Senior Projects

Mr. Cook

I Search Project

What is It?A required major project for 2nd semester

Authentic research of a “burning question or topic” through interviews, print media, and technology

A process, a paper, and a presentation

Picking a TopicPick a topic that truly interests you

Don’t close your mind to wild possibilities

Pick a topic that is worthy of your time and effort and emphasis in the course

Choose a topic for which you will have access to sources

Writing the ProposalA two page typed paper in which you:

name your topicexplain why you are interested in itexplain what you already know about itexplain what you would like to learn list possible interview sourcesmake your plan

ResearchConsult all types of print sources: i.e. magazines,

newspapers, books, pamphlets

Explore technological resources: i.e. the internet, library databases, etc.

Consider writing letters to experts in your topic area

Seek out people to interview; network!

You will need 10 sources for this project7 print/electronic sources3 interviews

Your NotesActive reading responses to research

Photocopies of articles, pictures, newspaper clippings

Save web pages for future reference

Notes and reflections of interviews

Copies of letters sent and received

Interviews• All interviews must be approved.• You will submit a name, credentials, contact

information, and the date and time of the interview.• Interviews must have a minimum of 5 questions

related to the topic, plus background and credential questions

• Fill out the Interview Cover Sheet for each interview• You may only interview one D117 faculty member

and / or one family member unless specific teacher approval is given

• Follow up questions are part of the original interview, and need to be attached to the source in the final binder

InterviewsPrepare for the interview by researching the topic and

writing out intelligent questions

Dress and act appropriately so that you are taken seriously

Take notes or record the interview

Follow up with a reflection on the interview cover sheet

You will a need a minimum of three interviews

One interview must be in person, one may be over the phone, one may be written correspondence.

All Interviews must be approved by the teacher.

Interview TypesYou must complete three interviews. Here are

your options.

Interviews Face to Face Phone Written Correspondence

Interview 1 x x x

Interview 2 x x

Interview 3 x

Writing the Paper

Language and style should belong to you

Paper should be written in the 1st person in the Intro and Conclusion.

The paper is the story of your search; a narrative approach is very appropriate in the intro and conclusion

The body must have an argumentative component.

Divide your paper into various sections

Properly document your sources with direct and indirect citations

The Look of Your PaperShould be visually appealing

Form should be appropriate to your topic

Title page should be creative and striking

Have fun with the look of the whole product

Include meaningful graphics, photos, charts, etc. to enhance the experience of your paper.

Include graphics for aesthetic value

Presentationthe culminating activity for the project

should focus on one aspect of your search that will be interesting to your audience. You will not have time to present your entire paper.

should contain a visual aid or some kind of class activity

should convey your successes and frustrations with the project

Paper Requirements• 15 Pages with graphics, 12 pages solid text.• At least three sections – Intro, Body, Conclusion• Minimum 10 sources• Minimum 3 Interviews, Contact information provided.• All research properly cited, and evaluated• All research is of good quality (no Wikipedia,

about.com, etc.)• All elements of the project organized and turned in• All documents of the paper are resubmitted in the

final project.• No plagiarism of any kind.

AssessmentFinal Exam Grade (15 percent of semester grade)

1. Final Project2. Speech

Other Grades – not part of final exam grade.1. Proposal worksheet and final proposal2. Research Deadlines3. Outline and 3 page sample4. Any other assignments

Deadlines and TimelinesDec. 8 Research Proposal Worksheet DueDec 12 Research Proposal – Early DecisionJan 5 Research Proposal dueJan. 15 1st Progress Report; Research binder checkedJan. 28 2nd Progress Report; Research binder checkedFeb. 12 3rd Progress Report; Research binder checkedFeb. 19 Outline Worksheet dueFeb 26 Introduction dueApr. 1** Project Due (Due by 3:15)Apr. 27 ** Oral Presentations Begin 

** Dates are subject to change. Presentations may begin earlier than stated**

The Unpleasant StuffThe following will prevent you from being successful on this project (i.e. passing)

• Plagiarism• Missing Deadlines• Not having enough sources• Faking interviews• Not turning in the project• Any other general paper no-no’s• A bad Turnitin.com report• Academic Dishonesty

This project is a requirement to pass second semester English!!!! This may jeopardize graduation!!!!

The Unpleasant Stuff

Late Work

The following will receive a 10% penalty per day for being late: Final Binder, Speech.

All other work will receive a 50% penalty if late.

Questions?