“The benefits of the accomplished journey cannot be weighed in terms of perfect moments, but in terms of how this journey affects and changes character.

--Ella Maillart

Holliston High School Senior Project Description

WHAT IS A SENIOR PROJECT?

A senior project is intended to provide students with an opportunity to explore and experience interdisciplinary topics of their choice that extend beyond the high school classroom. They require innovative and creative thought, and allow the student to gain knowledge in a particular area that excites them. The senior project should reflect a significant “learning stretch”. That is, the student should show understanding/knowledge in something new, or take a current skill to a higher level. Students will select a mentor and devise and implement a project plan. The plan can draw upon past knowledge from varied courses of study, and promotes researching, hypothesizing, and developing solutions to the described problem. The Senior Project is a chance to broaden your horizons and should be a rewarding experience.

GETTING STARTED—STEP ONEAgreement Form

As you begin thinking of a topic for your senior project, you must also select a mentor to assist you in the process. Students must secure a mentor from within Holliston High School (faculty or administration). You may also choose to have a second Mentor from outside the school, (an appropriate professional such as librarian, scientist, artist, for example) Students should submit the Agreement Form to set the Senior Project in motion. (See Attachment A)

Once you have selected your topic and your mentor(s), you will need to meet the following four objectives to successfully complete your senior project. The 4 objectives are the Proposal, Portfolio, Paper, and Presentation.

1. Proposal-- The proposal explains your project in greater detail. It draws on your prior knowledge of the topic and illustrates the intent of the project. It presents hypotheses about the topic and a detailed plan of how you intend to address the topic and what you expect to get out of the experience. (See Attachment B: Part 1 and Part 2)

2. Portfolio-- An important part of your Senior Independent Project is to maintain a Project Portfolio. It will be the item in which you document your research and note the progress you are making. It will also aid the evaluators in understanding what you've accomplished throughout this extensive and time- consuming process. (See Attachment C)

3. Paper—The paper will allow you to analyze and evaluate your learning experience. You will be asked to take the information you have compiled and reflect upon your research, process, and experiences in a reflection paper. Please explain how your original project hypothesis developed and evolved. You should also discuss how the Senior Project process reflects the goals found in the Holliston High School Mission Statement. (See Attachment D)

4. Presentation-- The presentation is the culmination of your project where you will present your project

findings to a panel of administrators and faculty/staff. You may choose to conduct a demonstration, reading, show a video, create a power point, perform a dance, exhibit and explain a work of art or exhibit a work of your choice. The presentation should highlight your curiosity analytical ability, and creativity as you worked to discover and explore your original hypothesis. (See Attachment E)

ALL PROPOSALS ARE DUE ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE START OF THE NEW TERM

ATTAC HM EN T A Agreement Form

Student’s Name: Phone:

Email: Date:

Term Senior Project Intended: Dates of Term:

Holliston High School Mentor:

Phone: Email:

Area of Expertise:

Outside of School Mentor:

Phone: Email:

Area of Expertise:

The Senior Project is an independent learning experience where Mentors support and guide students in the design, process and completion of the senior project.

S TUDEN T A G REE S T O :

1. Meet or conference with the Mentor(s) once per week throughout the course of the term.2. Meet with a member of the Senior Project Committee once a month during the term.3. Notify the mentors of any concerns or deviations from the project plan.4. Demonstrate integrity, respect for independent learning and personal responsibility.5. Complete all aspects of the Senior Project within the given term.

M ENT O R ( S) AGREE S T O :

1. Meet or conference with student once per week throughout the course of the term.2. Meet or conference with a member of the Senior Project Committee at the start of the project.3. Notify the Senior Project Committee member of deviation or nonconformity to project plan.4. Provide guidance and direction for project process but allow student to develop critical thinking,

Decision-making and independent learning skills.

Student Signature: _ Date:

Inside Mentor Signature: Date:

Outside Mentor Signature: Date:

SP Committee Member Signature: Date:

Parent Signature: Date:

ATTAC HM EN T B : P a r t 1 Proposal Guidelines/Sample Proposal

The purpose of your proposal will be to explain your project in greater detail. The following outline will guide the development of your proposal.

