North Penn High School
Graduation Project
Student Manual
This manual provides step-by-step instructions for students to complete the
North Penn High School Graduation Project.
Click on the links below to navigate the manual. Forms have been included (Adobe
PDF files, you must have Acrobat Reader to view and print), and they must be
printed and filled out neatly, in ink, according to the instructions provided. Any
forms that are filled out in an illegible manner or improperly will be returned to
the student to be filled out again.
Section I: Project Overview
What is a Graduation Project?......................................................................................3
Graduation Project Requirements…………………………………………………….3
Graduation Project Guidelines………………………………………………………..4
Project Suggestions…………………………………………………………………...6
Section II: Selecting a Topic
What key questions will assist me in selecting a topic?..……………………..……. 15
Brainstorming Topic Ideas……………………………………………………....…. 15
Narrowing Your Topic…………………………………………………………..…..17
Section III: The Graduation Project Contract
What is the Graduation Project Contract?...……………………………………….19
Graduation Project Approval....................................................................................19
Graduation Project Contract......................................................................................20
Section IV: Project Preparation
Project Preparation/Expectations..............................................................................22
Written Component Guidelines/Requirements/Format Options...............................23
Student Log Description and Form…………………................................................23
Source Summary Form..............................................................................................25
Section V: Presentation Preparation
Presentation Preparation/Expectations......................................................................26
Oral Component Guidelines......................................................................................26
Self-Evaluation Form………………………………………………………………28
Submitting to www.turnitin.com …………………………………………………..29
Graduation Project Evaluations..……………………………………………………31
Graduation Project Portfolio Cover Page & Check list.............................................32
Section I: Project Overview
What is a Graduation Project?
Graduation Project Requirements
Graduation Project Guidelines
Project Suggestions
What is a Graduation Project?
As one requirement for graduation from North Penn High School, every student must
complete a project as identified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Chapter 4
Curriculum Regulations and the North Penn School District strategic plan:
CHAPTER 4
Academic Standards and Assessment Regulations of the State Board of Education of
Pennsylvania
The student must complete a project that demonstrates the ability to
.
• acquire knowledge and skills,
.
• process information,
.
• work independently or collaboratively,
.
• adapt to change,
.
• show integrity, and think critically.
The purpose of the project, which may include research, writing, or some other form
of appropriate demonstration, is to ASSURE that the student is able to APPLY,
ANALYZE, SYNTHESIZE and EVALUATE information and COMMUNICATE
significant knowledge and understanding.
A graduation project is defined as a self-selected activity chosen by a single student, or
a group of students, which reflects in-depth learning. The original project may express
the personal interests of the students.
Graduation Project Requirements
At North Penn High School the components of the Graduation Project will include:
• a project contract
• a visual aide
• a written component
• an oral component
• an evaluation
Graduation Project Requirements (Descriptions)
All North Penn students are required to pass the Graduation Project to graduate. This
requirement is a state mandate for all students in Pennsylvania. The Graduation Project
reflects in-depth learning on a self-selected topic.
Students have two options to fulfill this graduation requirement. Students will designate
their choice of option on the course selection card.
Option A
Students selecting this option will complete their project as an independent study project
following the current guidelines. Students who have already begun their project should
select this option. Forms and a Student Manual are available on www.npenn.org through
the link to North Penn High School. Students may also pick up copies of the Graduation
Project Portfolio in the Graduation Project Coordinator’s Office, A6, during their lunch
periods. The Graduation Project Coordinator approves and oversees all independent
projects. Students submit all completed portfolio requirements to the Graduation Project
Coordinator.
Option B
Students selecting this option will complete the Graduation Project within the designated
courses in the Program of Studies booklet. Look for the graduation cap symbol next to a
course’s name to determine that it offers a project that can be used for Graduation Project
credit. Once the student is enrolled in the course, the instructor will offer him an
opportunity to sign up to receive Graduation Project credit for the project. This sign up
period occurs in the first five weeks of the class. All sign ups are then submitted to the
Graduation Project Coordinator, who oversees the courses that offer Graduation Project
credit. For a student to receive Graduation Project credit, he must pass the project with a
70% or better, as well as pass the course. Graduation Project credit will be revoked if the
student fails the course in which he was signed up to complete the project. Students
enrolled in a course that offers Graduation Project credit do not fill out a Graduation
Project Portfolio. The instructor of that course will provide the appropriate
documentation, including a Graduation Project Evaluation Rubric, to the Graduation
Project Coordinator in a timely manner.
Graduation Project Contract
The Graduation Project contract will be submitted as a proposal which describes goals,
procedures, and final product of the Graduation Project. Once signed by the student,
parent(s) or guardian, and Graduation Project Coordinator, the contract will be
approved, and the student will continue work on the project.
