PLEASANT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania 18322

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1 PLEASANT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania Graduation Project Class of 2014 Research Project Student s Name: Project Teacher: Homeroom: Final Thesis Statement: Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Research Project Requirements... 2 Project Evaluation Process... 3 Non-Compliance Consequences... 3 Creating an Annotated Works Cited... 4 MLA Style Checklist... 5 Turnitin.com Directions... 6 Written Presentation Evaluation Form (First Draft)... 7 Written Presentation Evaluation Form (Final Paper)... 8 Visual Aid Checklist for the Oral Presentation... 9 PowerPoint Presentation Guidelines Storyboard for a Multimedia Presentation Oral Presentation Evaluation Form Research Project Contract... 18

2 Introduction The graduation project provides students the opportunity for an in-depth study or a creative endeavor. Students may select a topic involving research or students may complete an approved community service project. Each option includes a written presentation and an oral presentation. Once a graduation research project is selected and approved by your teacher, the student will need to develop a thesis statement, select resources, and conduct research in order to develop a successful written presentation. The culmination of the project, which is conducted under the guidance of high school faculty members, requires a successful oral presentation. The project ensures that all students apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information as well as communicate significant knowledge and understanding of a chosen project. Students will receive.50 credit after successful completion of all requirements. The project will be graded on a PASS/FAIL basis. Students must successfully meet all deadlines respectively in order to pass the Graduation Project. This means that students must pass each level of the project before moving to the next level of the project. Successful completion of the Graduation Project is a state and local requirement for graduation from high school. The Pleasant Valley High School Graduation Project provides a positive learning experience that serves all students as they prepare for success in adult life. Both the process and the product become integral parts of the project. Students are encouraged to use the following resources to assist with the written and oral presentations: English Tutoring Lab Graduation Project Pathfinder Library Library Handbook Class of Research Project

3 Research Project Requirements Students must successfully meet all deadlines in order to pass the Graduation Project. 1. The Contract due Friday, September 27, 2013 he contract must be signed by the student and the parent(s) or guardian(s). This document defines the research topic, the working thesis, and the rationale for selecting the topic. The contract must be submitted to and approved by the teacher on or before the above date. 2. The Written Presentation (First Draft) due Tuesday, November 5, 2013 The first draft of the written presentation must meet minimum requirements and be submitted to the teacher no later than the above date and submitted electronically to Turnitin.com to be considered successful. These minimum requirements include a written presentation that is typed in MLA format, at least four (4) full pages in length, with at least five (5) authoritative sources (one of which must be a primary source), an annotated works-cited page with parenthetical citations for each source, and be void of spelling/grammatical errors. 3. The Written Presentation (Final Paper) due Wednesday, December 18, 2013 The final paper must meet the requirements in the Written Presentation Evaluation Form. It must also include teacher recommended changes from the evaluation form. The final draft of the written presentation must be submitted to the teacher and submitted electronically to Turnitin.com by the above date in order to be scheduled for the oral presentation. 4. The Oral Presentation with Digital Media to be scheduled The oral presentation is the culmination of the Graduation Project. Only those students who meet all of the requirements outlined above will be scheduled for an oral presentation. The criteria for the oral presentation can be found in the Oral Presentation Evaluation Form. In addition, students who do not report to their scheduled presentation dates (without a doctor s note or Administrative approval) will be marked as failing the Graduation Project course. Note: Any student who registers prior to January 1 st of his/her senior year must complete the first draft by the last school day in January. Community service will not be an option for students transferring their senior year. An acceptable substitute project, determined by the project committee, will be assigned to transfer seniors who register after January 1 st. Class of Research Project

