SENIOR PROJECT
Senior Project Expectations & Overview
Dear SENIORS,
You are about to begin an exciting opportunity to explore your passion or future career to fulfill our senior project requirement for graduation from NLCS. The purpose of the Senior Project gives you the opportunity to showcase the skills and talents you have developed during your time at a project based school. You will choose a topic that interests you which will allow you to grow in ways that are exciting and challenging. The expectation is this is a large project (100 hours) and something you should really enjoy. As part of the requirement you must have a community piece to this project. We hope this will be an extremely relevant project that you are excited to dig deeper into and share your knowledge in a hands-on way.
In a world that is requiring an increase in collaboration of varying disciplines, genuine ability to problem solve, ability to demonstrate more complex levels of independent critical thinking, and the capacity to authentically make a difference in the community around us; the senior project creates an ideal opportunity to develop, showcase and refine those skills.
This is a significant project and could have a major influence on your future and would be great to share with potential employees of what you are capable of doing etc. Completion of the Senior Project is a requirement for graduation. Although you may feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment with the size of the task before you, rest assured that by meeting deadlines and making the most of the resources at your disposal, you will have a successful and exciting experience. This is not a project that you can wait until May to start. Your presentations should be happening in April! Graduation is your ultimate goal and we will help you get there, but you have to do the work to get yourself there.
Sincerely,
NLCS Staff
Think about all of the things you are interested in - things you would like to do, learn, understand, see, improve, create, or experience. You will brainstorm and write down your ideas as they pop into your mind; you should not limit yourself at this point. Ideas should then be narrowed down to two ideas that are "do-able," consider whether or not research information and resources are available to complete the project. Your project should maintain your interest for an extended period of time and should also stretch your abilities to allow you to grow as a learner. (Projects cannot include any illegal, or unsafe activities.)
Once your topic is chosen and agreed upon, you are now ready to develop questions that you would like to answer through research on your topic. Possible starting points for research questions might be ...
• Some career areas I'm particularly interested in ...
• I would like to improve ...
• I am very curious about ...
• I want to learn more about ...
• I am passionate about ...
• Something I think would really make a difference is …
A Senior Project is about doing and learning about a topic related to an interest or a potential future career path. This is their chance to choose a topic that will be interesting and worthwhile. You should think about the following questions ...
• Is the topic one that is reflective of my career interests?
• Is the topic one in which I am interested, but not an expert?
• Is the topic one that is broad enough to allow me to access enough
information, yet narrow enough to make the research scope reasonable?
• Is the topic one that is challenging to my academic and creative abilities?
• Have I used good judgment to be certain that the topic I chose is appropriate for presentation to a review panel and the general public?
You will now have the opportunity to do something hands-on, to actually get involved outside of school in an area that interests you or is related to a passion. This phase requires you to apply the knowledge you have gained in the research to a real-life experience. There must be a hands-on portion to this project. The project can be something that you have built, created, or it can be a visual representation of something that you have developed.
The Senior Project Phases:
PHASE I - Brainstorm topic IDEAS and discuss with Advisor for approval.
PHASE II - Participate in PROJECT TUNING with relevant staff to share your idea and plans, create a timeline to execute this project and receive feedback about ways to make it better, or to provide you with additional resources.
PHASE III - Begin project research, create a way to document your time spent working on this project, a TIME LOG. Start thinking about what you would like to include as your community connection. SHARE with the Advisor so they can monitor progress.
PHASE IV- EDITING and REVISION with Advisor, Project Mgr. or Project Tuning Team
PHASE V- COMMUNITY CONNECTION portion of the project-What is it?
PHASE VI- AUTHENTIC AUDIENCE-Who, where will you present? Who should be invited? Nail down a PRESENTATION DATE with an Advisor.
PHASE VII-CHECKPOINTS (minimal of quarterly)
PHASE VIII- PRACTICE-PRACTICE-PRACTICE (make final edits to presentation)
PHASE IX-PRESENTATION (30 minutes in length minimum) this should include: Title of project, explanation of why you chose this project, what you learned in the process, what your community connection is, how you will use this moving forward, what your favorite portion of the project was, and how problems were solved, what you would change if you were to do it over again. Finally, what has been learned from the total experience.
