Senior Project Spring 2016 Calendar updated 1/20/16 Project Spring 2016 Calendar – updated 1/20/16 Week Dates Assignments/Discussion Work Due 1 1/11 – 1/15 Meeting …

Senior Project Spring 2016 Calendar – updated 1/20/16

Week Dates Assignments/Discussion Work Due

1 1/11 – 1/15

Meeting days/requirements

2 1/18 – 1/22 1/18 MLK No School 1/21 Minimum Day

Hand out all paperwork Journal Portfolio Requirements Potential Mentors

Journal #1

Bring Binder with 5 tabs

3 1/25 – 1/29

Project Proposal Mentors

Journal #2

Signed Course Orientation

4 2/1 – 2/5 2/4 Minimum Day

Mentor Interview/Contract Journal #3

5

2/8 – 2/12 2/11 PR #3 2/12 No School

Review Project Selection

Journal #4

Mentor Interview Write Up

Mentor Contract

Journals 1-4/ Portfolio Check

6 2/15 – 2/19 2/15 No School

Reports Begin working on and logging project hours

Journal #5

Project Proposal

7 2/22 – 2/26 2/25 Minimum Day

Reports Journal #6

History Report Due

8 2/19 – 3/4 3/3 Minimum Day

Reports Journal #7

Future Report Due

9 3/7 – 3/11

Reports Journal #8

History Report – Final Re-Write (if necessary)

10 3/14 – 3/18 3/17 Minimum Day 3/18 End Q3

Reports

Journal #9

Future Report – Final Re-Write (if necessary)

Journals 5-9/ Portfolio Check

11 3/21 – 3/25 3/24 Minimum Day

Reports Journal #10

Education Report Due

12 3/28 – 4/1 Salary Worksheet Journal #11

Salary Worksheet

4/4 – 4/8 SPRING BREAK SPRING BREAK

13 4/11 – 4/15 4/14 Minimum Day

Successful People Journal #12

Education Report – Final Re-Write (if necessary)

14 4/18 – 4/22 Sign up for Presentation Times Prepare for Presentations

Journal #13

Salary Worksheet – Final Re-Write (if necessary)

15 4/25 – 4/29 4/28 PR #4

Prepare for Presentations Mentor Evaluation of Student

Journal #14

Successful People Write Up Due with Interview notes sheets Journals 10-13/ Portfolio Check

16 5/2 – 5/6

Reflection Paper

Thank you Letter

Bibliography

Final Portfolio

Prepare for Presentations

Journal #15

Review Presentation

5/12

Presentations

1:00-3:00 pm Professional Presentation

17 5/9 – 5/13 5/12 Minimum Day

ALL PORTFOLIOS DUE THIS WEEK ON YOUR REGULAR MEETING DAY – NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED

Reflection Paper

Bibliography

Mentor Thank You Letter

Mentor Evaluation of Student

Journals 13-15

Final Portfolio Check (include above referenced items)

18 5/16 – 5/20 Final Grades Pick up Portfolios

19 5/27 Graduation

COURSE ORIENTATION

CAREER EXPLORATION PROJECT ~ VALENCIA HIGH SCHOOL

PURPOSE

Bridging cumulative skills they have learned while in high school with a possible career they are considering.

Direct students toward real experience in a career field in which they have an interest.

Give students a chance to work at something they are personally interested in pursuing.

PRINCIPLES

Make a plan / Write it down / Follow through / Keep records/journal / Evaluate setbacks / Embrace the challenge

PROCESS

Design a project directly associated with a career of choice. This is NOT job shadowing but rather experience.

Find a mentor in the community to assist with the project.

Specifically define the scope and expectations of your project; formally submit that plan

Complete research necessary to helping you complete your project

Create a series of steps you will take toward your final product

Turn in completed journal outlining your activities related to this course each week.

Present project to a panel. This presentation is a formal presentation – as though you were having a job interview and you were

“selling” yourself. This MUST include visual aids, proper attire, proper attitude, good diction, and good preparation.

Project ideas may be rejected because of danger, lack of feasibility, appropriateness, or other reasons.

Any cost or injury related to the career exploration project is the responsibility of the student.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Your attendance is important and directly related to your success in this course. You will need to come to class one time per

week. The school tardy and attendance policy will be enforced – 1 absence = 5 days.

