Graduation Projects

Oxford Area High School

Oxford, PA

Pennsylvania Requirements

"Requirements shall include course completion and grades, completion of a culminating project, and results of local assessments aligned with the academic standards. The purpose of the culminating project is to assure that students are able to apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding."

- State Board of Education, Chapter 4 (1999)

What does NOT count?

Any item done for course credit

Any work done for an employer

Vacations to sites with little or no educational value Court ordered assignments

Getting Started

What qualifies?

Types of Projects

Picking a ProjectSelect something that interests you! Many times, something you already do in your personal life can be

incorporated in your project

Brainstorm at least 2-3 ideasDetermine which type of project it is:

Research/Scientific ResearchServiceNational History Day competitionCultural/Career/Historical ExperienceDemonstration/Exhibition/PerformanceEagle Scout/Gold AwardUpward Bound

Research Projects

Select a topic to research

Conduct researchKeep track of all sources of information

Write a formal research paperMinimum of 10 pages required

Submit paper by deadline

Scientific Research

Select a scientific topic to research

Set up necessary experiments to prove or disprove your thesis

Enter your project in science fair

Write a formal scientific research paper

Submit research paper by deadline

Service ProjectBrainstorm community agencies that you have an interest in helping

Working with children, animals Coaching a sports team Volunteer at local hospitals or non-profit organizations

Contact the director or department in charge of volunteersPerform 35 hours of service – keep track!Keep a journal, take photosRequest a letter from director to verify that 35 hours of volunteer time has been completed.Submit reflection paper by deadline

Cultural, Career, or Historical Experience

Cultural Experience Travel abroad Hosting an exchange student

Career Experience (Job Shadowing) Choose a career that you are interested in 35 hours of on-site time w/log of hours No pay Complete paper w/visualHistorical Experience Participate in re-enactments Visit a location with educational value from a historical perspective

Submit a reflection paper by deadline Include historical information about sites visited

Demonstration-PerformanceProject

This project involves learning a new skill

Document the process in your journal What did you already know before you began? What NEW skill was accomplished?

Rehearse, practice, work towards your goal

Plan to demonstrate or perform for the evaluation panel

Submit a reflection paper before deadline

Exhibition ProjectThis project involves something that you created, built, raised, or updated Artwork or photo exhibit Work on a car or tractor Care for an animal to enter into competition

Document the process in your journal Take photos before, during & after Save receipts for materials purchased for your

scrapbook/journal

Bring your item(s) to your presentation Bring photos if this is not possible

Submit reflection paper before deadline

National History Day

The National History Day competition is a newly added option for a graduation project. Currently, Mrs. Manniso works with students interested in accepting this challenge. Students who successfully complete this project and present at the regional, state, or national level will not need to present at OAHS.

Eagle Scout/Gold Award

Perfect! See Mr. Canaday – Eagle Scout and Gold Award

Upward Bound

http://www.lincoln.edu/upwardbound/

Project Components

What is required?

What must be turned in?

Parts of a Project

Regardless of the category, each graduation project has four parts:

Research/InformationDocumentation/VisualTyped Paper (reflective, research)Presentation for Evaluation Panel

Examples of Research Process and Information

Research/Scientific Research Project Sources used in library or online Interviews

Service Project Finding an agency Training to learn how to do volunteer tasks

Demonstration/Performance Project Lessons, videos, or manuals used to learning how to do the

new skill

Exhibition Project - reference information What type of car part is needed for this model? What type of art supply is most appropriate?

Examples of Documentation

Photos before, during, and after to demonstrate progress of projectEdited video footage that shows work being doneTime sheets or verification letter for community service hours completedJournal documenting the processCertificates for completion of training

Graduation Project Paper

Paper RequirementsTyped, double-spaced, one inch marginsStandard size font (no larger than 12)

Submit paper/log of hours w/signature for evaluation by deadline.Hard Copy (2) – must be submitted for

evaluation panel to read in advance

PresentationDress/ProfessionalismBe PreparedYou must present individuallyYour explanation of the project Why did you select this topic? What did you learn through the process? Problems along the way? Use your visual aid presentation Do not plan to read your paper to the panel 7-10 minutes in length

Discussion with the evaluation panel Be prepared to answer questions about your topic or

presentation

Paperwork

The Necessary Evil

Official Paperwork Required

Proposal/Sponsor Form/Log of HoursGrade 10-11

Scheduling FormGrade 12Graduation Project Committeewill take care of scheduling. Presentation takes precedenceover most activities.

Proposal/Sponsor Form

Submit as soon as you’ve selected topicClass of 2010 – Now!!Class of 2011 – Now!!

Committee will use these forms to evaluate your topic and to ensure that it is appropriate and meets all requirements http://www.oxford.k12.pa.us

Scheduling Form

You will need to include the following information, if applicable:Scheduling conflicts Equipment needed – VCR, computerSpecific location needed – outdoors,

auditorium

Can I present my junior year?

If time slots are available, you may present.

Being Evaluated

Evaluation Scale

What if…?

Evaluation Rubrics

Please check the high school web page under guidance for a complete list of all rubrics.

You will be evaluated on all aspects of your project: Research/Information Documentation Paper Presentation

Scale Used for Evaluation

4 = Advanced Exceeded requirements

3 = ProficientFulfilled requirements

2 = Basic Poor work, or did not satisfy all requirements

1 = Below Basic Incomplete or non-existent

What if I don’t pass?

Students will need to meet with an administrator to review the deficient areas.

If you do not complete all requirements for the project, you will not receive your diploma.

What if I’m not ready?What if I don’t show up?

All seniors will be scheduled for a presentation time in November of senior yr.If you are not entirely completed with your project, you SHOULD still present or see Mr. Canaday! You should explain the purpose of your project,

and its status so far. You may also discuss difficulties you’re having – we might have some suggestions to help you!

“No-Show’s” will have several additional items added onto the requirements for their project to be completed.

Keys to Success

Select a quality topic If your topic is unclear or not on target, it will be difficult to

make everything else fall into place to meet requirements Select something that interests you – so it becomes more

enjoyable to do the project

Get organized – NOW! Documentation, Research, Photos, Journal – they matter!

Don’t procrastinate! Don’t try to “wing it” – it will show! Recommendation: You’ll spend less time in the long run

doing a good job the first time, than if you have to re-do items that don’t meet requirements.

Still have questions?

Contact:Mr. CanadayEmail: jcanaday@oxford.k12.pa.usPhone: (610)932-6640

Graduation Project Committee MembersMr. Carlough Mrs. Greer Mrs. Witman

Mrs. Caudell Ms. Webber. Mrs. Manniso