Include your BIBLIOGRAPHY and TIME LOG (date, time, specific of what you completed).
*Address not only the project and the research, but challenge(s) along your project
journey that led to your personal and academic growth.
PHASE X-Earn all your credits to fulfill your High School requirements, complete Senior Seminar (all items must be satisfactorily completed and turned in by end of 3rd quarter)
PHASE XI- GRADUATION CEREMONY!
Senior Project Topic Approval Form
Student's Name: _____________________________________________
Advisor: _____________________________________________________
For the topic I have chosen: _________________________________________
My Driving Questions are: (15 minimum) _______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Description of Project: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Form of Hands on component to the project (circle all that apply):
Creation of original work Work Experience in the field
Website/CD/Film/Audio Community Service Project
Art piece Build something
Model _____________________
Newspaper _____________________
Organize an event _____________________
Documentation of Service: (How will you have proof of the time you spent?)
______________________________________________________ex: Time Log
Project Summary/Plan:
1. Describe the connection between the project and the presentation.
2. List the materials necessary to complete the project.
3. Explain the process for documentation of work (pictures, video, journal).
4. Identify any issues/concerns you may encounter in completing the physical project, and then explain how you will address them.
After reviewing your topic and being approved by your advisor then the project can begin.
Project Approved: ______ Project Denied: ______ (What action is needed?)
Advisor Signature ______________________________________ Date: _________
Senior Project Tuning Presentation (NOVEMBER)
Seniors will bring their senior project idea to a project tuning with a team of teachers to get feedback on their ideas, ways to improve the project (3-4 adults).
Please create a 5-10 minute presentation that includes the following information:
What is the current title?
Describe the project
What is your project?
What new learning will you gain?
What is your timeline for each step of your project?
What will your final product look like?
How do you plan to present? Who is your authentic audience?
Describe the following items:
How will your project incorporate the community or a personal real world application?
How will your project extend beyond the classroom and connect to work internships, field-based investigations, or community explorations?
How do you plan to use what you gained from this project?
How does your project connect you with adult mentors, experts, community members or coaches from the wider community? How will your project be used in the future?
Provide any models or work samples (if available), share your portfolio and where you are in the process.
Give a detailed timeline for completed work and show a log of time/activities completed to date
Focus Question/Dilemma: Provide us with a final question or dilemma that you need help developing, answering, or creating to help your project.
Senior Project Consent Form
I, ________________________________________________, am aware that I must complete all components of the Senior Project to receive credit and to fulfill my graduation requirements at NLCS. If I fail to complete my project throughout the year, I understand that my graduation is in jeopardy. It is MY responsibility to complete the work, seek help as needed, and utilize the resources available to me.
I understand the phases to the Senior Project…
1. Submit a well thought out proposal to my advisor.
2. A project of your choice, that is a large year long project (approximately 100 hours) must be pre-approved, discussed and approved with my Advisor. In addition, I must go through the project tuning process with a team of teachers.
3. A 30 minute presentation of the project to an authentic audience is required.
*I understand that this is a requirement in addition to earning my credits needed for graduation.
*I also need to successfully complete all components of the Senior Checklist and pass Senior Seminar (Offered ONLY 3rd Quarter and is REQUIRED).
*Complete and provide documentation of 100 hours of community service (9-12th grade).
*If I plan to walk in the ceremony, it is the EXPECTATION that I will prepare and give a 1-3 minute speech during the graduation ceremony.
Student's Signature: ___________________________________Date: ___________
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): I have read my child's Project Proposal as outlined in the Project
Approval Form. I realize that this is a large project (Is REQUIRED) and I will assist where I can.
Parent Signature: _____________________________________Date: ____________
Advisor’s Signature: ___________________________________Date:____________
I understand that it is my responsibility to monitor Senior’s progress throughout the year to ensure they are on track for graduation, and keep parents informed of progress so there are no surprises.
