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Independence High
School
Senior English Project
2011-2012
Independence High School Senior Project
Table of Contents
Overview
Challenge Commitment
Parent Letter
Parent Consent Form
Timeline
Student Activities Checklist
Folder checklist
Brainstorming Rubric
Creating the Product
Cost Analysis
Resources Used
Letter of Intent
Sample Letter of Intent #1
Sample Letter of Intent #2
Personal Learning Journal Information
Personal Learning Journals
Finding a Mentor
Mentor Job Description
Student Mentor Agreement
Verification Sheet
Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Rubric
Research Paper Agenda
Senior Writing Project Style Sheet
Research Paper Rubric
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Independence High School Senior Project Overview
This year in English IV, you will be required to complete a comprehensive project that
will give you an opportunity to exhibit the skills, knowledge, creativity, and talents you have
been developing throughout your school career. The Senior Project will be a major grade and
will require you to read and write, but it will also require you to analyze, synthesize, speak,
apply, and evaluate. Each of you will have to demonstrate self-discipline, organization,
initiative, and creativity while completing the project. You will have the freedom to explore an
area or field of interest and an opportunity to relate what you have learned to the “real world.”
The Senior Project consists of four basic components:
1. A research paper (7-15 pages)
2. A physical project based on research and inquiry
3. An oral presentation reflecting on the paper and the project and your own experiences
during completion of the project
4. A portfolio containing all of the rubrics, checklists, and research materials used in
producing the product
The first part of the Senior Project will be a research paper. This paper will be seven to fifteen
full body pages in length. Using the MLA format, you will be required to use eight or more
parenthetical citations from five or more sources. These sources should include both primary
(interviews, surveys, etc.) and/or secondary sources (books, magazine articles, scholarly journals,
encyclopedias, etc.).
The second component will consist of a concrete or abstract product based on your own
investigation and research. Examples or possible products you might create are paintings,
photographs, a film, a performance, musical composition, a piece of furniture, house plans, etc.
There will be a wide range of choices for this component, but this phase will have some basic
requirements. You will be required to spend at least twenty hours (outside of class) on this phase
of the project, and this time must be verified on the appropriate form by your mentor.
The third component of the Senior Project will be an 8-10 minute speech delivered before a
panel of judges comprised of educators, business persons, and community members who are
familiar with your chosen topic. In the speech, you will explain and reflect on your research,
present your visual example, and describe your personal experiences throughout the entire Senior
Project. You will also have to participate in a short question and answer period after the oral
presentation.
The final component of the Senior Project will consist of a portfolio documenting the entire
project. It will include all of the rubrics, checklists, timelines, prewriting, drafts, plans, graphic
organizers, and evaluations you have received and completed during the project. A copy of the
final research paper is to be included with this portfolio.
The Senior Project is an important part of your grade in English IV. It will impact the senior
English grade as follows:
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Brainstorming, Signature form compliance (Mentor Agreement, Letter of Intent,
Challenge Commitment, and Parent Consent Form)
Research paper components (thesis statement, outline, bibliography, note cards,
and research paper rough draft); the completed research paper will be due in
November.
Learning logs, product description, mentor verification
Physical product (visual component), final project portfolio, in-class presentation,
and presentation plan
The oral presentation, term paper, and product
It is the intent and purpose of the Senior Project to allow you to assume more responsibility in
your own learning processes while also encouraging your to use and apply what you have
learned in a “real world” environment. Although you will need to communicate carefully and
often with faculty members and mentors, the ultimate direction and expression of the Senior
Project will be your responsibility. Creativity is encouraged and many Senior Projects will be
unique and perhaps unusual.
It is hoped that the Senior Project will be both challenging and exciting and will allow you to
realize and achieve your full potential.
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Challenge Commitment
Name _________________________________________________ Period ________________
Senior Project Description
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(Continue on back of sheet as needed) TEACHER’S INITIALS ______
The project described above will be a CHALLENGE in my educational growth. I realize
that it is a requirement for students in Mrs. Stewart’s English IV class, and failure to complete
any and all parts of this project could result in not passing my senior English class and therefore
not graduating. I consider it to be important and educational, and I have never attempted this
type of project. Even if I am knowledgeable in this area, I declare that this is a new challenge for
me.
I commit myself to the full completion of the project as described and initialed. If I wish
to make any change, I must ask permission of my English IV teacher and, using the back of this
sheet, rewrite the proposal. It must then be initialed a second time. I am aware that any such
change must be made before the official end of the second interim. Otherwise, I must proceed as
stated above and receive a grade on that basis.
I understand that this sheet must be in my Senior Project Portfolio and that the panel
assembled for my presentation should include in its evaluation a judgment of whether or not I
actually completed and presented the project as described above. If this signed sheet is not in my
portfolio at the designated time for my presentation, I forfeit my right to present and accept a
zero for my Senior Project Presentation grade.
