North Carolina Graduation Project

Presentation Transcript

Eleanor Hasse

Randy Senzig

Peggy Sloan

Sarah Yelton

Environmental Education Forum

Haw River State Park

February 12, 2008

Session Objectives

Overview of NC Graduation Project.
Develop Science Community Support for Graduation Projects.
Encourage Science Graduation Projects
Share Graduation Project Ideas and Experiences

Graduation Project Guide is available:

On the DPI NC Graduation Project Website at:

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/graduationproject/

Password ________

Available from our Publications Office 1-800-663-1250

Overview

The NC Graduation Project is a performance-based exit assessment

Effective with the entering 2006-2007 ninth graders(this year’s sophomores)

Overview

NCGP is a school-wide responsibility
There is no set formula - it should be developed and owned by the entire school and community

Don’t let one discipline or group set policies that preclude great projects in other disciplines.
Build in safeguards

Allows students to apply practical, real-world skills

Overview

Four components

Research paper
Product
Portfolio
Oral presentation

Note: Students must complete all four

The Paper

Standard Style (MLA or APA)
Length: 8-10 pages not including titles, charts, and resources.
LEAs may differentiate for academic, honors, AP, IEPs, and/or ELL.
LEAs may set the minimum number and types of resources required. The LEA may require an interview.
Teacher advisor approves project at each step.
Processes monitored: topic selection, note taking, outlining, thesis development and working bibliography.
Plagiarism must be defined, discussed and prevented.

The Product

tangible product

Students may produce a tangible product like a boat, wedding cake, container herb garden, quilt or computer game.
Students may conduct a service project such as raise money for a charity, plan and set up meals for a homeless shelter or organize a battle of the bands for a selected cause.
Students may conduct original research such as scientific investigations on a particular topic.

Product

Should link to research topic and thesis
Should be adequately documented

Photographs, logs, letters, journal entries, video, etc

Should be evidence of the time and effort invested
Should not be dependent on the amount of money invested

Portfolio

Is a learning record of the

Process &
Progress

Sample Table of Contents (page 9-10 of guidebook)
If the school has the resources, students should be encouraged to collect work samples and artifacts electronically

Oral Presentation

Is a culmination of the NCGP
Should:

Demonstrate public speaking skills
Deliver accurate, credible information on the topic

What role can environmental educators play?

Serve as advisors.
Serve as mentors.
Contribute ideas and research needs to local schools.
Post ideas, needs for interns, future projects already planned, and research needs to a central web site/message board.

Graduation Project Mentors

Community or faculty member
Expertise in field
Willing to work with the student
21 years of age or older
May not be a household member
Scrutinized for appropriateness

GP Mentors

Approved by parents and school
Allocate time and make arrangements to work with the student
Provide suggestions and advice
Serves as a support and resource

Protecting Yourself and Students

Meet in public places at appropriate times.
Be sure research plan, project or product is safe.
Make sure project is do-able.
Communicate with student’s faculty advisor.
Keep up with paperwork.
Keep records of correspondence.
Make sure student is committed to the project before you invest huge effort.

Review Panel

Community or faculty members
Attend presentations
Participate in the evaluation of a student’s presentation and possibly other components.

Science Competitions

Great way to prepare students for graduation projects and meet inquiry and technological design goals.
Science Fair http://www.ncsta.org/sciencefair/
Science Olympiad http://www.tx.ncsu.edu/science_olympiad/
Student Academy of Science http://www.ncacadsci.org/ncsas/
Other Competitions