I. Intent

a. Why is this an interesting and exciting topic for you?b. How does this project push you beyond your comfortable limits?

II. Prior Knowledgea. What knowledge, experience, or insight do you bring to this topic?

III. Methods of Inquiry

a. Who is your content expert?b. What ways of gaining knowledge are appropriate for your topic? (museum/site visits, internet research)

1. Will you interview? Whom?2. What will you read?3. Will you create? (build, write, compose, design, etc.)4. Will you observe? Who or what?5. Will you make contacts on the Internet? With whom, or with what organization?6. What resources will you use? (scientific equipment, dark room, technology?)7. Will you conduct surveys?8. Will you visit sites, observe mentors at workplace?9. Are there any other ways of gaining knowledge that are appropriate to your topic that we haven't

thought of?

IV. Final Presentationa. What ideas do you have for your final presentation?b. Why did you choose your mentor?c. How do you plan to honor this relationship?

Your proposal submission should be substantial enough to answer the questions listed above thoroughly. The expectation is that this proposal will be clear and detailed, and will be organized as befits your status as a high school senior. This written proposal will serve as the basis for your project proposal presentation.

ATTAC HM EN T B : P a r t 1 (continued) Proposal Sample

To: Senior Project Committee

From: StudentDear Student Project Committee:

I have always had a passion for laboratory science, and discovering knowledge for myself. In the eighth grade, I had a science teacher who believed that the only way to learn was to learn by experience. He refused to give us any answers. Rather, he forced us to discover the answers through questioning and experimentation. Thisclass fostered my love for science and for the pursuit of knowledge through real-life research. In addition, I am fascinated by the workings of the brain; how this one organ can elicit all physical and mental functions, how itcauses us to behave, interact with others, and to age. In introductory high school biology classes, we do not have the opportunity to learn a great deal about this topic, and although we do perform labs, they are less focused on discovering new information, than demonstrating hands-on experience with familiar topics. Withthis project, I plan to learn about the brain in a manner that is both hands-on and engaging, in which I will discover the answers through experiment, rather than through the reading of textbooks.

This past summer, I interned with my cousin, who is a neurologist specializing in the development and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. I received first-hand experience, witnessing patients who suffered from neurological disorders. The process fascinated me, but unfortunately, I was not able to gain a full understanding of the mechanics of these diseases. Although I saw their effects, the causes were not clear. In completing this project, I hope to gain a more holistic understanding of memory and the aging process.

Dr. Moore of Boston University School of Medicine has assigned me a project that addresses these questions. I will be looking at autoradiograms of brain tissue of Rhesus monkeys. I will be collecting the density measurements of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, in the brains of young and aged monkeys. Then, using statistical measurements, I will compare the two groups, and study any changes that have occurred. Following the research, I will complete a full laboratory report detailing the experiment and results. I anticipate completing additional research to gain a full understanding of the subject matter.

Through this experience, I will gain exposure to medical research, which I am interested in pursuing in college. The challenge of discovering knowledge for myself, and by myself is a very exciting opportunity, and I look for ward to working with adults who are so knowledgeable in these fields. To culminate my research, I plan to present my findings to the committee in either a power-point presentation, or exhibition, depending on the course that the research takes.

Thank you for considering my proposal for this project. I am excited to conduct this research and develop a deeper understanding of medical research and the brain.

Sincerely,

Student’s Name

ATTACHMENT B: PART 2Student/Mentor Senior Project Outline

Student Name: Mentor Name: Working with your mentor, please complete the following:

Student Project ObjectiveConcisely state your project intentions within the space provided:

Action StepsList the steps that you will take to complete your project in the order of succession and a timeline that you will follow. Refer to the “Methods of Inquiry’ on Attachment B, Part 1, to complete this section. Your project willbe evaluated and graded in accordance with completion of the Steps outlined. You should be spending 6.5 hours per week at a minimum (class time) on your project with a total of 65 hours to be spent developing and completing the Senior Project.