I have gathered signatures of the following people who are willing to verify that the
above information is true to the best of their knowledge.
_____________________________________________________
Student Signature Date
Required Signatures:
Phone/E-mail
Parent/guardian_______________________________ ______________________________
Administrator_________________________________ ______________________________
Teacher_____________________________________ ______________________________
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Dear Parents/Guardians of Independence High School Seniors:
As your son/daughter may have indicated to you, our seniors are required to complete a
Senior Project. This project has four parts: a research paper; a project which is related to the
paper; an oral presentation of the paper and project to a panel of judges; and a portfolio which
reflects the creation of the project from beginning to end. This project will call upon your
son/daughter to use the skills he/she has acquired and practiced through twelve years of formal
education.
The first part of the project, the research paper, will require the student to use specific
skills such as research, organization, and time management to produce a 7-15 page typed paper.
Senior classes will complete this during their first semester. Some class time will be devoted to
working on the paper; however, the majority of the research, writing, and editing will have to
take place outside of the classroom.
The second part of the process is the actual creation of a physical (visual), a “hands-on”
experience or product related to some aspect of the research topic. The student will need a
mentor who will provide some expertise on the project and verify that the student has spent at
least the required 20 hours working on it. This project is to be worked on and completed outside
the regular classroom.
The third component of the overall project is a portfolio, which will contain all of the
instructions, rubrics, guidelines, learning logs, a copy of the research paper, and any other
materials pertaining to the Senior Project.
Finally, the student will be responsible for presenting an oral presentation given to a
group of adults. During the presentation, the student will explain what he/she learned while
completing the Senior Project. These presentations will be scheduled during February/March. It
is imperative that your child attend school on his/her assigned presentation day.
It is imperative that your child complete every portion of this project. Failure to do so
could result in failure of his/her senior English class, which is a requirement for graduation.
One of the objectives of the Senior Project is to teach students to manage their time in
order to meet deadlines. Due dates for the components are given many weeks in advance and
students are expected to meet them. Excuses and failure to meet these deadlines will not be
accepted.
A successful Senior Project involves everyone: parents, teachers, and mentors.
However, it ultimately depends on the students themselves. To graduate in May, the student
must complete and pass each of the above components. We hope you will become involved with
your son/daughter in this project. If we all work together, this will be one of the most rewarding
experiences the students will have in high school! If you have questions, please call Mrs.
Stewart at 985-878-9436.
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Independence High School Senior Project
Parent Consent Form
As a parent/guardian of _____________________________________, a senior at Independence
Name of Student
High School, I am aware that my son/daughter must complete and pass all four components of
the Senior Project. Failure to do so could result in not passing his/her English class and possibly
not graduating. For the physical project, my son/daughter has chosen to:
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(continue on back of page if necessary)
He/she has my permission to complete this project, and I agree to release the school district and
its employees from all claims arriving from financial obligation incurred, or damage, injury, or
accident suffered while my son/daughter participates in the project that he/she has chosen.
Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone Number Home____________________ Work Cell________________
Parent/Guardian E-mail: (optional) _________________________________________________
Student Signature_______________________________________________________________
Date__________________________________________________________________________
INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL URGES SENIORS TO CONSIDER THE SAFETY
FACTOR WHEN SELECTING THEIR PROJECTS AND TO CONSIDER ANOTHER
CHOICE IF THEY WISH TO CHOOSE A PROJECT INVOLVING DANGER TO
THEMSELVES OR OTHERS.
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Independence High School
Senior Project Timeline 2011-2012 (dates are subject to change)
Due Date Component Interim
1st week of classes Seniors are introduced to the IHS
Senior Project
September 1-2 Challenge Commitment, Parent
Consent Form, Letter of Intent,
Brainstorming Rubric due
September 15-16 Student Mentor Agreement and
Creating the Product due
September 22-23 Topic for research paper is due
September 28-29 September Learning Journal is due
*Must be signed by your mentor
October 1 (1/2 day) Research paper outline and note cards
are due
October 27-28 First Draft is due
*Including works cited page and
corrected outline
October 31/November 1 October Learning Journal Due
November 10-11 Final Draft of Research Paper is due
* including works cited, title page,
and outline
November 18 November Learning Journal is due
*Must be signed by mentor
December 19-20 December Learning Journal is due
January 30-31 January Learning Journal is due
*Must be signed by mentor
February 6-7 Final Products are due
February 23-24 Portfolios are due
February 28-29 February Learning Journal is due
March Speeches before both class/panels
March 29-30 Mentor thank you letter
NOTE—All components (portfolio, paper, product, presentation) must be completed in order to
present. Also, students must present to receive credit for all components.