Missing Class: Students must see the teacher the day they return to school. If the student is leaving school early, work due must

be turned in to the teacher or the teacher’s mailbox prior to leaving to assure full credit. If the entire school day is missed, the

student may turn in work that was due, on the first day of their return. After the first day returning to school, assignments due

prior are considered late.

The teacher may be available during brunch (see your teacher) and by email at:

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Any student involved in dishonesty in any work, hours, etc, will be subject to one, some, or all of the following: an automatic

zero on the work; a referral to the Assistant Principal; and a conference between the AP, the parent(s), and the teacher. All

reports will be turned in to turnitin.com.

GRADES

Grades are based on assignments turned in, advisor & mentor evaluations, evidence of progress (journal), and the final

presentation and portfolio (summary including references).

All correctly done assignments will receive full credit received on or before due date.

Late assignments can be turned in up to 4 weeks late for up to ½ credit (Please see your teacher for more details).

Students must do the following to receive credit for senior project:

o Attend class once/week

o Complete 45 hours of practical project – Mandatory (if

you do NOT do a minimum of 45 hours, you will not

earn the credits necessary to pass the course)

o Turn in preliminary assignments.

o Provide evidence of progress

o Select a mentor and meet with them regularly

o Complete the project in a manner acceptable to your

mentor and teacher

o Submit a complete portfolio

o Make a high quality presentation to a small panel

o Grade breakdown:

45 hours MANDATORY PASS/FAIL COMPONENT(see above)

Journals: 10%

Portfolio: 10%

Presentation: 30%

All Other Assignments: 50% Updated: 1/2016

PRINT Student Name:

_________________________________Parent Signature:

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

____________

Portfolio Requirements

***This is NOT your table of contents. You need to make one.***

Portfolio Sections and Layout

Cover Sheet

Table of Contents

Calendar

Course Orientation (signed)

Hours (divider)

Hours Log Cover Sheet

Hours Log

Journals (divider)

Journals

Reports (divider)

Project Proposal

Mentor Contract

Mentor Interview Write Up

History – Final Write Up

History – Redline/Rough Draft

Future – Final Write Up

Future – Redline/Rough Draft

Education – Final Write Up

Education – Redline/Rough Draft

Salary Worksheet

Salary Worksheet – Redline/Rough Draft

Successful People Summary of Interviews Report

Successful People Interviews Sheets (5)

Reflection Paper

Mentor Evaluation of Student

Any research you have done on your own

Any extra materials dealing with your project

Bibliography (divider)

Bibliography

Handouts (divider)

Portfolio Requirements

Journal Instructions

Mentor Interview Handout

History Report Instructions

Future Report Instructions

Education Report Instructions

Successful People Report Write Up

Presentation Preparation Instructions

Presentation Evaluation

Mentor Thank You Letter Instructions

Reflection Paper Handout

Bibliography Handout updated: 12/17/15

Your STAMPED, ADDRESSED,

UNSEALED thank you letter should

be in the front flap of your portfolio or

paper-clipped to the table of contents.

Your advisor will send the letter for

you.

JOURNAL The weekly journal entry must be typed and include the following:

The date

Description of what you have done for the week dealing with Career Exploration Project.

Personal reactions and/or evaluations of what you did. Examples:

Did you like what you were doing? Why, why not?

Did everything happen exactly as you expected? Or were there some pleasant

surprises or bumps in the road.

How will you benefit from what you are learning?

What frustrations are you experiencing?

What successes did you achieve?

These are suggestions of things to address in your journal. Your journal must be a thorough reflection

of what you have done in the past week and how it has affected your project and how it has affected

you. You may also reflect on what you plan to do, what has happened, how that has changed your

progress and so on.

Each journal must be a 1/2 page in length, single spaced.

Or double spaced full page

Updated: 12/17/15

Mentor Information Handout Thank you for agreeing to mentor one of our seniors involved in Career Exploration Project. This is an exciting new way for students to make connections between their high school experiences and their future. I hope this answers most of your questions.

What are the requirements for the project?

