Senior Project Proposal - Due January 11, 2012

Assignment: Copy and paste this template to your blog. Answer each question in COMPLETE SENTENCES.

Senior Project Proposal

Proposed Topic in the form of an  Essential Question:

Rationale for Choice

What about this topic appeals to you? Why did you choose it?

What do you already know about this subject?

What are you hoping to learn about the subject?

What are you most interested in regarding the topic?

                                                                                                                                                

What potential risks or challenges do you foresee for your project?

Example:

Senior Project Proposal

Proposed Topic in the form of an  Essential Question:

 Are books such as Twilight damaging social relationships and expectations for life in teenagers?

Rationale for Choice

What about this topic appeals to you? Why did you choose it?

 After reading all four of the Twilight books I found myself disgusted by the subject matter and the lack of consequences for the main character. I saw the national obsession with these books, and began to wonder if a book could have any real impact on society, such as changing the way women view men?

What do you already know about this subject?

 I have read all of the books and have my own solid opinions. I've also read a few news articles about Twilight, both positive and negative.

What are you hoping to learn about the subject?

 I would like to learn if a book can truly affect society. Is there any research that has been done on Twilight? If so, is it a positive or negative effect?

What are you most interested in regarding the topic?

 I would like to see if there are any others out there who share in my opinion regarding the books. I know they are nationally loved, but I cannot be alone in my anger at them. 

What potential risks or challenges do you foresee for your project?

 What if there is no research? How will I change my topic? Also, will I be able to find something viable to do for my community service/field work? Perhaps I can work at a library for a day.

Beginning the Process - What should I choose for my topic?

 

Sample Subjects for Senior Project

Environmental

• Earthquake preparedness/disasters
• Fire preparedness/disasters
• Pollution
• Population Pressures
• Industrial Impact
• Human Impact
• Urbanization and Housing
• Epidemics

Problems of Hierarchy

• Economic Inequality
• Sexism
• Racism
• Ageism
• Separation of Church and State

Problems of Violence

• War and Terrorism
• Effects on Those that Serve and/or Their Families
• Familial
• Non-Familial

Intolerance

• Civil Rights Issues
• Drug Abuse
• Alcohol Abuse
• Prostitution
• HIV/AIDS
• Religious Issues
• Cancer

Cultural

• Music’s Effects on Society (Pick a Genre)
• Lack of Musical Programs in Schools
• Art’s Effect on Terminally Ill Patients

_________________________________________________________________________

After reading through the list of sample subjects for your senior project, do any of them stand out to you? Is there one that you can add to the list that appeals to you?

Assignment: In your blog, I would like you to write FIVE "I believe" statements that will help flush out an idea for you. Once you have finished writing the five statements, choose one that stands out most to you and write SEVEN sentences explaining why you believe this.

*Even if you feel you already know what you want to write about, go through this process as it is always nice to have backups.

Example:

1. I believe that all sexual orientations should have the same rights under our government.
2. I believe that technology is lessening student ability to think and remember on their own.
3. I believe that television shows like "Teen Mom" glamorize teen pregnancy, and need to show a more realistic (and less fame-making) view on the subject.
4. I believe that a study of literature from the past can enlighten our future.
5. I believe books such as Twilight send unhealthy messages to teens.


5. Literature can be an escape from the reality of the world. Fiction, by its name, is made-up, not real, not factual. It is a simple reflection of imagination that is meant to entertain and inspire thought. Despite this, literature can be damaging to a person's psyche if they allow it to take over their world. When a book becomes more than a piece of fiction, and tips over into the realm of obsession, it can set unrealistic expectations for relationships, for consequences, and for life. One such book is Twilight, in which the main character falls in love with a vampire (yes, one who has EATEN PEOPLE), and risks everything to be with him. During her journey, Bella goes through major depression, toys with another young man, willingly risks losing her family to be with a boy, gets married at the too-young age of 19, and ends up sparkling. Either young adults need to realize just what Fiction is, or they need to find a better source for their obsession (like Harry Potter).

Step One: Create Your Blog

Hello Seniors,

The first step to beginning the Senior Project process is to create your blog. The blog will serve as a place for you to do prewriting, record research, receive feedback, and examine the progress of other students.

To create your blog:

1. Go to blogger.com
2. Click on "Get started"
3. Create a google account using your GAGGLE e-mail. Click continue.
4. Pick your display name using the following format: First Name Last Name, i.e. Jane Doe
5. Click "Create your blog now"
6. Give your blog a title using the following format: First Name Last Name's Senior Project, i.e. Jane Doe's Senior Project
7. Create your blog URL using the following format: firstinitiallastname, i.e. mgrandchamp. If this is not available, add your middle initial, or the number 1 after your name
8. Choose a start template
9. Start blogging!

You can also watch the instructions here:

Create Blogger Post How-To

Once you have created your blog, respond to this post in the following format:

Name:

Period:

Blog Address:

For example:

Name: Ms. Grandchamp

Period: 2

Blog Address: mgrandchamp.blogspot.com

Senior Project Introduction Letter

Dear Senior:

You are about to begin a major assignment that provides an enlightening experience in learning and also allows you to contribute to the world around you. Here at Granada Hills Charter High School, we stress that our students become lifelong learners, productive members of society, effective communicators, information managers, and problem solvers. Here is your opportunity to prove that you can be all of these things at once.

This assignment is called the Senior Project. The purpose of the Senior Project is to afford you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills, talents, and maturity you have developed during your high school career and to discover ways in which you can contribute to your community. You will choose a topic that not only interests you, but one which will allow you to grow in ways that are exciting and challenging.

The Senior Project has three phases: the Paper, the Service, and the Presentation.

PHASE I: Paper. You will be researching and writing a persuasive paper of approximately 7-10 pages, based on your identified area of need. This “area of need” must center on a problem that you see within the community. You must ask an essential question that drives your research, and come up with a proposal to help solve this problem. You will use both primary and secondary sources to gather information for your paper, as well as a firsthand interview with a credible source.

PHASE II: Service. In order for you to truly synthesize your area of research, you will be required to perform 8-10 hours of community service or field work. This service must relate directly to your subject. For example, if you were investigating animal cruelty, you might volunteer at a shelter to see how animals are treated there. There will be information on how to go about completing your community service or field work provided by me.

PHASE III: Presentation. You will be delivering a 10-15 minute oral presentation that describes your research and demonstrates your project in order to display your mastery of your chosen subject area. This presentation is done before the class, and it is the culminating element to your Senior Project. This presentation is your chance to demonstrate what you know and what you can do. Part of this phase includes a technological element, such as a PowerPoint, to demonstrate your skill in using modern tools to assist your research. 

This is a significant project and will have a major influence on your final semester grade. Although you may feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment with the size of the task before you, remember the brilliance of Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer in any direction you choose.” Also, meet the deadlines and make use of the resources at your disposal, and you will have a successful experience

A final note on plagiarism: Don’t do it. If you choose to ignore this, you will receive a zero on this assignment.

Sincerely,

Maureen Grandchamp

English Teacher

Granada Hills Charter High School