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Student Activity Checklist
Activity Due Date Grade Comments
Date Completed /points
possible
Personal Learning Journal /20
Honors/AP—at least 3
paragraphs (5-7sentences
each)
Regular—at least 2
paragraphs (5-7 sentences
each)
Challenge Commitment
Parent Consent Form
Letter of Intent
Brainstorming rubric
Student-Mentor Agreement
Creating the Product Form
Topic
Outline/note cards
First draft (including works
cited)
Revision
Final draft (including works
cited, title page)
Student Logs
Product completed (visual)
with product description essay
Cost analysis submitted
Resources identified
Portfolio due
Speech outline submitted
Note cards developed
Classroom presentations with
Product and Portfolio
Panel Presentations
Feedback received
Thank you notes sent to
advisers/mentors
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Independence High School Senior Project Folder
Checklist
You are required to purchase a pocket folder for this project. The left pocket is to be labeled
“Turn In” and the right pocket should be marked “Returned.” This folder will remain in the
classroom in a designated spot at all times. You will turn in any work for the Senior Project in
your folder. All graded materials that have been returned will remain in your folder in your
English teacher’s classroom. You will need to keep the following checklist in your folder to
mark off graded work as it is returned to you
Activity/Form Grade Activity/Form Grade
Creating the Product
Commitment Forms
Cost Analysis
Challenge Commitment
Resources Identified
Parent Consent Form
Student Logs (1st and 2nd sets)
Student-Mentor Agreement
Personal Journals (September
Letter of Intent
through February)
Product completed (visual) with
Mentor Verification Agreement product description essay
(Rubric)
Oral Presentation
Research Paper
Speech outline submitted
Topic
Note cards developed
Outline/note cards
Classroom presentation with
First draft (including works cited)
Product and Portfolio
Panel presentations
Revision
Final Draft (including works Follow-up
cited)
Feedback received
Product
Thank you notes sent to
Brainstorming Rubric
advisers/mentors
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Brainstorming Rubric
Since you will be working on this the entire school year, you need to consider topics carefully.
Think about what you would like to learn, do, experience, change, improve, create, etc.
1. Go through the following checklist and circle the topics that interest you. You may add
your own. You need to choose at least six (6) topics.
Anthropology Economics Marketing Space
Art Education Math Special Hobbies
Astronomy Electricity Mechanics Sports
Biology Endangered species Medicine Taxidermy
Books Engineering Military Theatre
Business Film making Movies Travel
Careers Game conservation Music Woodworking
Carpentry Genealogy Philosophy Writing
Collecting Government Photography
Comics Graphics Psychology
Communications Health Religion
Computers History Robotics
Cooking Languages Science
Cultures Literature Sewing
Dance Local industry Social problems
Ecology Manufacturing Social Studies
2. Next, think about those circled items and narrow them into research project ideas. Put
your ideas in the boxes.
Idea: Idea: Idea:
Visual: Visual: Visual:
Idea: Idea: Idea:
Visual: Visual: Visual:
Idea: Idea: Idea:
Visual: Visual: Visual:
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3. Look over your ideas and consider the ones that are the most practical. Ask yourself
these questions for each idea:
a. Can I create a research paper out of this?
b. Is there enough information to research the topic?
c. Can I make an object or product to relate to my research paper?
d. Can I afford the materials needed to make the product?
e. Will I learn anything new from this research?
f. Will this keep my interest over the next year?
g. Could this lead to a possible career opportunity?
4. Go back and circle the ones that could be potential Senior Projects.
5. Narrow your ideas again to make a final decision. Using the three boxes below, select
your top three choices and complete the box for each.
Idea #1: Idea #2: Idea #3:
Research Focus: Research Focus: Research Focus:
Visual: Visual: Visual:
6. Make your final decision. Looking at the three boxes above, answer these questions:
a. Which area is the most unique and will differ from other Senior Projects? Idea #
_____
b. Which area best fits or demonstrates my talents? Idea #_____
c. Which area will have the most resources available? Idea #_____
d. Which idea do I have a secret desire to pursue but am cautious in the face of peer
pressure? Idea #_____
e. Which project idea would my parents most like to see me accomplish?
Idea #_____
f. Which project idea is affordable to me? Idea #_____
g. In spite of what others think, what do I want to do? Idea #_____
7. Count up how many times you marked each idea. The idea with the most checks is the
one you should focus on for your Senior Project.
My idea is ______________________________________________________________
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If you decide to change your topic, now is the time to do so because you aren’t
too far into the project.
Creating the Product
You must create a visual depiction to accompany your research paper. This visual represents a hands-on
experience. It allows you to apply what you have learned from research to create a product that reflects
learning and mastery of the topic.
There are endless possibilities of demonstrating your topic. Below is a list of possibilities:
Make a book. Research a trade. Write a story.
Make a video. Build a machine. Hold a mock trial.
Compose a song. Write a comic strip. Teach a class.
Create an event. Design a web site. Sew a garment.