1. Students will create a real world product, something that has a market or an audience, or partake in a real world project, working for a company, fulfilling a community service. It must meet the following standards:

Requires primary research and research about the field in general;

Meets industry standards established by an off-campus mentor;

Requires 45 hours of work over the school year;

Demonstrates competency with some technology;

Surpasses the scope of any class assignment, including ROP;

Includes a community service or display component. 2. Students will make a presentation, which justifies the applicability of the product/project,

explains the process, and demonstrates how the product/project met the requirements. 3. Students will assemble a professional quality portfolio documenting the process, including

communication with advisors, mentors, research, planning, etc. What is my role in the project? A mentor fulfills three roles: 1. Helps students design the project. Students will have a rough idea of their project; you will help

them define what a “complete” project would be. What qualities will it need to have to fulfill? For instance, if a student were to write a book, how long would it need to be? What qualities make a book “good” that we can reasonably expect from this student? Students will develop this themselves for you to approve or help them amend. This should be done by late September/early October (fall semester), late February (spring semester).

2. Offers advice and assistance. Students should feel comfortable calling with questions. Mentors

are a resource based on their experience and expertise. Please make it clear to the student how they can contact you.

3. Be a general "role model." Your student will interview you about your job or area of expertise to

gain insight and guidance.

We realize you are busy, therefore, we have tried to make this as streamlined as possible. If you have any questions, please contact the career exploration project advisor. Thanks again for your involvement in our students’ lives.

Career Exploration Project Advisor:

Email:

661-294-1188 ext.:

Updated: 12/17/15

Career Exploration Project Mentor Contract

Student Info:

Name:

Career Exploration Project Description:

Mentor Info:

Name:

Job Title:

Company Name:

Address:

Daytime Phone:

Best Time to Call:

Email address:

A good time for student/mentor meetings ____________________________________

I have read the description of the mentor’s role and agree to help this student complete his or her

project.

Mentor signature _______________________________ Date _________

Print Name _______________________________

Student signature _______________________________ Date _________

Print Name _______________________________

The mentor’s role will include the following.

Assisting the student in designing a project, and making a plan for successful completion.

Following up with the student.

Evaluating the student and his or her work.

Updated: 12/17/15

Mentor Interview

Goal: Take advantage of your mentor’s level of expertise, both within the scope of the project and

beyond. Explore how they ended up doing what they do, what they find engaging or profitable

about what they do, and what they would do if they were in your shoes. Your basic goal is to

get them to tell you their story in a way that will help you see your possibilities in this field,

whether it is professional or just a hobby. Ask a minimum of 10 questions. Interview tips:

Don’t apologize for your interview.

Tape recorders may help you gather information, but they also make some people uncomfortable.

Begin your interview by talking about safe topics.

Don’t tell your subject everything you want to know--let them tell you what they know.

Use prepared questions only when your discussion drifts too far away from the topic--

otherwise, remain conversational.

Save two questions for the end of the interview: What should I have asked that I didn’t? Where do I need to go next for information?

=Your interview notes=

Write up the interview in an organized way; the organization you choose will be based on the

information you gather and how you conduct your interview. If it works as a narrative, write it like a

story; if you wish to use bullets, that’s fine too.

The write-up should be doubled-spaced, 12 Font, Times New Roman or Arial

Updated: 12/17/15

Project Proposal

Type your answers – print 2 copies – give one to advisor, one to mentor.

Name: Date:

Mentor:

Describe your general area of interest for Career Exploration, i.e. business, medical, public

servant, history, art, music, etc., and why you chose that area. Also explain what you already know or have already accomplished in that area.

Explain what you plan to do for your project. Identify exactly what you will be doing, how you plan

to use your mentor, and any additional resources you need and how to get them. This is the most important part of the class and your experience. Remember, you are not simply ‘Job Shadowing’ rather interning. Your presentation surrounds your experience and your Project Proposal.

Describe what qualities you need to make this project successful. If you foresee any problems (time management, self-discipline, etc.) how do you plan to address them?

Updated: 1/20/16

Hours Log Cover Sheet

Student Info

Name:

Career Exploration Project Description:

Mentor Info

Name:

Job Title:

Company Name:

Address:

Daytime Phone:

Email:

I spent a total of ________ hours working on the practical portion of my Career Exploration Project, which meets or exceeds the minimum of 45 hours that is required.

Student Signature:

Date:

As a mentor I witnessed the Career Exploration Project in various stages of completion (not just the final phase) and verify that the student spent a minimum of 45 hours working on the practical portion of the Career Exploration Project.

Mentor Signature:

Date:

Please record the time spent on the practical portion of your Career Exploration Project on the Hours Log.

