THE EXTENDED ESSAY

AHS International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

Introductions…

Mrs. PuglisiSchool librarian and Extended Essay

Coordinator for the AHS IB Diploma Program

Manage and instruct both students and advisers in the extended essay process

What is the Extended Essay? A piece of INDEPENDENT research /

investigation on a topic chosen by the student in cooperation with a supervisor at school

Started in December of junior year and completed in January of senior year

Compulsory for all diploma students Externally graded The result of approximately 40 hours of

work by the student

Where Does EE Fit into the IB Diploma Program?

**Note that if a student earns an Elementary in both essays, this will result in a failing condition. Also note that the regulations were amended in May 2010 to state that an E in either the EE or TOK essay will result in a failing condition

Extended Essay Subject Areas(EE research question cannot be used for other internal assessments!)

Biology Business and Management Chemistry Classical Greek and Latin Computer Science Dance Design Technology Economics Environmental Systems and

Society Film Geography History Human Rights Information Technology in a

Global Society

Literature and Performance Mathematics Music Peace and Conflict Studies Philosophy Physics Politics Psychology Social and Cultural

Anthropology Theatre Visual Arts World Religions World Studies Language Group 1 and 2

Guidelines for Choosing a Topic

Should be interesting to you! Should be limited in scope and sufficiently

narrow to study the issue or problem in depth

Should present an opportunity to collect information or data to evaluate or analyze

Students comfortable in using the relevant theories and vocabulary of the field of study

Some Past EE Topics What is essential for a fossil

energy independent household?

  An analysis of John Coltrane’s

“Giant Steps” 

United Nations Failure to Cease the Genocide in Rwanda 

How Can the Use of Micro-Lending Principles Positively Decrease the Poverty of American Indian Reservations? 

Non-governmental Organizations Impact on Child Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan

The History and Significance of Pablo Picasso’s Masterpiece, Guernica.

  To What Extent did Islam Serve

as a Political Ideology during the Iranian Revolution of 1979?

  Is the Military Doing Enough to

Help Soldiers with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

  The Effect of Low Dissolved

Oxygen Levels on the Population of the Maryland Blue Crab in the Chesapeake Bay.

Extended Essay Supervision The student is responsible for asking a

teacher with background or expertise in the chosen area

The supervisor will meet with you throughout the process to monitor progress

3-5 hours of meeting time is expected for this project

Role of Supervisor

CAN Help you formulate a

well focused research question

Provide you with guidance on your subject

Read and comment on your draft

Ensure proper documentation

CANNOT Give you a

research question Edit your draft

This is an Opportunity for you to..

Explore an international subject you are interested in

Expand your knowledge on a topic that you studied in class

Explore a topic you’ve not had time to study in class but was always interested in learning more about

Study an issue or problem you are passionate about ( for example, a personal interest or your cultural heritage)

Select a topic that will give you foundation for your intended major in college

Use this experience as a talking point in college essays and interviews

Create an outstanding research/writing sample for colleges

Student Support

Mrs. Puglisi EE Supervisor CD- 50 Excellent Extended Essays Subject Reports online Bound Essays in the library Mini–lessons conducted twice a month Information folder QuestiaSchool Online Library

Today we will…

Review the contents of your EE folder Complete the contact information sheet

– LEGIBILY! Create an account on the AHS website

and add the EE and CAS classes

Questions?