Make a model. Write a play. Cook a special dish.
Create artwork. Make a commercial. Create a robot.
Perform an experiment. Create/write a game. Start a business.
Choreograph a dance. Design a model. Design a marketing campaign.
Perform an investigation. Re-enact an event. Write a program.
Shadow a job. Customize an object. Explore a historical site.
Complete a community service project.
Describe what will be the best way to meet your goals for your presentation. Ask yourself these
questions:
How much will it cost?
Do I have access to supplies and equipment?
How long will it take to create?
Will I get bored with the visual?
Will everybody do the same type of visual?
Am I really interested in making that type of visual?
Will my visual represent my best ability?
Are my talents being used to their fullest potential?
Action Plan: Think about all of the components in creating your visual. For example, whom do you need
to contact for help, materials, etc.? What materials do you need for the visual? How will you physically
make the product? How long should each step take?
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
Step 4 Step 5 Step 6
Now that your plan of action is completed, make yourself schedule days to accomplish steps of the
process. Use the attached calendar. Fill in the dates for the month first. Then, write in your deadlines and
activities. You will be expected to document at least 20 hours of work toward the visual product.
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Everything must be recorded on your calendar. The calendar will be checked by your teacher during
scheduled conference days.
Cost Analysis of Senior Project
Please keep a detailed list of all expenses related to your Senior Project. You may attach any receipts to
this handout. You will not be reimbursed for your expenses. This is just to help you keep track of how
much your project costs you.
Item Description Cost
Did you exceed your expected costs for the project?
______________________________________________________________________________
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Resources Used
Below you need to make a list of all of the different resources you used to complete the visual of
your Senior Project.
Be specific with the resources you used. Saying you just used a computer and the internet IS
NOT SUFFICIENT! List specific websites, computer programs, books, equipment, etc.
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Independence High School Senior Project
Letter of Intent Template
Your Mailing Address
City, State, Zip
Today’s Date
Rebecca Stewart
Independence High School
P. O. Box 10
Independence, LA 70443
Dear (English Teacher’s Name):
Paragraph 1: Describe your main area of interest (technology, history, art, music, sports, dance,
drama, science, etc.) and explain why you chose this area. You need to explain what you already
know or have accomplished in this area.
Paragraph 2: Describe your project. You need to include the following in this paragraph: Tell
what the project will be, who will be involved, when and where it will take place, how it will be
accomplished, how it will challenge you beyond your current abilities, and how much it might
cost in time and money.
Paragraph 3: Begin this paragraph with a transitional sentence that shows the relationship
between your project and your research paper. Then state your specific research topic. Include
some of the ideas you hope to cover, and some of your possible resources (mentors, local
organizations, journals, specific websites, etc.).
Paragraph 4: Tell who your mentor will be or how you plan to obtain a mentor (an adult
qualified to help you in your field). Explain whom you plan to interview for information and
identify his or her expertise/background.
Paragraph 5: Explain your understanding of plagiarism and the repercussions of such an act,
including the fact that this would result in failing English and the Senior Project. Conclude with
a statement affirming that you will not plagiarize or falsify any of the information in your
research or your project.
Sincerely,
(write your signature here)
Your Name (typed)
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Sample Letter of Intent #1
12345 Highway 190
Hammond, LA 70401
September 6, 2009
Mrs. Rebecca Stewart
Independence High School
P. O. Box 10
Independence, LA 70443
Dear Mrs. Stewart:
I have always been interested in woodworking, specifically the design of home furniture. I have
virtually no experience in this area, aside from making a bench and a shelf for my mother in shop
class, so I would be learning almost from scratch.
I plan to build a custom oak gun cabinet for my father to display his guns. He has wanted one
for a while, and I think it would be a thoughtful gift that I could build for him. I recently
purchased a table saw for my shop, so I will be able to work at home after school and on the
weekends. I haven’t priced the oak wood recently, but my budget will be about $100.00 for the
wood, sandpaper, screws, and stain. I’m not sure how long the entire project will take, but I
expect to spend three to four weeks on it by working several hours at a time at least two to three
days a week. Since I do not have much woodworking experience, I believe that building a gun
cabinet will be a challenge and a stretch of my current abilities.
To help me decide on the design I want for the gun cabinet, I will research the history and
evolution of gun cabinets. For example, I think it will be interesting to find out how the cowboys
stored their guns as compared to today. Also, I want to find out if the shape and design of
cabinets have changed over the years. So, using both woodworking and historical sources, I
hope to find how gun cabinets have changed over the years and the different functions of the gun
cabinet.
I already know John Doe, a former shop teacher and cabinet maker living in Robert, who has
agreed to be my mentor. He is used to working with both beginning and advanced students, and
he has been building beautiful cabinets and furniture for over 35 years.