Updated: 1/20/16

Name:

CAREER EXPLORATION PROJECT HOURS LOG

Date Start/Finish

Time # of

Hours Brief Description of what you did

Mentor’s Initials

Total Hours:

HISTORY: STATE YOUR TOPIC The History must be minimum two pages (double-spaced, font size 12) written in narrative or essay

form (no lists), and include the following:

History of Career—Look to the origin; when the need for the job/career first came about (for

example, the origins of a pastry chef go back in time to the first clay oven and the making of

bread dough during the Iron Age).

Background information— Be specific; write about what you learn from researching the

origins and the progress of the job/career over time.

How it got started—and why.

Where it has been— Include where the career originated, places it flourished and

evolved.

How has it changed/evolved—How has industrialization, technological discoveries

shaped the career.

Working conditions over the course of career history: Choose a period of time when it

was very different from how it is currently. What was it like to work on the job 50, 100

years ago? And research well so that you can give the following--

Pros

Cons

Don’t spend time on comparing it to your career today, but you can note the contrast between

your career at different times in the course of its history. Do NOT plagiarize!

Turn in the History report prior to your meeting day to turnitin.com.

Updated: 12/17/15

FUTURE: STATE YOUR TOPIC The Future must be one page minimum (double-spaced, font size 12) and include the following:

Future of Career—Talk with your mentor as well as do research. Justify what you write with

supporting information, not just your or your mentor’s personal view. Look at technological

advancements, research findings, new laws or rules governing your career and write about

how they will affect the job. Primarily, focus on the career over the next 10, 20, 30 yrs.

o For example, a journalist may do all their work using web cams for interviews so they

don’t have to travel into war torn areas, write their stories, have them auto-read and

corrected, sent right to the editor who can send them for placement on the press run, all

via computer—or send news directly to people’s cell phones.

Opportunities for advancement; what you need to do to achieve advancement—What kinds

of courses, experience, exams, etc. will be necessary to get to the highest levels in your

career? How could networking or other personal skills help advance your career?

Is there a future demand for this career? Explain—give specific reasons with supporting

facts.

Turn in the Future report prior to your meeting day to turnitin.com.

Updated: 12/17/15

EDUCATION: STATE YOUR TOPIC

The Education Report can be written using bullet pointed lists as well as required narrative, and must

include the following (use as many pages as necessary, double-spaced, font size 12):

Educational and/or training requirements – Be specific: Coursework, experience, classes,

certifications, licenses, tests/board exams, graduate or post-graduate studies, degrees, and

the time required to complete them. Lists are okay here.

Where to receive education and/or training – Find the schools, training facilities, vocational

and academic where you would most likely get the education or training you need. When

researching, look for the best schools in your special area, even if they are not local. Don’t list

all the schools, just give examples. Lists are okay.

Education requirements necessary to advance on the salary scale – Write about what

experience, coursework, advanced degrees, internships, etc. that are required for

advancement financially.

Turn in the Education report prior to your meeting day to turnitin.com.

Updated: 12/17/15

SALARY WORKSHEET

Job Title: ____________________________________________ (Be very clear and specific)

Statistically, what can you expect to make in this career? To find out, go to www.bls.gov/oco, type in your

career, and click on “earnings” to see the statistics for your career. You might want to ask your mentor

authenticity of the annual salaries.

Salary Ranges:

Average Yearly Starting Salary:

Hourly (calculation: yearly / 52 weeks / 40 hours): $

Weekly (yearly / 52 weeks): $

Monthly: (yearly / 12 months): $

Highest Yearly Starting Salary:

Hourly (calculation: yearly / 52 weeks / 40 hours): $

Weekly (yearly / 52 weeks): $

Monthly: (yearly / 12 months): $

Narrative: Please answer with a detailed response. Minimum of 3-5 sentences per response required.

Are there many opportunities for advancement in this job?

What do you need to advance in order to make more money in this field?

Comment on your findings: (example: Is this more or less than you would like to make? Does this change

your view of the job? Can you live on this in the lifestyle you want?)

Updated: 12/17/15

http://www.bls.gov/oco

You will be interviewing five people and filling in the question sheets with their answers.

You may conduct your interview in person, by phone, or by email.

Be sure to write down the name of the person you are interviewing so that when you write the paper, you can use their name with their specific answers.

The five sheets with your notes will be turned in with your write up.