Graduation Project Preparation
Graduation Project preparation involves the identification of resources and the gathering
of information to be presented. Depending on the nature of the project, students may
interview, complete scientific investigation, perform community service learning, or
research related topics. Students will maintain a log of resources used and activities.
This required preparation represents the on-going progress of the project.
Written Component
The written component, may be completed in a variety of forms, with the approval of the
Graduation Project Coordinator. Students will select the form most appropriate for their
specific project. If formal research is presented, the MLA standards for citation and
documentation must be followed. The written component may be
• a research paper
• a student journal
• a creative writing
• an essay or other expository writing
• a narrative report
• a reflection paper
Oral or Performance Component
After a student has submitted a complete Graduation Project Portfolio to the Graduation
Project Coordinator, he/she will be scheduled to present the project to an evaluation team.
The dates of presentation are listed on the Graduation Project Portfolio Cover Page and
Checklist. On that date, students will demonstrate their work and product. They will
deliver an organized presentation, performance, or demonstration to the evaluators using
visual material to enhance the presentation. Students will answer questions posed by
evaluators.
Evaluation
Evaluation of the Graduation Project will be based on the Evaluation Rubric. Students
must achieve the rating of “Satisfactory” in all components to pass the graduation project.
A rating of “Satisfactory” indicates a C or better. Students will submit a student log, a
written component, a source summary, and a self-evaluation. An evaluation team
consisting of NPHS teachers will observe the presentation and assess each of the project
components. Students who receive “Unsatisfactory” in any area will be obligated to
repeat that specific component of the project.
*Upon completion of the Graduation Project, a letter is sent home indicating pass/fail. A
passing grade designates completion of the Graduation Project and will be recorded on
the student’s transcript.
Graduation Project Guidelines
Graduation Projects may fall into one or more of the following content areas:
• mathematics
• science and technology
• environment and ecology
• social studies
• arts and humanities
• career education and work
• health, safety and physical education
• family and consumer sciences
• world languages
Graduation Projects are characterized by and evaluated on:
.
• creativity
• intra / interpersonal communication
• organization
• originality
• integration of several disciplines
Graduation Projects may take one or more of the following forms:
• extension of a previous high school project with oral component
• service learning
• visual presentation
• works of art
• performance
• demonstration
• experiential
• scientific experimentation
Project Suggestions
These are some of the possibilities for graduation project topics; this list is in no way allinclusive.
School Improvement Projects
•Write computer program for administration
•Design and publish a newsletter or brochure for local company using desktop
publishing
•Develop a pamphlet describing research on careers or colleges
•Organize a career day
•Design Business Education Department of the future
•Create district pamphlet
•Cater a school event
•Produce a video about physical fitness and health issues
•Work with elementary and middle school classes to reinforce wellness
•Create aesthetic projects, murals, landscaping
•Design a playground
•Design and create a program for graduation or reflections service
Internship Projects
•Internship with business firm at entry level or higher position
•Internship with elementary teacher/subject area teacher
•Internship in health related career
•Internship with government or private industry
•Internship with newspaper or publishing entity
•Internship with designing firm/local theater/art association
•Internship at day care center
•Apprentice with seamstress or tailor or any other field of interest
•Participate in career shadowing
•Participate in summer career camps
Community Projects
•Coordinate a service project for philanthropic organization
•Perform service project with community organization
•Create advertisement brochures for foreign speaker in area
•Volunteer at homeless shelter
•Participate in health related fund raisers
•Volunteer at senior center facility to promote fitness
•Organize wellness program for district employees
•Volunteer at hospital/nursing home (Candy Striper)
•Generate an environmental improvement project
•Examine community needs and implement an improvement project
•Design golf course or miniature golf course
•Renovate house
Entrepreneur Projects
•Design an expanded student store
•Form a company and design, develop, and produce a product
•Organize a fund-raiser
•Establish a catering business
•Establish a coffee shop
Art/Visual Communications Projects
•Create and exhibit a one man/woman show
•Organize community art shows
•Write art reviews for the local newspapers
•Design an advertising campaign
•Illustrate a children’s book
•Design a program to provide art enrichment to senior citizens or special needs
children or any targeted population
•Design a brochure or a CD advertising/promoting NPHS or any appropriate
product or service
•Design and produce a sculpture garden for NPHS
•Design and produce a tile installation piece for the main lobby
Technology Education Projects
•Design and construct a racetrack to measure speed and acceleration of
model vehicles
•Design and construct a light sensitive finish line for a scaled model racetrack
•Organize, set-up, and run the car show as part of the Auto Club
•Design and construct a solar vehicle
•Design and set-up a network by varied methods
•Design and construct an electromagnetic train
•Design an addition to an historical building – create drawings and renderings to
illustrate the historically and aesthetically correct changes to match the original
designs
•Develop and render solid modeling 3D – file structure, full color modeling
•Develop a template for creating a portfolio biographical resume using computer,