I know that plagiarism is stealing another person’s words or ideas without giving him or her
credit. I understand that if any part of my paper is plagiarized, I will receive an “F” on the paper,
which might result in failing first semester of my senior English class.
Sincerely,
Win Browning
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Sample Letter of Intent #2
P. O. Box 7225
Hammond, LA 70403
September 6, 2009
Mrs. Rebecca Stewart
Independence High School
P. O. Box 10
Independence, LA 70443
Dear Mrs. Stewart:
For my Senior Project, I have chosen the topic of wedding cakes. I will research the origin of the
wedding cake, traditions that have changed with the wedding cake, and what is popular with wedding
cakes. I enjoy watching the different cake challenges on the Food Network, and I have always wondered
how difficult it would be to make a wedding cake. The only experience I have with baking is making
cupcakes and cakes for my family and friends’ birthdays, so this will definitely be a challenge for me.
Also, I have never made icing from scratch, so I am interested in learning how to make butter cream and
fondant icing.
Obviously my visual for this project will have to be a completed wedding cake. This will require me to
learn how to bake a cake, level the cake, stack the cake, learn proper icing techniques, create
embellishments, etc. Since I have very little skills in baking, I will need to take some basic cake classes
and purchase supplies. Michaels and Whole Foods both offer cake decorating classes; however, Whole
Foods classes are free. I will have to purchase my supplies for these classes which will be about $40.00
depending on where I buy them. I expect that I will need to take all three levels of cake classes: basic,
intermediate, and advanced. Overall, I expect the entire project will cost around $150.00
I will begin my Senior Project by researching as much as I can on wedding traditions and wedding cakes.
There are many books written that are dedicated to the topic of wedding cakes, and I am sure that I will
find many ideas to help inspire my wedding cake. Collette Peters is a famous decorator who has written
several cake books. Cake decorating takes many hours of practice to perfect the art. The challenge that I
face is devoting the time necessary to become a really good cake decorator. Also, the ability to create a
stacked, layered cake that does not fall will also be a challenge for me!
I have a family friend who has been decorating cakes for about thirty years. She herself took the basic
and intermediate level classes, but she is basically self-taught. All she needs to do is look at a picture and
she can create a cake. She has offered to mentor me and let me use some of her pans and different
decorating tools that would be too expensive for me to purchase.
I promise that I will not plagiarize any portion of my Senior Project. Furthermore, I understand that if I
do plagiarize, I will fail the project and possibly my English class.
Sincerely,
Padma Flour
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The Personal Learning Journal
(7 entries are required)
You will be required to maintain a personal journal during all facets of the Senior Project. This
means that as you begin the project journey, you will keep a daily log of all activities performed
and experienced pertaining to the Senior Project. This journal should be considered reflective
and be written in the first person. It should be an actual retelling of what you experienced each
day (including what you did, when it was done, and what you learned as it was done). It can be
compiled on a weekly basis, but it will be checked at the end of every month. If we are out of
school at the end of the month, the journal will be due the previous week.
Honors classes: Journals must be at least three paragraphs of 5-7 sentences each.
Regular classes: Journals must be at least two paragraphs of 5-7 sentences each.
During the product facet of the project, you will need to log in work hours in your Student Logs.
Hours must be verified by your mentor.
You will be completing seven journals during the course of your project. Your teacher will
check learning journals monthly for a grade. Make sure you stay current with yours.
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September Personal Learning Journal
Name: _______________________________________ Journal Due Date:________________
Teacher: ______________________________________ Hour:__________________________
Mentor Signature:_______________________________________________________________
Date met with Mentor: ________________________________ Time Met: _________________
Topic: ________________________________________________________________________
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October Personal Learning Journal
Name: _______________________________________ Journal Due Date:________________
Teacher: ______________________________________ Hour:__________________________
Mentor Signature:_______________________________________________________________
Date met with Mentor: ________________________________ Time Met: _________________
Topic: ________________________________________________________________________
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November Personal Learning Journal
Name: _______________________________________ Journal Due Date:________________
Teacher: ______________________________________ Hour:__________________________
Mentor Signature:_______________________________________________________________
Date met with Mentor: ________________________________ Time Met: _________________
Topic: ________________________________________________________________________
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December Personal Learning Journal
Name: _______________________________________ Journal Due Date:________________
Teacher: ______________________________________ Hour:__________________________
Mentor Signature:_______________________________________________________________
Date met with Mentor: ________________________________ Time Met: _________________
Topic: ________________________________________________________________________
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January Personal Learning Journal
Name: _______________________________________ Journal Due Date:________________
Teacher: ______________________________________ Hour:__________________________
Mentor Signature:_______________________________________________________________
Date met with Mentor: ________________________________ Time Met: _________________
Topic: ________________________________________________________________________
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February Personal Learning Journal
Name: _______________________________________ Journal Due Date:________________
Teacher: ______________________________________ Hour:__________________________
Mentor Signature:_______________________________________________________________
Date met with Mentor: ________________________________ Time Met: _________________
Topic: ________________________________________________________________________
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Finding a Mentor
Finding a mentor is a requirement of the Senior Project. Your mentor agreement is an important
document and must be completed in a timely fashion. Seek out an individual who has
experience in the subject matter from which you plan to research your project. There are many
people in our community who have the type of knowledge you seek. Your personal mentor will
need to check your logged hours regularly and monitor your progress during research and
construction of your product. He or she can be any adult who is not your immediate relative.