Your write up will be one page typed, single-spaced:

o Five paragraphs (one paragraph per interview) o Each paragraph will include (In a narrative format):

the name of your interviewee how they are successful what they did to reach their success goals their most important tip/advice to you.

Updated: 12/17/15

Five Successful People

Interview any 5 people (they do NOT have to be in your career choice) that you feel are successful. For each

person define success based on wealth, personal happiness, etc. You are looking to find ways to make yourself

successful in the future. Include the following in your interview:

Name of Person:

How do you define success?

How did you become and stay successful?

What type of education did you need?

Is this where you imagined yourself to be?

Are you happy where you are?

How would you advise me to start my “road to success”?

What is the most important tip you can share with me?





Name of Person:












Name of Person:












Name of Person:












Name of Person:








Reflection of Career Exploration Class

Write a meaningful paper (minimum 1 page, double spaced, 12 font) addressing the following questions/statements:

How did this class and this project affect you?

Throughout your high school career at Valencia you went through many preparatory steps which led you to Career exploration. How do you feel each of these steps helped prepare you for this class?

8TH Grade – Introduction

Power Point presentation during the orientation process with a full description of our School To Career Program and available Career Paths

9th Grade Career Seminar – “Who Am I”

Personality/Temperament Type Inventory taken through the English classes. Follow up assembly to discuss.

“Who Am I” project done in English Classes – presented in assembly.

Learning style assessment presented by Guidance Department

Career Paths re-introduced in assembly

Math Department representative assembly on “The Value of Education”. (through Science Classes)

Participation in a Career Path encouraged

10th Grade – “What Are My Interests?”

Business Professional Presentations

Continuing options of the Career Pathways

11th Grade – “Where Do I Go From Here?”

College/Career research assignment done in the College/Career Center. CHOICES/BRIDGES used for this purpose. Students brought in through U.S. History Classes.

Job shadowing assignment required through English classes.

Assembly at beginning of year featuring Dan Williams/DESTINY

Connecting To Success Business Conference

What could you have done better in the Career Exploration class?

What would you change about the class?

Did the process and the outcome of your project fulfill your expectation of the class? Explain.

What part(s) of the process did you find most rewarding?

What part(s) did you find the most challenging or frustrating?

In the organization and presentation of the class, what did you find helpful?

What seemed to get in the way or distract you from getting to your project?

Will you pursue this career?

If you had a friend taking this class next year, what advice would you give them?

Overall, what is your feeling about the Career Exploration class?

Updated: 12/18/15

Bibliography

Rigdon, Patricia. Personal Interview. 19 October 2010.

“Anabolic Steroids.” Drugs and Sports. ESPN.com. 06 Sept. 2009. Web.

03 Nov. 2009. <http.//espa.go.com/special/s/drugsandsports/steroids.html>.

Brower, K. J. “Anabolic Steroids.” Drugs and Society. Vol. 1. New York: Marshall

Cavendish, 2006. 85-91. Print.

Hiltzik, Michael. "Striking Out in Steroid Debate." Los Angeles Times,

02 Mar 2009: C1+. SIRS Researcher. Web. 03 November 2009.

<http://sks.sirs.com/ >.

Monroe, Judy. Steroids, Sports, and Body Image: The Risks of Performance-Enhancing

Drugs. Berkeley Heights: Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2004. Print.

Nardo, Don. Drugs and Sports. San Diego: Lucent Books, Inc. 1992. Print

“NCAA Drug Education and Testing.” The National Collegiate Athletic Association

(NCAA). Web. 03 Nov. 2009. <http://web1.ncaa.org/web_video/health_

and_safety/drug-testing/2006-07/video512.html >.

Riggs, Paula DeGraffenried. “Drug Abuse.” The World Book Encyclopedia. 2005. Print.

“Teenage Steroid Use.” New York Times Upfront 9 Oct. 2006: Student Resource

Center Gold. Web. 3 Nov. 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/gps/

start.do?prodId=IPS>.

