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