digital camera, and audio/visual equipment to be burned onto a CD
•Develop a template for making a video biographic portfolio utilizing audio and
video equipment
•Create a power point presentation about the technology education program or
other topic in the Technology Education program
•Develop and present a technology education unit to an elementary school, a
special education class, administration, or school board
•Survey the graphic communications industry in the North Penn area to determine
manpower needs, educational requirements, processes used, and up-to-date
technology
•Evaluate the communication systems in the North Penn High School
•Participate on a Habitat for Humanity project
•Design and construct a fitness trail around a North Penn School District building
Business Technology Projects
•Investigate a business career
•Create a web page
•Design an advertising campaign
•Prepare a marketing plan for a new product
•Create a multi-media presentation on a chosen topic
•Investigate the stock market and establish an investment club
•Extend an applied economics project
Gifted Education Projects
•Extend independent gifted study project
English Projects
•Complete a journalistic report on a school personality including research,
interviewing and ultimately, reporting on television and before the North Penn
School Board
•Organize a “Lincoln-Douglas” debate including cross examination and rebuttals
in a public forum (possibly two students as coordinators)
•Create a set design, build the set model, make a costume sketch, pick fabrics,
make masques, then write a report on a selected play
•Read and study a variety of authors who belong to a particular literary genre;
present report and make appropriate commentaries in an oral report
•Mentor in language arts/English class for underclassmen
•Research and build a model of a Shakespearean playhouse or Greek theater and
write about the procedures used in the performances
•Read to children in a school setting or any library or group
•Research and chronicle a local author
•Memorize and perform a soliloquy using a specific, recommended acting
approach
•Create a collection of original poems; write an introductory unit and then be
prepared to read some of them aloud
•Attend five plays in a school year – critique them and write a report
•Interview a senior citizen and write or tape an oral history
Mathematics Department
•Develop unit plans for students who might be interested in mathematics
•Write a computer program
•Tutor – elementary, middle and secondary
•Participate in a mentorship program
•Perform a statistical analysis
Science Department
•Complete a laboratory project
•Investigate the physics principles and safety of thrill rides
•Describe and model the physics of architectural design
•Design and run experiments proving physics principles
•Demonstrate and explain exothermic/endothermic reactions
•Create a safety program for a chemistry lab
•Develop a draft impact statement
•Work at the community level to identify open space and facilitate its purchase
•Do a habitat evaluation
•Develop a population survey for an environmental agency
•Generate an onsite pollution evaluation with a plan for control and clean-up
•Write and demonstrate a planetarium program
• Participate in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science
• Participate in the Montgomery County Science Research Competition
• Participate in the Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.
• Participate in the Intel Science and Engineering Fair
Social Studies Projects
• Create video, slide show, or interactive computer program on a social studies
topic
• Generate a portfolio of original political cartoons
• Participate in an historic event re-enactment
• Develop and deliver presentations, dressed and in character of historical figures
• Complete an oral history project with a senior citizen about the depression, WII,
McCarthyism, etc.
• Participate in Law Day activities in local government
• Perform community service with government agencies such as senior centers,
abuse hot lines, county information offices, etc.
• Write, design, and perform historic skits for elementary children
• Serve as a museum or library volunteer (e.g. Mercer Museum) and journal the
experience
• Initiate a change (traffic lights, recycling, park maintenance) with local
government
• Research and construct a family tree
• Lobby local officials regarding a political, social, educational or economic
concern
• Read and report on an approved work of historical fiction; compare actual
history to author’s work
• Create a picture board or slide show after visiting several historical sites (e.g.
Gettysburg, Antietam, Bull Run, Shilo, or revolutionary sites in or around
Philadelphia)
• Make interpretations of historic periods of time through political cartoons
• Interpret periods of history through music
• Interpret periods of history through art
• Create an original work reflecting a period of history, (e.g. Write an original
protest song for Vietnam War, create poetry about the Great Depression,
compose original music or art for a time period, write a fictional short story)
• Serve as an officer or cabinet member in either SGA or class government
• Serve as school board liaison from SGA
• Participate in the Stock Market Game and document the experience
• Create business plans for product or company of your creation
• Design a project and compete in Pennsylvania National History Day
ESL Projects
• Compare two education systems from two different countries
• Research a topic and access information at the appropriate reading and
analytical level. Give a brief presentation, write a brief paper, submit a paper,
and give an oral presentation
• Compare two literary genre
• Read a short story; re-write it into a play
Foreign Language Projects
• Complete a research project including museum study of art or archaeology
• Create a travelogue video with script in the target language with prerequisite
research
• Participate in a teaching internship in elementary school using logs, lesson
plans, and observations for evaluation
• Illustrate and write a children's book in the target language with a report on the
way children learn
• Complete a research paper on travel, history, literature, study of a favorite
author, economy, etc.
