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Department Lead: Ms. Sandi Batson
Room: P7
Phone: 310-378-8471 Ext. 244
Email: batsons
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Program Description
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This year each of you will do a Senior Project in your English 4 class. The first part of your senior project will be completed during the first semester when you will write a research paper. Part two of your senior project will be completed during the second semester with your physical project and Senior Board. You will select your own area of study and have the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and maturity you have gained during your high school career. |
| The Senior Project is a three-faceted production. The first facet involves researching and writing a documented research paper on some aspect of your overall topic. The sources will be a combination of primary and secondary sources. Your English teachers will go into more detail about the research paper format and its requirements. |
| The second facet of the project allows you to apply the information you have gained in research to a physical project. This facet of the Senior Project may take on various forms. One option is to volunteer through a community organization. If, for example, you write a research paper on Alzheimer’s disease, you might volunteer at a retirement home for Alzheimer’s patients. Another possible project form is to create a manufactured product. A student interested in woodworking might write a research paper on Shaker furniture design and then, for the physical project, build a chair in that style. Other physical projects may include learning a new skill such as playing an instrument. Whichever project you choose, a minimum of 15 hours, verified by an adult who is familiar with your topic, must be completed. Choosing a mentor is an integral part of the second facet of the senior project. Your mentor cannot be in your immediate family. |
| The third facet requires you to give a seven to ten minute speech, followed by a five minute question period in which you will answer questions about your project, research, and self-learning. You will speak to a board made up of teachers, members of the community and PVHS parents. This will be your opportunity to really show off your project and knowledge to your own community. |
| Each component of the project-the research paper, the project, and the presentation-will be weighed into your English grade. The research paper will be weighed into your first semester grade while the project and presentation will be weighed into your second semester grade. |
| You will receive a calendar, which reminds you of deadlines and important dates. In addition to the three facets of the Senior Project, you will also receive class grades for meeting all deadlines and completing the other various components of the project i.e. note cards, outline, letter of intent, poster. |
| Although you might feel overwhelmed by the project requirements at this time, be assured that if you meet all of the deadlines, give it your best, challenge yourself and take a risk, you will not only graduate, but you will feel like you really accomplished something important during your senior year. |