4 Project Evaluation Process Project evaluation consists of two major components: the written paper and the oral presentation. Students must successfully meet all deadlines respectively in order to pass the Graduation Research Project. This means that students must pass each level of the project before moving to the next level of the project. It is important to note that the project teacher has the responsibility for reporting the student s final project evaluation to both the student and the assistant principal. The oral presentation will be evaluated by a PVHS staff member. A building administrator will resolve any conflicts regarding the evaluation process. By the conclusion of the senior year, each student will receive a grade of PASS or FAIL. If the student receives a failing grade, remediation is required in order to graduate. Note: Students may remediate their projects prior to the conclusion of their senior year. The names of those students who receive a failing grade for the Graduation Project course will be submitted to the high school guidance department. Plagiarism will be handled according to school policy as stated in the student handbook. Plagiarism will result in project failure which requires remediation to make up the.5 graduation project credit. Students are required to use NoodleTools and Turnitin.com throughout the research process to ensure that sources are properly cited and annotated. Non-Compliance Consequences Failure to successfully meet any requirements (outlined within this booklet) or the deadlines listed above will result in the student receiving a failing grade for the Graduation Project course. Failure letters will be sent to the parent(s) or guardian(s) of every student who fails the Graduation Project. Students who fail any requirement of the project must complete one of the options listed below in order to receive a passing grade for the Graduation Project course and be eligible to graduate from Pleasant Valley High School: 1. Secure an approved, certified teacher to provide tutoring necessary to meet all requirements of the Graduation Project. 2. Enroll in and successfully complete a Graduation Project Course offered by Pleasant Valley High School. Note: Contact the Pleasant Valley High School Guidance Department for additional information regarding the above options. Class of Research Project

5 Creating an Annotated Works Cited An annotated list of works cited is a list of sources used in the preparation of a research project. Each citation is followed by a brief description and critique of the source. An annotated list of works cited justifies the quality and value of the source to your research. Directions: Use the following questions as prompts for writing your annotation. Items marked with an asterisk * must be included in your annotation. 1. Author s credentials What makes the person qualified to write about the topic? 2. Scope and purpose of the work Is it an overview or a detailed treatment of the topic? Is it persuasive, informational, scholarly or popular? Is it an editorial? 3. Comparison of the work with others dealing with the same topic or others on your list How much information did you get from this source compared to your other sources? (This part may be written in first person) 4. Intended audience Who was it written for? Doctors? Lawyers? Teachers? Scientists? The general public? 5. * Brief summary of contents What is it about? 6. * Evaluation of research Is it logical? Clear? Based on solid evidence? 7. Evaluation of scope Did the author do a good job of covering all aspects of your topic? 8. * Evaluation of author bias Is it obvious that the author is on one side or the other? 9. * Relative value of the work to the thesis Did you use a lot of information from this source? Or, did it just help you to better understand what your topic was about? (This part may be written in first person) Class of Research Project

6 MLA Style Checklist margins 12-point font throughout (Times New Roman) Double-spaced throughout ½ running header with student s last name and page number (Beginning on the second page) NO title page First page heading with: Student s Full Name Teacher s Name Graduation Project Date (Day Month Year) Centered Title (with NO underline, italics, or boldface) No first-person language or personal pronouns (e.g. I, you, me, us, we, etc.) All tables, charts, graphs, and pictures are labeled and properly cited. 10. Quotations four (4) lines or more are set-off one inch from left margin. 11. Works-Cited title is centered 1 from the top of the page with NO underline or boldface. 12. The list of works cited is NOT numbered. Each entry ends with a period. 13. Works-cited entries are in alphabetical order by the first word in the citation; if no author is listed, the first word of the title is used. 14. Each works-cited entry has at least one corresponding parenthetical citation in the text of the paper. 15. Each citation is annotated with a brief description and critique of the source. 16. All web hyperlinks are turned off with NO underlining or change in font color. 17. All URLs are complete with NO hyphenation and break only after a slash. Class of Research Project