• Give oral presentations on literature and the culture of foreign countries
• Serve internships in international banking, business, or finance
• Complete service projects in the community as a liaison for foreign visitors or
relocated persons
Music Projects
• Compose or arrange an original composition
• Participate in a recital and research the presented music
• Research a musical topic
• Write an opera or musical
• Produce a musical compact disc (CD)
Guidance Project
• Participate in a job-shadowing experience
Health Projects
• Create and implement a community health project
• Participate in an of ongoing, existing community service project that is health
related
• Maintain a health notebook/portfolio with the health education work done
during high school
• Select some health problem and research its effects on the individual/society
• Complete a health related certification program (life saving, CPR)
• Create, implement, and participate in a health promotion campaign / health fair
• Research and complete a self-improvement health project (smoking cessation,
drug or alcohol rehab, etc.)
Physical Education and Fitness Projects
• Participate in a physical exhibition/performance/competition
• Participate in an all-school tournament (table tennis, 3 on 3 basketball, a
learn-to-swim program)
• Participate in an intramural/extra-mural program
• Complete a personal fitness improvement program
• Design and complete a personal skill improvement program
• Design and lead a good sportsmanship day
• Design and lead A Fitness Fair
• Design and lead a community based sports/recreation program
• Train for and complete a triathlon
• Become a student aquatic aide
• Become a student trainer aide
• Participate in interscholastic athletics
• Serve as an intramural official
• Maintain a physical education portfolio
• Select, research, write and implement an individualized fitness program in one
given physical activity
Family and Consumer Science Projects
• Participate in a partnership with business and industry
• Complete a mentorship program
• Study child development. Pick an age and plan activities that could be done at
home with the child (Include adaptations for special needs children)
Nursing/Medical Projects
• Evaluate a specific medical problem and its impact on the school community
• Research and conduct a school health environment assessment
• Raise awareness of monthly national health issues/topics for the school
community
• Develop safe/cooperative/noncompetitive outside activities for various age
groups (possibly to be used for elementary recess)
• Develop a booklet, series of booklets, or video on health issues related to
elementary level
• Document a nutrition and exercise regime
• Research and present a current health issue
Extracurricular Activities Projects
All clubs and sports may be appropriate.
• Academic Decathlon
• FBLA competitions
• Regional Science Fair
• Thespian Troupe Competition
• State VICA Conferences
• State Level Government Conferences
• Special Olympics
• Chess Club
• Knight Crier
• Troubadour
• Accolade
• Knight Crier
Additional Suggestions for Topics for Graduation Projects
•Create a cross cultural handbook for social service members of the community,
i.e. lawyers, nurses, home care workers
•Create a cost-efficient climate control system for district buildings (non-air
conditioned buildings) - funding, bond issues, installation costs, discussion of
details with installers
•Complete a statistical study of various insurance company rates/ coverage /car
classes
•Complete a study of cancer deaths - or other medical fields - (history of land
use, environmental concerns, research medical records, types of cancer deaths)
•Start a stock club, track stocks, research stock history, economic growth
•Update local history - oral histories, interviews, government, land use, religion,
art, entertainment, occupations
•Design, plan and prepare for the operation of a teenage community center
•Design a piece of environmental sculpture for the high school
•Design a wellness program for the high school
•Develop a student crisis hot line
•Develop a home page for Internet access
•Create an art display of original works demonstrating a new media or style
•Design and build a storage shed
•Select, develop and implement a community service project
•Design a bicycle safety program for students in grades K-3
•Study the effects on the environment of chemicals
•Identify environmental problems in the community and generate solutions [i.e., a
study to examine and improve waste management, comparison study of throw
away vs. returnable bottles (cost effectiveness/environmental), develop practical
issues for cafeteria wastes]
•Study alternate funding options for schools
•Complete a study and make suggestions for improving traffic patterns, speed
limits in the local area
•Complete a study of advertising vs. purchasing of teen advertised products
•Organize a multi-cultural community festival (art, music, foods, culture)
•Establish a town watch group
•Investigate a charitable organization
•Develop a product/invention and explore the patent-marketing process
•Restore an old car to street legal condition
•Design an addition or room for your house
•Study the effects of telemarketing on various age groups
•Study the factors related to teenage drinking and driving deaths (school
programs, public service programs vs. actual deaths)
•Develop and market a new game or toy
•Develop and manufacture an original computer game (game, packaging,
marketing, copyright)
•Reorganize a supermarket for convenience to the consumer
•Record an oral history of: relative, business leader, oldest township resident, etc.