What should my Senior Presentation be about or include? (30 minutes)
Introduction: Be professional-dress for success. Introduce yourself and your project, be confident, speak clearly and loud enough for them to hear. Impress the audience and engage them for your project.
Project Description: Give an overview of the project you decided to complete.
Research Process: How did you brainstorm your idea? How did you choose this project for your final presentation? Share your knowledge of what you learned in the process. Must include a bibliography and a detailed time log.
Experience Review: What were the challenges and successes you experienced? How did you use your resources and who were your mentors/guides on the sides?
Organization of Project: How did you monitor your project, stay focused and see it through to completion? Explain your time line checkpoints and what you learned about time management skills.
Personal Growth: What did you learn about yourself? What did you achieve or accomplish? How does your project demonstrate you are ready to graduate from NLCS, a project based school? How did you overcome obstacles?
Learning Curve: Was this project a good fit for you? What would you change if you were to do it again?
Demonstration, Performance, Audiovisual, Technology: Will you have a demonstration or performance? Will you show photos, a video, a slides presentation, organize an event? What is your hands on piece?
Must include a bibliography and a detailed time log.
Conclusion/Final thoughts: Make sure you end strong, this is your TICKET to Graduation!
Key points to remember before and during the presentation:
• Make eye contact with your audience. Rehearse enough so you know your content. Make note cards.
• When facing the audience, be sure to avoid blocking your project, display or powerpoint.
• Dressing for success will extend a positive impression about the content you are presenting. Appropriate grooming and clean clothes are very important. If the project lends itself to a specific uniform or costume and wearing it would enhance the presentation, feel free to be creative in dress.
• Be prepared. One of the most effective strategies for reducing nerves is to know the
subject thoroughly. Remember you know more about your senior project than anyone.
• You must include a visual aid during your presentation. This could be a slides
presentation, hands on product, charts, graphs, actual project, video, etc. Make sure your visual aid is relevant to your project and presentation.
• Rehearse often. When rehearsing, practice the entire presentation. Time yourself to make sure the presentation is long enough, leaving time for questions and answers once your presentation is completed.
• Make sure that all technology is working before you begin.
• Be prompt and show up on time.
FINAL REMINDERS:
Make Eye Contact
Don’t lock your knees
Posture-stand tall and proud, this is your time to shine
Do not chew gum or have food in your mouth
Avoid saying, “um, like”
At the end of the presentation-THANK your audience for coming.
Reflect on the Senior Capstone Experience
(Great questions for Advisors, Adults and Peers to ask the Senior)
1. How and why did you choose your topic and your idea for a physical project?
2. How many total hours did you spend working on your physical project? Discuss your experiences as you worked on it.
3. What were some of your experiences when conducting research?
4. What were some of the biggest problems you encountered as you worked on the project?
5. How did you manage your time? How did you balance the project with work, school, sports, or volunteer time?
6. What did you learn about working with other people, especially your mentor or teacher?
7. Were your original goals for your project carried out to completion? If they changed, how were they different?
8. What was the "outside your comfort zone" for you? How did you challenge yourself through the project you picked? How did you face any fears and overcome obstacles?
9. What would you like the committee/audience to know about your project that would help them understand what you have accomplished?
10. What grade would you give yourself for what you accomplished through your Senior Project? Explain why you think you deserve that…
11. What advice would you give to the underclassmen about Senior Projects?
Sample Senior Projects from Past Seniors
Build a Disc Golf Course: Funded from businesses and community experts to assist.