Mentor Requirements
The mentor should…
1. Be knowledgeable about the field. This means that the mentor has significant
experience in the subject that you wish to explore.
2. Be over 21 years of age. Mentors must be adults and not your peers.
3. Be a non-relative. You may not observe any type of family member.
4. Be available for consultation. Your mentor must be able to meet you on a regular
basis, which is at least once a month to initial logs to verify that you have completed
your hours.
You can obtain ideas for potential mentors from teachers, acquaintances, family members,
colleges and universities, counselor, and even the phone book.
Sample Telephone Script for Finding a Mentor
“Hello, my name is _____________________. I am currently a senior at Independence
High School and am working on my Senior Project for graduation. I have decided to do a
project on (describe your project) and was wondering if you might know of someone who might
be able to give me some direction in this field.”
“I am also looking for someone to mentor me while I complete my project. Hopefully I
will find someone who is knowledgeable in this area and can give me some suggestions and
guidance as I complete my project.”
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Mentor Job Description
Thank you for consenting to be a mentor for the Senior Project. There are many responsibilities
this project will provide for the student. Your participation and willingness to work with the
student will enhance his or her career/work experience.
As a mentor, your responsibilities are as follows:
Offer advice with regard to the topic/thesis choice of the research paper
Suggest sources that the student can seek out for research
Meet with the student at least once a month to check progress and to initial student logs
Encourage the student to perform his/her best
Remember that a mentor is just that, a guide. You are not expected to do the project for the
student. Furthermore, if you find out that the student is simply not doing the work needed for
completion, you are free to remove yourself as a mentor. If this should happen, we ask that you
contact the high school to let the student’s senior English teacher know about the situation. The
school’s telephone number is 985-878-9436.
Once again, thank you for your time and generosity.
The Senior English Teachers at Independence High School
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Student/Mentor Agreement
Student: __________________________________ First Mentor Meeting Date: ____________
Location: _________________________________________ Time: _____________________
Mentor’s Name: ________________________________________________________________
Occupation/Expertise:___________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
City State Zip Code
Telephone: _Work ( )____________________ Home/Cell ( _)________________
Email Address (optional): ________________________________________________________
Brief Project Description: (Share this information with your mentor at the conference)
Ways I need help from my mentor:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Mentor Comments:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Mentor Agreement
I agree to help the student with his/her Senior Project. I understand that it is my responsibility to
verify that the student has worked for at least twenty hours on the completion of this project.
The student and his/her teacher may contact me about the project at the phone number indicated
above.
Mentor Agreement Signature:_____________________________________Date:___________
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Independence High School
Senior Project Verification Sheet
Mentor Signature: ____________________________________Phone ( )_______________
Date: __________________________
Student’s name: ________________________________________________________________
Project: _______________________________________________________________________
Please verify this student’s efforts on his/her Senior Project. Since most of the time spent on the
project phase of the assignment has been out of class, verification of the student’s efforts is
necessary. You are not required to spend 20 hours with your student, but we do ask that you
verify that she or he spent at least 20 hours outside of the classroom working on the project.
1. Can you verify that he/she spent at least 20 hours creating this project?
___Yes ___No
Comments:
2. Have you seen this project at different stages of completion, not just the final phase?
___Yes ___No
Comments:
3. What specific problems did this student encounter and overcome?
4. What successes have you seen this student achieve?
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5. Do you have any suggestions for next year’s seniors?
Senior Project Portfolio Requirements
1. 1 ½ inch three-ring binder with clear pocket on the front
2. Notebook dividers
Labels: Commitment Forms
Research Paper
Product
Miscellaneous (extra pictures, handouts, brochures, website information, etc.)
3. Sheet protectors
4. You will need a cover for the front of your binder, which can be colorful and creative.
Include your name, project topic, English teacher, hour, and date. Insert the cover page
in the clear pocket. Put pictures and/or clip art that relate to your project.
5. You will need a title page before the following tabs and information. This needs to be
size 12 font. Include your name, project topic, English teacher, hour and date.
6. The following COMPLETED AND GRADED items must be in its assigned divider of
your portfolio. Put each item in the order listed below. Each items needs to be in a sheet
protector.