•Compose and perform a piece of music (with copyright)
•Research and analyze the effects of jogging and/or walking on one's health
•Investigate township resources available to help treat addictions
•Develop a solution to the overpopulation of deer - consider loss of habitat, lyme
disease
•Write (and illustrate) a short story or book/novel and formulate a marketing plan
•Compose an arrangement (band, chorus, orchestra) for an American folk song or
Native American song
•Create a listening guide, map, chart or game for a major medical work and
submit to an educational magazine
•Start a home business - prepare charts and spreadsheets on costs
•Develop a school design to better meet the needs of students in the 21st century
•Create an original architectural design including blueprints, step-by-step
procedure and a3-D model
•Design a portfolio of futuristic fashion for male and female teenage apparel,
including sketches and fabric samples, reason for the product, sample models
•Create a travel project for leisure time including costs, means, mileage covered,
necessary items - consider weather, tourist center, etc.
•Redesign a vacant property to become a useful area in the community
•Establish a North Penn volunteer youth corps
•Organize an Earth Day celebration - cleanup project, assembly speeches, posters,
etc.
•Design and create a wind tunnel and use it to evaluate automotive design, using
groups and other means to communicate results
•Prepare a study of the effects of nursing home care on interests/activities of
senior citizens
•Plan and build a model of a farm of the future, focusing on one or more new
crops/produce and including a marketing plan
Section II: Selecting a Topic
Key Questions
Brainstorming Topic Ideas
Narrowing Your Topic
What Key Questions will assist me in selecting a topic?
In order to assist you in selecting a topic for your graduation project, complete the
following statements:
1. What I do best is
2. I have the most fun when I
3. My favorite places to travel are
4. The most thrilling experience of my life has been
5. I have been most challenged when I
6. When I grow up, I want to be/want to work in the field of
7. I would like to work on a project….
Check all that apply:
Brainstorming Topic Ideas
Because the Graduation Project will be one of the most challenging and interesting
assignments of your high school career, and because you will be spending many weeks
working on it, you need to consider your topic choice carefully. Completing the
following brainstorming list will help you begin the process of selection. It may also help
you formulate other goals.
Imagine all the things you would like to do, learn, fix, understand, see, improve, expand,
create, design, experience, or enjoy. Write down your ideas in the appropriate categories
below. Feel free to create your own categories. Remember at this point all ideas are
possibilities. Write your priorities below. Some spaces will be filled; some will be blank.
Topic Starters
1. Fine & Performing arts (music, drama, dance)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
2. Health, Physical fitness, Sports (training, diet, physical goals, scuba lessons)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
3. Business (entrepreneurship, finance, stocks, marketing, economics)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
4. Travel (vacations, language, adventures)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
5. Careers (what’s hot for the future, education, personal goals)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
6. Social and Environmental Concerns (homeless, aging, youth, Greenhouse Effect)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
7. Photography, Film, Broadcasting (TV production, video)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
8. Human Services, Education (design, culinary arts, intergenerational issues, learning
styles, multiple intelligences, multi-cultural issues)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
9. Philosophy, Psychology (comparative religions, existentialism)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
10. Space (exploration, extra-terrestrial theories, Star Trek/Star Wars)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
11. Specialized Hobbies (car restoration, animal care, collections, biking)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
12. Technology and Math (computers, statistical analysis)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
13. Politics and History (gov’t, elections)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
14. Law and Justice (Supreme Court rulings, local laws)
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
15. Other
a.___________________________________
b.___________________________________
c.___________________________________
Narrowing Your Topic
Once the list is completed, begin to narrow your topic by circling those items that fit the
following criteria.
The topic will/may
• maintain your interest for several months;
• stretch your knowledge and experience;
• lend themselves to the development of a product and presentation;
• be possible to research or find additional information;
• include career exploration;
• reach out into the community.
List the three topics that best fit the criteria:
1._____________________________________
2._____________________________________
3._____________________________________
Next evaluate your selected topics using the following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Which topic seems most appealing and interesting to me?
Which topic uses my skills and talents the most?
In which topic will I have access to the most resources?
In which topic do I think I will be able to identify a mentor?
Which topic I am most likely to use after graduation? (career, education, life-long
hobbies, specialized skills)
Which topic will enable me to produce a unique and exciting graduation project?
Which topic will have the most positive impact on my school and community?
Which topic (s) will my parent(s)/guardian be supportive?
Which topic is the one I will be able to commit to over several months?
Which topic will fit my needs in terms of time, human resources, and money?
Section III: The Graduation Project Contract
What is the Graduation Project Contract?