Build a Greenhouse: Wrote grants, drew up a floor plan, worked with community members, attended city council meetings/school board/building company meetings for approval, applied for Green Schools Farm to Table
Aquaponics System to build a 450 Gallon Plywood Aquarium for Native fish: Grants for funding, be a part of Trout in the classroom, work with professionals from Great Lakes Aquarium, behind the scenes tour of aquarium, draw a sketch of plan, mini-model, YES Club, propose to building company/school board, problem solve issues, build sustainability with younger generations, macro-invertebrate expert lesson, Eco-columns
Brick Oven Building: write letters for grants, work with community experts to build, research on process/supplies/cost, propose to school board/building company, make a recipe booklet, split kindling, teach younger generations how to operate
Build a picnic table: dimensions/sketch/materials list, get donation for materials, work with community experts, donate to the school
Build a shed for PE equipment: floor plan/sketch/materials list/cost, write letters for grants, propose to school board/building company, work with community members, learn a trade, plan for maintenance like painting.
24 Hour Recycling Center: letter writing/meetings for funding, work with Home Depot mentor, sketch/floor plan/materials/cost, propose to school board/building company/city council, open 24-7 for the community, design signs for where the recycling goes, sustainability plan for years to come, contact waste management for pick-up
Write a book: outline, layout, theme, learn Bookemon platform for publishing, illustrations, editing, donate to the library
Climate Convening Event for the Community: What is Climate Change? Field trip to Marcell, meet with experts on the subject, coordinate with state representatives, write letters to invite the public, newspaper article, posters, spaghetti feed, grant for supplies, ask for venue through e-mail and meeting with community member.
Create a Cookbook: Type recipes, directions, supplies, procedures, take pictures, tips and tricks, learn Bookemon for publishing, taste testing, sell cookbook as a fundraiser.
Teen Challenge Community Event for Teens in Transition: organize with Teens and Transition to have a community event in the evening open to the public, attend AA meetings, journal about own experiences and speak to younger generations about choices and where it has gotten you in life, attend treatment, have a sponsor/mentor.
Build a GAGA Pit: sketch/layout/dimensions/materials/cost, propose to building company/school board, work with community experts, research about how to play the game, promotion of activity, donations of materials, sign for rules, teach younger generations.
Certified Nursing Certificate: attend college course, pass test, hands on experience, work in nursing home, journal about experience, demonstrate skills, work with outside agencies.
College Compare and Contrast: tour colleges, pros/cons of each, communicate with admissions, what programs are offered, FAFSA, scholarships, narrow research to two and visit colleges attending a sit-in for classes, make pamphlets for colleges.
Work Experience Opportunity: work with outside agencies, resume, supervisor meetings, on the job training, journal of experience, share knowledge of what you learned about yourself on the job, job related skills.
Senior Hoodie Design: create a design, propose to seniors, survey seniors, contact local businesses for price quotes, look for online programs to create, test materials, create an order form, ask for money/grant from building company to purchase for each graduating senior, organize a senior photo with the sweatshirts, write thank you letters to the building company.
Manual to Adulthood: What does it take to be a functioning adult? What are the community organizations to connect with/contact info, create a resource binder to include sample applications for housing/apartments, apply for social security card, how to open a banking account, mental health services, filing for state health insurance, second harvest, coat closet, have that resource binder accessible by future students.
Laser Engraving: What is it? What can it do? How much does it cost? Write grants for securing one for NLCS, meet with selection committees, propose to school board, building company, sustainability for future generations, create sample projects, consider it being a student run business, research how it operates-create a manual of operation.
Parenting: its too late-we’re pregnant so now what? Services available, attend TAPP, child seat training, attend baby appointments, child development stages, budgeting for baby, cost of food, diapers, clothing, journal the emotions surrounding pregnancy, informing your parents, making healthier choices, birthing classes, labor, raising a child, supports in place.
All about Beads: What types of materials can you use to create beads? (paper, plastic, aluminum, potato etc) What are some different ways to make beads? Using various materials create a doorway curtain, discuss the history of beads and their functions.
Family Tree Quilt: How to sew? Interview family members, cutting materials, layout and design, binding, learn how to quilt a blanket, photograph progress, donate to elder in the family.
Functional Art: What can I create from reused, recycled materials or repurposed items? Environmental impact through RRR, host an art display with artist statements in the community or MacRostie Art Center, create pieces of work that you can use in your future home/apartment.
Project Rubric
