Senior Project Examples
Topic: Street art
Research Questions: What is the fine line between street art and vandalism? Can art
make social or political commentary? Can it be used as a tool for change?
To immerse myself in this world, I could…
Interview Mr. Chambers, as well as other members of the art department at the high
school. Perhaps I can get an interview with some art professors at a local college, or
maybe even students in the high school who view themselves as artists. I could ask
these artists about their view of my research questions
Study the history of using art as social commentary and perhaps even the history of
graffiti.
Read Graffiti World: Street Art from Five Continents by Nicholas Ganz.
Write an essay exploring the connection between graffiti art and hip-hop culture,
or about the impact Banksy has had on street art
Watch Exit Through the Gift Shop, a documentary about Banksy
Culminating Project a mural on plywood that make a social critique. Perhaps I can
apply for a grant from the PTSO and put this controversial piece up in the hallways? Or I
could display it in town anonymously? I should ask my teacher if she is ok with this!
Share?
Topic: Storytelling
Research Questions: What is the importance of both hearing and sharing stories?
What value do stories have on our community? How do we share stories in a
community that seems less cohesive and united than in the past?
To immerse myself in this world, I could…
Interview an expert in audio archive work, such as a librarian, someone who works in
radio, or a teacher at the high school.
Study the world of radio, specifically archival podcasts such as StoryCorps
Read Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the
Storycorps Project, by Dave Islay
Listen to several story podcasts, such as This American Life or The Moth
Write a thesis-driven essay about the importance of storytelling in the classroom
Watch a series of story slams hosted by The Moth
Culminating Project an organized archive of WHS teacher and student stories
Share this project on the WHS Library website. Share editing access with the librarians
so the project can be updated in the future.
Topic: Art Therapy
Research Question: What is the therapeutic effect of art for the artist as well as the
audience?
Project Details
Interview Karen D. Carbonello, president of Creative Heartworks, an art therapy studio
in Morris County.
Study the use of art therapy for children with medical needs
Read Medical Art Therapy with Children, by Cathy A. Malchiodi
Write a thesis-driven essay arguing the need for increased funding of the arts in
the elementary school level
Watch a documentary about art therapy
Culminating Project a mural at Children’s Specialized Hospital
Share my time and new knowledge by volunteering at Children’s Specialized Hospital
during their art workshops. I will organize three art projects for the children and will
volunteer my time to organize and run these workshops on three separate occasions at
the hospital. I will use inspiration from these workshops to guide the design of the mural.
Example 3
Research Question: How can we maximize local food production in a healthy,
sustainable, and cost-effective manner?
Project Details
Interview Jack Rabin, Associate Director of the Farm Programs at Rutgers University,
and creator of the blog “Sustainable Farming on the Urban Fringe”
Study sustainable urban farming
Read Urban Farming: Sustainable City Living in Your Backyard, in Your
Community, and in the World, by Thomas Fox
Write a thesis-driven essay arguing the benefits of urban farming
Watch Vivian Chau Best’s TED lecture about the G.I.F.T. "Give It Fresh Today
program
Culminating Project a greenhouse and begin sustainably growing vegetables
Share my time by volunteering at a local farm every weekend for a month. I will donate
all vegetables grown in the greenhouse to the G.I.F.T program which operates a local
chapter at the Summit Farmers Market.