Graduation Project Approval
Graduation Project Contract Form
Graduation Project Parent/Guardian Approval Form
What is the Graduation Project Contract?
The contract for the Graduation Project is your commitment to what you plan to do. If
you have completed the previous sections, your topic should be narrowed, and you
should have a vision of what your project might look like. You need to put your
thoughts on paper and have your topic approved.
While you are expected to work on your Graduation Project independently, you are not
working in isolation. Your family will want to be involved, and you should be discussing
your plans with your parents or guardians. If you have chosen to seek the help of a
mentor, you should have done so by now. Keep in mind that once you have committed
your ideas to paper and they have been approved, YOU MAY NOT CHANGE YOUR
TOPIC.
You will now complete the Graduation Project Contract form on the next pages. You will
need to explain in as few words as possible:
• Why you have chosen this topic
• What you plan to accomplish
• How you plan to accomplish your goals
• What resources you expect to use
• How you plan to present your product
The form must be typed or printed neatly in ink. It must be completed in duplicate.
Follow directions! All copies of the form must be signed by you and your parent or
guardian. If you have selected a mentor, he/she must also sign the form. The
Graduation Project Coordinator’s signature will be obtained after you have turned in the
form.
Graduation Project Approval
Upon completion of the Graduation Project Contract, submit the contract to the Project
Coordinator, located in A006. You will be notified when your project contract is
approved. If your project is not approved, you will be asked to revise it.
Begin work on your project!
Graduation Project Contract
The Graduation Project is to be submitted to the Graduation Project
Coordinator for approval prior to beginning the project. The contract is to be
submitted by students who are completing their project on an Independent
Study basis. Students, particularly seniors, should take note of the
presentation dates. All Independent Graduation Project presentations will be
held after school.
Print legibly in ink and submit 2 copies to the Graduation Project Coordinator (A6).
No contract will be accepted in pencil.
Student Name_____________________________________Student ID ______________
Address__________________________________Phone # (____)__________________
(Street)
(Area Code)
City__________________________________Zip ______________ Year of Graduation _______________
Home Office ________ Homeroom Teacher _________________ Homeroom #_______
Current level in English______________ Are you an ESL student? _________________
Mentor (if applicable)___________________________________Title_______________
(Signature is needed on the reverse side.)
I.Project Goals
Required to have 3 goals. What do you plan to achieve with your project?
Form: TO + a verb (See Student Manual for examples.)
1. TO
2. TO
3. TO
II. Describe the specific activities of your proposal. List the steps you will take to
complete your project:
Graduation Project Contract
III. List the resources needed for your project:
Materials/Sources:
People:
IV. Project Presentation Describe what you plan to produce and demonstrate.
Student Signature___________________________________________ Date__________
Mentor Signature___________________________________________ Date__________
Graduation Project Parent/Guardian Approval
I am aware that my student must fulfill all requirements of the state
mandated
Graduation Project to graduate from North Penn High School.
I have read my student’s Graduation Project Contract and understand the
requirements of the Graduation Project.
I have discussed the specific requirements of my student’s proposed project
and approve of the topic and contents selected.
I understand that my student may not leave school property during class
time to work on the Graduation Project.
Parent/Guardian Name (Print)_______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________________________
Your Graduation Project has been accepted! _____________________ Date__________
Graduation Project Coordinator
One copy remains on file in the Graduation Project Office; one is returned to the student.
Revised September, 2008
Section IV: Project Preparation
Project Preparation/Expectations
Written Component Guidelines/ Requirements/Format Options
Student Log
Source Summary Form
www.turnitin.com Requirement
How Do I Prepare My Project?
Once your graduation project contract is completed and approved, you will begin the
preparation for the presentation. Your first step is to research and design your project.
This step is perhaps the most important step of the entire Graduation Project. It is
imperative that you completely understand the criteria to be used for evaluating your
project and that you address each and every component to be evaluated. Once you have a
good understanding of what is required, considerable time and effort should be spent
obtaining sources that can provide you with necessary knowledge and practical guidance.
Care should be taken to use proper etiquette, so the sources you use will be available for
future North Penn students. As the culminating event of your high school education, your
Graduation Project needs to reflect your interests, knowledge, skills and ability to be a
lifelong learner.
Expectations:
The student will
• receive approved Graduation Project Contract and place it in a folder for future
use;
• validate all project work completed by making timely, accurate log entries;
• research possible sources;
• make appropriate contacts;
• record/describe sources utilized and contacts made on the Source Summary form;
• begin work on the written component of the Project;
• identify the probable format to be used in oral project presentation;
• complete appropriate follow up communications/thank you notes;
• demonstrate understanding of the Evaluation Rubric through project design.
Written Component Guidelines
What is the Written Component?
