of Occupation 2. Educational Requirements 3. Pay Rates and Major Employers 4. Growth and Stability of Industry 5. Retirement/Pension Opportunities 6. Major Names in the field (at least three people who have made a difference in the field)

Research (Cont.): 7. Comparison of field in the U.S. versus in other countries in the world 8. Skills needed (type, like social, organizational, communication, leadership, math, artistic, etc.) 9. Organizations Associated with the profession 10. Public Opinion of Profession- is it different in different places?

Requirements for Research… Minimum of 2 PRINT SOURCE on final Minimum of 8 NON-PRINT SOURCES on final A Bibliography Page in correct MLA format will be required after the two days of research. A Works Cited Page will complete the final draft of the research paper. PRINT SOURCE: A source found through a printed medium, like a book or dictionary NON-PRINT SOURCE: A source found electronically, like ALL WEBSITES…

OUTSIDE READING ASSIGNMENT: FIND A FICTION NOVEL in which one or more of the main characters works in one of your selected professions (This book must be selected and approved by Mrs. Brown BEFORE Spring Break to receive credit!!!) Read the Novel (Reading MUST be completed by April 22, 2010) You will bring your book to class to complete the project.

Outside Reading Project: You will do a Profession Profile on your main character IT CANNOT BE DONE WITHOUT READING THE NOVEL!!!!!! You will analyze your main character’s opinion and experiences with the profession, assess how the profession has impacted his/her life, and what advice about the profession your main character would give to you if you pursue this profession.

Résumés and LETTERS of APPLICATION: 1. Find two job listings for your chosen profession (On-line: PRINT them out, Newspaper: Cut them out, etc.) 2. Create a resume for yourself 3. Write letters of application for BOTH job listings

Next Step: Organize your thoughts and your gathered research about each topic into a simple outline form Write an outline for your research paper (Below is a basic example…) I. Introduction II. Definition of Job and Reasons for choosing it III. Educational Requirements IV. Special and Necessary Skills V. Industry Info (Pay rates, growth, stability, etc.) VI. ETC……

Next Steps: Begin writing the rough draft of your paper. Follow your outline CORRECTLY CITE every source that you use in the paper (must cite at least 7 different ones) Complete the rough draft Do at least 3 read through/edits of your paper, looking for gaps, mistakes, awkward wording, etc.

Examples of CORRECT Citations: 1. James Smith states that “people are far less likely to lie to a police officer” (23). 2. “People,” according to Smith, “are far less likely to lie to a police officer” (23). 3. Some people think that “people are far less likely to lie to a police officer” (Smith 23). 4. One article notes that “most people dislike cops” (“All About the Blue” 2). 5. The newspaper article “All About the Blue” states that “most people dislike cops” (2).

FINAL PAPER (Due Thurs./Fri., May 6/7, 2010): After your rough draft has been THOROUGHLY edited and revised by you, then prepare to type the final draft. Final will include Typed Final, Works Cited Page, and the rough draft stapled on the back.

Presenting the Project: Sign up for a presentation date (May 17 th – 28 th ) Create an oral presentation of your research, analysis, and opinions of the professions involved. 5 to 10 minutes long Purpose: Convince the audience of the importance and purpose of your profession

Presentation Requirements: 1. 5 to 10 minutes long 2. Must have VISUAL AIDES of some kind… 3. Interactive Presentation (get the audience involved) 4. Must have a handout or game to go along with your presentation 5. Must use your FICTION NOVEL CHARACTER to help support your conclusion about the profession

Requirements (cont.): 6. Must show creativity, thought, analysis, and a clear understanding of the profession 7. MUST BE READY ON ASSIGNED DATE!!!!!) GRADE for the presentation will be based upon: Following directions Creativity Audience Involvement/ Interest Clarity of Information and Visuals

SENIOR PROJECT This counts as multiple major grades and covers the final six weeks of the semester. Without this project, you cannot pass the class!!!! We will go in steps, but you will be doing some outside of class (like reading the fiction novel) DO NOT let this project go by the wayside!!!!! LOOK UP the MLA format that you will need for the WORKS CITED…that’s YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!