Example:Step 1: Interview and film 5 women of different nationalities Timeline: Week 1-5Step 2: Research stereotypes, culture and history of each country Timeline: Week 1-6Step 3: Edit, narrate and produce film Timeline: Week 6-10

Complete as many Steps as necessary, with a minimum of three (3) Steps to illustrate your project and the timeline that you will follow. Please account for all weeks of the term.

Step 1: Timeline: Step 2: Timeline: Step 3: Timeline: Step 4: Timeline:

(Journaling, documenting learning and action steps listed are concurrent throughout term)

Senior Project Final ResultConcisely state your final product within space provided:

Presentation needs: technological computer screen microphone other

Your presentation will take place the last week of the term. You will receive this form back with the date and time shortly. Place this completed form into your Senior Project Portfolio.

Student Signature: Date: Mentor Signature: Date: SP Committee Member Signature: Proposal Approval Date: Presentation Date: Time: Room:

ATTAC HM EN T C Portfolio Content Requirements

An important part of your Senior Project is the development of your Portfolio. The portfolio will be used to document and show your learning. You will use your portfolio to document your research and note the progress you are making. It will also aid the evaluators in understanding what you've accomplished throughout this extensive and time-consuming process. Listed below are the 4 sections of your portfolio and what should be found in each.

Section 1: Documentation

1. Signed Agreement Form2. Signed & Approved Proposal

Section 2: Project Journal/Evidence of Research and Investigation

1. Notes on reading2. Annotated/highlighted articles3. Audio/video tapes or notes of interviews4. Photographs or sketches5. Surveys and analysis of those surveys6. Annotated bibliography7. Other research materials (ex. Labs)

Section 3: Personal Journal

As you begin your senior project, you are asked to record what you know, assume or imagine about your topic. The personalized tracking of your own involvement in this experience should encourage not only your active learning, but also your active reflection on the process. Assess what you have learned in the process of searching and comment on the value of your discoveries.

Journal entries should include writing on any of the following:

1. What did 1 learn today?2. What confused me?3. What questions do I have now?4. How will I use this new information?5. How will this information help me reach my goals?6. What do I need help with now? Who can help?7. What problems need solving?8. What questions do I have for my mentor?9. What quality of work am I doing?10. Am I on target for completion of my project?

Section 4: Reflection Paper

1.Place a copy of your reflection paper in your portfolio.(See Attachment D)

ATTAC HM EN T D Reflection Paper Guidelines

The senior project has required that you reflect on your research, your process and your experiences since you began the project. The real value in your project is your ability to complete this reflection honestly. We are asking you to consider and assess the integrity of your process. This final thoughtful piece of writing is perhaps the most important aspect of your project. We offer you the following guidelines on this journey of introspection.

• How have you sought clarity and accuracy in your research?• What standards have you generated and maintained during this process?• What have you discovered about your ability to plan?• How have you learned to use resources?• How have you learned to solve problems?• How do you intend to use the knowledge and skills you have gained?• What have you discovered about your own thinking?• What new ways have you discovered to view yourself?• What have you learned to value about yourself in this process?•Has your original hypothesis been proven or not?•How has your project influenced your future career choice if at all?

ATTAC HM EN T E Final Presentation Guidelines

Your Senior Project Presentation should be a fun and memorable event during your senior year. Your audience will be small and supportive and you should be well prepared. This is your chance to show off your hard work.

The entire presentation, including demonstration, readings, and visual aids should last no longer than 15-20 minutes. It will be followed by a short question and answer period.

Guidelines for Organizing your Presentation:

1. Plan an opening that will:

a. Introduce yourselfb. Explain your motivation for choosing your topic c. State your essential question/questionsd. Share the development, process and results of your original hypothesis

2. Plan the development of your presentation to last no more than 15-20 minutes. You should show what you've learned from your active research and from the process of completing your final project. Clear evidence of the knowledge you have created is needed. Some ways of showing what you've learned include:

Demonstrations, Readings, Displays/Posters/Exhibits, Power Point Presentations, Photographs, Interviews on tape, Videos, Dance

3. Plan a Conclusion that will:

a. Reflect on your personal growthb. Leave the audience with something to think about