The written component of the Graduation Project is a demonstration of your ability to
communicate with others in written form. Since each project is unique, the written
component will assume different forms and reflect an individual’s growth and personal
preference. The written component is meant to provide tangible evidence of the work that
has been done either through research and/or creative thought. The written component is
an original written work that reflects in-depth learning, clarity of thought, and proper
usage of the English language. The written component is not the Student Log.
Written Component Requirements
•
The format must be appropriate for the specific project.
•
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If a formal research paper, proper MLA formatting must be followed.
The document must be typed, double spaced, and written on 8 ½ x 11 paper
unless otherwise approved by the Graduation Project Coordinator.
The document must be submitted to www.turnitin.com at least 24 hours prior to
the scheduled presentation date.
•
Written Component Format Options
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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An executive summary
A research paper
A student journal
A creative writing
An essay or other expository writing
A poem
An abstract
A narrative report
A reflection paper
An annotated bibliography
A laboratory report
Students are not limited to these options!
NORTH PENN HIGH SCHOOL
Graduation Project Student Activity Log
Student Name_______________________________ Homeroom Teacher___________
Duplicate this form as necessary. This Student Activity Log is to be used by students who are
completing their Graduation Project as an Independent Study Project. It is to be included
in the final portfolio and should list the steps the student took to complete the project.
Ten entries are the minimum.
These are the steps I took to complete the Graduation Project:
Steps Taken Activities & Comments
Revised September, 2008
Date of
Activity
Location of
Activity
NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Graduation Project ~ Source Summary
Students must have a minimum of 2 sources for the project. Additional sources are
encouraged. Only one may be an interview. If an interview is part of the project, the
questions and answers must be included in the finished portfolio. Other sources include
the Internet, book, articles, manuals, or brochures. Complete the following according to
the type of sources used. The document must be submitted to www.turnitin.com at least
24 hours prior to the scheduled presentation date.
You may also prepare a Works Cited pages according to MLA format. Copy this page as
needed. Dates on all sources are critical for the validation of source.
Internet Source
Author of article __________________________________________________________
Title of article ____________________________________________________________
Web-site address _________________________________________________________
Date of inquiry ___________________________________________________________
Personal Interview
Person interviewed must have expertise in the topic area of the project.
Person’s name __________________________________Title______________________
Place of business/address___________________________________________________
Date of interview__________________________________________________________
Book or Magazine article
Refer to the North Penn Writing Guide.
Author of article or book____________________________________________________
Title of article and/or book _________________________________________________
Publishing Company _______________________________Copyright date___________
Manual, Brochure, or Pamphlet (Include brochure or pamphlet with portfolio.)
Title of document _________________________________________________________
Agency/organization of publication ___________________________________________
Date of publication ________________________________________________________
Section V: Presentation Preparation
Presentation Preparation/Expectations
Oral Component Guidelines
Project Portfolio Cover Page & Checklist
How do I prepare my presentation?
Now that you have completed your written component, you are ready to begin
preparations for your presentation to the evaluation team. You will share the knowledge
you gained about your subject, the skills you’ve acquired, and any insights into the topic
as well as the process you went through. A good presentation is well organized, holds the
audience’s interest, and is presented using good public speaking skills.
You have ten minutes to present to the evaluation team. This means that you will need to
review, condense important points, and organize your material into the format
appropriate for your topic. Make yourself familiar with the Evaluation Rubric and the
public speaking skills necessary to make your presentation successful. It is always
helpful to script your presentation. Once scripted, practice your speech by yourself and
in front of a small audience. Critique and improve your performance.
Expectations
The student will
• begin work on the oral component of the project;
• identify the probable format to be used in the oral presentation;
• demonstrate understanding of the Evaluation Rubric through the oral project
design;
• review your Graduation Project and the process you went through;
• list the insights you have gained from this experience;
• review good public speaking skills;
• practice your presentation by yourself and before a small audience.
Oral Component Guidelines
What is the Oral Component?
The oral component of the Graduation Project shows your ability to communicate with
others in a demonstrative form. Since each project is unique, the oral component will
assume different forms. Your presentation should teach as well as inform. However, all
presentations should include a description of the process you went through developing
your project and your feelings about the end result. Upon completion of your
presentation, you will be questioned by the evaluation team. Questions will clarify
various points of your presentation. You will also be asked to complete the selfevaluation form. At the end of this time, you will be given a satisfactory or unsatisfactory
rating for the entire Graduation Project. Your transcript will show a pass or a fail for the
Graduation Project.
Oral Component Requirements
• Format must meet Project Manager’s approval.
• Format must be appropriate for specific project.
• The oral component must be scheduled for two weeks after the submission of the
written component.
• Presentation attire must be appropriate for the project.
• Presenter must be prompt.