7. Order of information:
Commitment Forms
Challenge Commitment
Parent Consent Form
Student Mentor Agreement Title Page Example:
Letter of Intent
Mentor Verification
Research Paper
Topic
Padma Flour
Outline/note cards
First draft Wedding Cakes
(including works cited)
Revision
Final draft
(including works cited)
Product
Brainstorming Rubric
Creating the Product Form Mrs. Stewart
Cost Analysis submitted 3rd Hour
Resources identified
Student Logs February 28, 2009
Personal Learning Journals
Product completed (Visual)
with product description essay
(Rubric and Essay)
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Senior Portfolio Rubric
Points for Assignment in
Assignment Portfolio
Binder Requirements
Tab Dividers—3 sections 5 points
1 ½ inch binder 5 points
Creative Cover 5 points
Title page with proper format/information 5 points
Commitment Forms
Challenge Commitment 2.5 points
Parent Consent Form 2.5 points
Student/Mentor Agreement 2.5 points
Letter of Intent 2.5 points
Mentor Verification 15 points
Research Paper
Topic 2.5 points
Outline/note cards 2.5 points
First draft (including works cited) 2.5 points
Revision 2.5 points
Final Draft (including works cited) 2.5 points
Product
Brainstorming Rubric 2.5 points
Creating the Product 2.5 points
Cost Analysis submitted 5 points
Resources identified 5 points
Student Logs—20 hours 2.5 points
Personal Learning Journal (September, October, November, 12.5 points
December, January)
Product completed (Visual) with product description essay 2.5 points
(Rubric and Essay)
Total Points / 90
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Research Paper Agenda
Phase I: Research Paper Explanation and Thesis Topic
You will write a one-paragraph general explanation of your term paper topic including
any details you already know about your topic and questions you are forming about your
topic. Remember that you will be exploring, investigating, discovering, and deciding
something about the topic you have chosen. In this explanation, you will begin to narrow
your research idea into one thesis statement.
The thesis statement is the sentence that tells the whole focus of the paper or what you
are proving by investigating the topic. A thesis statement should state the opinion or
position which you will be supporting throughout your paper. Be sure you have a clear
thesis statement and be sure to include it in your introductory paragraph. This is worth
25 points.
Phase II: Library Research
The class will spend one day in the library, allowing you class time to get research done.
This date will be announced later. You must also spend time out of school doing
research. You will need the following materials:
4” X 6” note cards
One gallon size Ziploc bag (to hold all of the materials, note cards, etc.)
Paper, pens, rubber bands, paper clips
Money for copies
A minimum 2GB jump or flash drive*
Library time will allow you to complete these three research components: bibliography
cards, note cards, and outlines. Grades for each component are as follows:
8 sources documented with bibliography cards
Preliminary outline
50+ note cards (reflecting all primary and secondary research)
Bibliography cards—a list of resources you are using in your term paper.
Bibliographical information must be correctly written on 4” X 6” index cards. Your ten
bibliography cards should contain a variety of sources: books, CD-ROMs, articles, and
some internet. You must cite at least seven sources in your paper. See attached handout
for MLA citations.
*It is important that you keep a copy of rough drafts, notes, and a final draft of your term
paper on a jump or flash drive saved in Microsoft Word.
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Preliminary Outline—a written or working outline to guide your note taking. This
outline will probably change as you research your topic. Below is what the final format
might resemble:
(This is a topic outline. If you have an “A,” you must have
a “B.” If you have a “1,” you must have a “2,” etc.)
Name
Teacher’s Name
Course Name
Date
I. Introduction. Thesis: (This should be one complete statement)
A. Sub-point #1 (Use upper-case letters for sub-points. You may not use
an “A” without a “B.”)
B. Sub-point #2
1. Sub-sub-point #1 (Use Arabic numbers for sub-sub-
points)
2. Sub-sub-point #2
a. Sub-sub-sub point #1 (Use lower-case letters for
sub-sub-sub-points)
b. Sub-sub-sub point #2
II. Supporting point #1
III. Supporting point #2
IV. Supporting point #3
V. Thesis restatement and conclusion
*Note this sheet should precede your final paper and should be typed in the same font
with your name and page number in the upper right corner.
Note Cards—cards containing information you gather for your term paper. Take your
notes on 4” X 6” index cards. You must use both direct and indirect quotes. Remember
to use quotation marks for all direct quotes. You may summarize in your own words as
you go. Format for note cards:
Author’s last name/book and page # Topic from outline
(notes and quotes here)
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When should you start working on a new note card?
When you go to a new page in the book you are using
When you go to a new book to take notes
When you go to a new topic in your outline
When you have completely filled the card and wish to continue taking notes from
the same book, same page, and same outline topic. Put the same heading on the
index card, and add “continued” next to the outline topic.
Remember that your research paper must be written in your own words with only a few
quotes.
Final Outline—revised preliminary outline. Use the same format shown above.