7 Turnitin.com Directions for Students To Enroll in a Class: 1. Go to: 2. Click Login in the upper right hand corner with your PV address and password. (If you forgot your password, you can click on the Retrieve Password link.) 3. Enter Class ID: GET THIS ID FROM YOUR TEACHER 4. Enter Class Enrollment Password: GET THIS PASSWORD FROM YOUR TEACHER To Create an Account (only if you have NEVER created a Turnitin.com account): 1. Go to: 2. Click Create a New Account in the upper right hand corner 3. Enter Class ID: GET THIS ID FROM YOUR TEACHER 4. Enter Class Enrollment Password: GET THIS PASSWORD FROM YOUR TEACHER 5. Fill out the rest of the required information and use your PV network password! (If you ever forget your password, you can click on the Retrieve Password link.) 6. Once you have completed the information, click on I agree SUBMIT To Submit a Paper: 1. Log in to your Turnitin.com account. 2. Click on the appropriate course. 3. Select the assignment from the list of assignments. 4. Select Submit 5. Choose Single File Upload 6. Title your submission 7. Upload your paper by selecting the file from the appropriate location and clicking Upload 8. Be sure to examine your Originality Report to ensure that you have properly cited your information and that your paper is not plagiarized. Class of Research Project

8 Research Project Written Presentation Evaluation Form First Draft S = Successful for final paper submission NYS = Not Yet Successful Must make corrections Content S NYS Defines objectives in thesis statement Provides specific, accurate, precise information or data and maintains focus Uses appropriate vocabulary Reflects insightful consideration of the importance, value, or impact of the research Organization S NYS 4-10 full, typed pages of text (MLA format; double spaced; Times New Roman 12-pt font) Arranges information in a logical manner from the outline Includes strong introduction and conclusion Uses transitions between paragraphs Research S NYS Utilizes authoritative, timely source(s) Conventions of Language S NYS Uses varied and structurally correct sentences Uses correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar Sources/Citations S NYS Includes an annotated works-cited page of at least 5 sources (at least one primary source) Includes at least one proper MLA parenthetical citation for each source in paper text Grade for First Draft S NYS Student s Name Date Project Title: Teacher s Name: Teacher s Signature: Class of Research Project

9 Research Project Written Presentation Evaluation Form Final Paper The project is PASSING only if deadlines are met and all of the items are rated Pass for the final paper. P = Pass = Scheduled for Oral Presentation F = Fail = Project Failure Remediation Content P F Defines objectives in thesis statement Provides specific, accurate, precise information or data and maintains focus Uses appropriate vocabulary Reflects insightful consideration of the importance, value, or impact of the research Organization P F 4-10 full, typed pages of text (MLA format; double spaced; Times New Roman 12-pt font) Arranges information in a logical manner from the outline Includes strong introduction and conclusion Uses transitions between paragraphs Research P F Utilizes authoritative, timely source(s) Conventions of Language P F Uses varied and structurally correct sentences Uses correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar Sources/Citations P F Includes an annotated works-cited page of at least 5 sources (at least one primary source) Includes at least one proper MLA parenthetical citation for each source in paper text Grade for Final Paper PASS FAIL Student s Name Date Project Title: Teacher s Name: Teacher s Signature: Class of Research Project

10 Visual Aid Checklist For the Oral Presentation All presentations must be accompanied by a student-created electronic visual aid such as a PowerPoint presentation, web page, video recording, etc. Note: video clips should not exceed 2 minutes in total length. Design Project is balanced, uncluttered, neat and clean. Graphics/Media All graphics/media are used effectively to enhance message, support thesis, and convey meaning. Text Text is presented in a legible font utilizing appropriate style, size, and color. Mechanics Presentation has no misspellings or grammatical errors. Completion Project is completely finished and includes an adequate number of slides (10-24). Quality of Information All information is clear, appropriate, and correct. Organization/Presentation of Content Visuals are introduced at appropriate times to enhance concepts throughout the presentation. Originality The product is original, inventive, and does not rehash other people s ideas (the project follows the Multimedia Guidelines). Documentation All text, charts, graphs, pictures, and other media are labeled within the presentation and properly cited in an MLA list of works cited (last screen of the presentation) Class of Research Project