• Presentation should be at least 7 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes. This
does not include the evaluation team’s question time.
Oral Component Format Options
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•
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A formal presentation
A presentation with a video
A poetry/prose reading
A dramatic skit
A musical/dance recital
A gymnastic/martial arts routine
A presentation with a demonstration
A presentation with an art exhibit
These are some options for the oral component. They are not all-inclusive.
Graduation Project ~ Self Evaluation
The Self Evaluation form is to be completed by the student immediately following the
presentation. Passing the project is contingent upon completion of this form.
Directions: As you think about the experience of the Graduation Project, reflect on the
following questions.
1. Of what accomplishment are you most proud? Why?
2. Did you meet your goals as stated on your contract? Why or why not.
3. What insights did you gain from your project?
4. How will you use what you have learned in the future?
5. What was the most challenging step in the Graduation Project process?
6. How would you improve your presentation?
7. If you were to complete another project, what would you do differently?
8. What recommendations would you make to improve the Graduation
Project process?
Graduation Project Submission to www.turnitin.com
Instructions for students who already have accounts:
1. Please log onto the following website: www.turnitin.com.
2. Type in the email address and password that you use for all classes on this
website.
3. Please type the following ID number and Password into the log in screen for the
class.
ID:
2867021
Password:
GP2010
4. Click on Submit to the right of the date you plan to present your Grad Project.
5. Enter a title under Submission Title – your name GP (ex: JuliaSmithGP)
6. Please navigate to the location of your file.
7. Click on File and Open.
8.
Click on Submit.* If you need to cut & paste because it is not in the right file type, it is an
option in the drop-down box.
9. It will ask you to confirm your selection. Please press Yes, submit.
10. Click on Class Portfolio. You should see this (It will say Graduation Projects, not Critical
Paper.):
11. Final Step: Click on Log Out at the very top of the screen.
Graduation Project Evaluations
When a student has completed the entire Graduation Project Portfolio and finished a
written component, he is to come to A6, the Graduation Project Coordinator’s Office
during his lunch period to submit the Portfolio and to be scheduled for a Graduation
Project Presentation date.
There are several evaluation dates reserved each year. Each date is a Thursday,
beginning at 3:00 p.m. These dates offer students the opportunity to ride the Late Bus as
necessary. This year’s Graduation Project Presentation dates are:
Presentation Date:
Project Porfolio Due to A6:
Thursday, October 22
Thursday, Oct. 15
Thursday, November 19
Thursday, Nov. 12
Thursday, February 18
Thursday, Feb. 11
Thursday, March 11*
Thursday, March 4
Thursday, March 25
Thursday, March 18
Thursday, April 15**
Thursday, April 8
Thursday, May 20
Thursday, May 13
* Last date for seniors to present to be eligible to attend Junior Prom on March 27.
** Last date for seniors to present to be eligible to attend Senior Prom on May 7.
NOTE: Students enrolled in a course that offers Graduation Project credit, will present
their projects in class, at a time to be determined by their course instructors.
Evaluation teams consist of teachers who are provided the student’s portfolio in advance
to peruse the project and prepare the Evaluation Rubric.
Graduation Project Portfolio
Cover Page & Check List
2009-2010
This packet is to be used for students who are completing an Independent Graduation Project.
Student Submitting Project ____________________________________Class of ___________
Homeroom #________ Homeroom teacher ____________________Current grade level _____
When students have completed all items below, they are to compile them into a portfolio in the order listed
and bring it to A006 to be reviewed. Only upon review of the completed portfolio by the Graduation
Project Coordinator will a presentation be scheduled. Portfolios must be submitted, in full, at least one
week prior to the anticipated presentation date.
Check List:
__________ Graduation Project Portfolio (Cover page & Check List) ~ signed by the student
__________ Evaluation Rubric
__________ Approved Student Contract
__________ Written Component (typed, at least 2 pages, 12 pt font)
__________ Submission receipt from www.turnitin.com
__________ Works Cited (at least 2 sources, only one of which may be an interview)
__________ Student Log
__________ Graduation Project Self-Evaluation form
2009-2010 Presentation Dates: Select one date from the list below to present your Graduation Project. (All
dates are Thursdays. Presentations begin no earlier than 3: 00 pm.)
_____ October 22, 2009
_____ November 19, 2009
_____ February 18, 2010
_____ March 11, 2010 (Last date for seniors to present to be eligible to attend Jr. Prom)
_____ March 25, 2010
_____ April 15, 2010(Last date for seniors to present to be eligible to attend Sr. Prom)
_____ May 20, 2010
Will you be presenting your project with another student? Yes
OR
No
Please list any special technology or room requests you have. ____________________________________
My Graduation Project Portfolio is complete. _____________________________________________
(Student Signature)