Phase III: Writing the Paper
Rough Draft—After completing your 50+ note cards, place them in order according to
your final outline. Number the cards from 1 to 50. Begin the rough draft by writing the
introduction with the thesis statement as the last sentence of that paragraph. Thoroughly
write the body of each supporting point incorporating your notes into it. Use transitions
to connect ideas to lead in to different supporting points. Information that you
paraphrased and quoted directly must be cited in your paper. This means that you must
state in parentheses where you got your information. Use the author’s last name and the
page number. If there is no author, or one author wrote more than one of the books you
are using, write the title of the book and the page number. MLA allows abbreviations for
long titles.
Example: Here is a sentence you paraphrased (Smith 64).
Example: “I am copying from a book here” is another way to use a source (Jones
86).
Remember to use eight or more citations in your paper. Try to combine ideas, though, so
you don’t have too many. When you have completed your supporting points, write the
conclusion of the paper, beginning the paragraph with a restated version of your thesis
statement. Total length of the paper should be 7-15 pages.
Works Cited—Following the text of the paper, you will include a page called “Works
Cited.” You must cite at least five different sources. Just list them in alphabetical order
in the same format as the bibliography cards.
Final Format—Place the paper in this order:
Title Page (if required)
Final Outline
Body
Works Cited
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Title Page—Come down 2 ½ inches from the top of the page and type the title and your
name:
Title of the Paper
By
Your Name
In the center of the title page, type:
Teacher
English IV
Date
Note: check with your teacher for a writing rubric.
First page of the paper—This page should have your name, English IV, your teacher’s
name, and the date in the upper left-hand corner.
Title—The title of your paper should be centered and underlined followed by double
spaces.
Sample of first page of the paper with the title:
1 inch
Mary Smith
Mr. Jones
English IV
January 12, 2009
The Art of Quilt Making
Numbering Pages—Never number the first page of the body of the paper. Begin
numbering on page 2 with your last name and page number in the top right corner, 1 inch
from the top of the page.
1 inch
Smith 2
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Senior Project Writing Style Sheet
All Senior Project research papers must conform to the following guidelines. This is the style currently
modeled in the latest edition of the MLA Handbook.
Body of seven to fifteen pages typed (total does not include cover sheet, outline, works cited, or
bibliography)
No use of boldface print, using black ink only
Provide a title page as shown on the previous pages
Outline of the paper using correct format as shown on previous pages (goes after the title page and
before the body of the paper)
Standard white computer paper
Standard first-page heading (see example on previous pages)
Courier or Times New Roman, font size 12 point
Double-spaced (like this list)
One-inch margins (like this page)
No decorative graphics (except supportive graphs, tables, or illustrations)
Original title on cover sheet (if required) and at the top left of page 1 of the body
Use a paper clip on final draft (some teachers may prefer stapled; if stapled, staple in upper left-
corner)
One-sided only
Unbound and unpackaged (no plastic sheet protectors, please)
Pages numbered in upper right-hand corner (your last name and page number only)
No unexplained gaps or spaces
Seven to ten MLA style in-text source documentations using direct quotes and paraphrases.
o Example of a direct quote: The idea that cake decorating is complicated is “…seldom
true” (Brown 127).
o Example of a paraphrase: Research shows that interest in cake decorating has increased
recently because of the popularity of television shows showcasing cakes (Brown 128).
Appropriate “Works Cited” page and, if necessary, a “Bibliography” page.
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Name: ________________________________________________________ Hour: ___________________
Senior Project—Research Paper
Rating Scale: 1=poor 2=weak 3-average 4=good 5=excellent
1 2 3 4 5
Content
1. The paper develops a clear, central idea with originality
and depth of thought.
2. The organization is sound. Each paragraph has a clearly
evident idea which is well-supported.
3. Sentences are clearly constructed and show variety in
length and pattern.
4. Words are precise and accurate and convey consistent,
appropriate tone.
Subtotal X 3 =
Style
5. Each paragraph focuses on and elaborates upon a single
point.
6. Relationships between ideas are clearly shown with
transitions.
Subtotal X 3 =
Usage and Mechanics
7. Quotations used as evidence are punctuated correctly or
set off and indented correctly.
8. Errors in spelling are avoided.
9. Errors in punctuation and capitalization are avoided.
10. Length is sufficient and at least 7 typed pages.
Subtotal X 2 =
Works Cited and Parenthetical Citations
11. Works Cited page is proper format with five sources.
12. Eight parenthetical citations are documented in the paper.
13. Citations are documented correctly.
Subtotal X 2 =
Compliance
14. Title page contains correct information.
15. All components of paper are typed.
16. Proper, typed headings are on each page.
17. Correct font size, spacing, etc., are used.
Subtotal X 1 =
1st or 2nd person pronouns and/or contractions (-1 point each)
Total Score / 200
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NOTES
38
NOTES
39