11 PowerPoint Presentation Guidelines Presentation Layout: Layout continuity from frame to frame conveys a sense of completeness Headings, subheadings, and images should show up in the same spot on each slide Margins, fonts, font size, and colors should be consistent with graphics located in the same general position on each frame Lines, boxes, borders, and open space should be consistent throughout Slide Layout: Limit each slide to one idea Use bullet points to cover components of each idea Make no more than six points per slide and use no more than six words per line Use the same background for each slide Use the same transitions for each slide Limit animation more than one can be distracting Do not clutter the slide Design: Font should be clear (e.g., Arial, Tahoma, Verdana) Font size should be readable from the back of the room 40 point is a good title size 32 point is a good subtitle or bullet point size Content text should be no smaller that 24 point Use small fonts for source citations within the presentation and the final works-cited screen Do not use all CAPITAL LETTERS Use italics for book, journal, or magazine titles Choose a color scheme that is easy on the eyes White backgrounds can be blinding in a dark room Dark backgrounds with light colored text works best (reduces glare) Keep the style of the graphic images consistent throughout the presentation Illustrations should relate to the message and help make the point If using video clips, presentation should contain no more than 2 minutes total of video Presenting: Speak slowly and clearly when presenting so your audience can hear you Prepare notes to help deliver an effective and dynamic presentation Rehearse your presentation before delivering it to your audience Have a classmate proofread and critique your presentation before you present it Remember, the media should ENHANCE the presentation, not BE the presentation! Class of Research Project

12 Storyboard for a Multimedia Presentation Title Slide Thesis Class of Research Project

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17 Note: Presentation should be between slides. Final slide is for credits (MLA Works Cited). Class of Research Project

18 Oral Presentation Evaluation Form Outcome: The student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of their chosen topic. A presentation is PASSING only if all of the categories below are rated PASS. P = Pass = Earned.5 Graduation Project Credit F = Fail = Project Failure Remediation Communication P F Begins presentation with a clearly defined thesis Supports each major point with information or data Cites major sources to show how experts and studies support thesis Uses appropriate and accurate vocabulary Communicates importance, value, and impact of the project Summarizes with a concluding statement Effective Speaking P F Speaks clearly, correctly, and efficiently Uses body language to enhance the presentation Maintains consistent eye contact with members of the audience Varies tone, volume, and speed to enhance presentation Presents oneself with poise Organization P F Uses an engaging beginning and a thoughtful ending Clearly focuses around the thesis Arranges information in a logical manner Flows smoothly from one idea to the next Keeps length of presentation between 8-12 minutes (No more than 2 minutes of total video) Visual Aid P F Visual aid is introduced at an appropriate time during the presentation Demonstrates effective use of media/graphic design with attention to layout, color scheme, and appropriate font style and size Clearly, accurately, and precisely communicates significant information or data to enhance presentation All illustrations, tables, charts, and graphs are labeled within the presentation and properly cited in an MLA list of works cited (last screen of the presentation) Visual aid is free of errors with correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar An MLA List of Works Cited is included as the last screen of the presentation Response to Questions P F Effectively responds to all questions from the audience Grade for Oral Presentation PASS FAIL Student Name Date Project Title: Evaluators: Class of Research Project

19 PLEASANT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Graduation Project Research Project Contract Student s Name (Print) Grade Homeroom Project Teacher (Print) Home Address Home Phone # Cell# Guidance Counselor (Print) Topic for Project: Working Thesis Statement: Rationale for Selecting the Topic: Student Signature & Date (I have reviewed the Graduation Project Research Booklet and understand the information and expectations.) Parent / Guardian Signature & Date (I have reviewed the Graduation Project Research Booklet and understand the information and expectations.) CC: Student Project Teacher Contract due date: Friday, September 27, 2013 Class of Research Project