NOTE: You may use the internet to assist you in formatting your bibliography

Updated: 12/17/15

Specialized

Encyclopedia

Article

Book

General

Encyclopedia

Book with

subtitle

Article

from

Web Site

Database

Magazine

Article

Database

Newspaper

Article

Article from Web

Site

Personal

Interview

http://sks.sirs.com/

MENTOR THANK YOU LETTER

The Thank You Letter may be written in any style of your choice. You must turn this in with a

stamped, addressed envelope (please chose one of the following):

Thank you card

Handwritten thank you note

Typewritten thank you letter

The Thank you Letter must be turned in with your final portfolio. It must be IN a STAMPED,

addressed envelope. Leave the envelope UNSEALED so it can be read before your career

exploration project advisor sends it.

Update: 12/17/15

CAREER EXPLORATION MENTOR EVALUATION

Student Name: Mentor Name:

Date: Mentor Signature:

1. What specific problems did this student encounter and overcome?

2. What successes have you seen this student achieve?

3. What suggestions do you have for improvement for this student?

4. What impressed you most about this student?

Please grade the student 1-5 in the following categories:

(5)Excellent (4) Very Good (3)Good (2)Fair (1)Poor (N)Not Observed

_____ Attitude _____ Effort _____ Integrity _____ Respect _____ Reliability _____ Teachability _____ Teamwork _____ Self-motivation/initiative

_____ Creativity/Problem-solving _____ Follow directions _____ Listening skills _____ Speaking skills _____ Writing skills _____ Leadership _____ Organization and follow-through _____ Overall performance

Updated: 12/17/15

Presentation Preparation

General information about the speech: The presentation should be about 8-10 minutes. A visual aid must be included in your

presentation (PowerPoint, Presentation Boards, etc.). There will also be time at the end

for the judges to ask you questions and for you to answer. Your dress should be

appropriate business attire.

The four parts required in the speech:

Section 1: Introduction / Welcome Section 2: Describe the workings of the project

What you did and how you did it

Section 3: Self reflection / discovery: What did you learn about yourself

and the subject by doing the project?

Section 4: Conclusion / Thank you / Questions

Writing the speech:

1. Introduction: (about 1 minute)

Introduce yourself to the judges and introduce your topic at hand

The introduction should make the judges interested in your speech and clearly state the main idea.

Here are some possible creative ways to begin the introduction:

o Use an interesting quotation (Not one everyone has heard before)

o Act something out- like a very short play

o Tell a joke which fits the subject

o Get the judges involved by having them do something

o Use a game which fits the subject

o Use an audio / visual aid

o Demonstrate something

o Ask questions about your subject which you will then answer in the rest of the speech.

2. Project Description - Specify some of the following (about 4-5 minutes)

(Remember to write a suitable transition statement – in other words, do not just answer these

questions verbatim – you need to make this an actual speech that sounds put together)

Why you chose this project

What you already knew about this subject that made you want to do this particular project

The details about what you did for your project, when and where you did it

What was unique or creative about the project?

Who your mentor was and how your mentor helped you

Anyone else who helped or worked with you besides your mentor

What problems you had in doing the project, and how you solved the problems

What you would do differently if you could do the project over

What you still plan to do

What special things you want the judges to consider as they look at or hear about the project

Would you recommend other seniors in the future do this type of project? Why?

3. Self Reflection / Discovery: (about 3 minutes)

What you learned in doing the research paper, project, and portfolio that you did not know before.

(These could be things you learned about yourself as well as things about the research paper, project,

and portfolio.)

What was the picture you had in your mind of your project before you started, and how closely does that

picture match what actually happened?

What are you the most proud of in completing the Career Exploration Project?

4. Conclusion: (about 30 seconds)

Summary / Main idea of your Career Exploration Project.

A good conclusion restates your topic/ main idea, and leaves the audience remembering what you said.

Presenting the speech: Before giving the speech aloud, organize what you wrote on separate 3x5 cards rather than the paper you

wrote the original speech on. (Not a requirement, just a suggestion.)

Number each card. Use numbers big enough to see if the cards get mixed up or if you get nervous.

(Someone will always drop the cards right before or during the speech. That someone could be you.)

Make separate cards telling what you want to say about the audio or visual aid you are using

Plan how you will use your visual aid in your speech. Will it be throughout the speech or at one specific

spot in the speech? Do not pass items around during the speech.

Decide how you will display a visual aid and organize everything you need for it before the day of the

speech.

Do not wait until the last minute to make your visual aid.

Practice will help you be less nervous and will help you handle the panic you may have as you give the

speech.

Have your visual aid set up so you can practice what you will say about it.

Have someone else time your speech to see if it is too long or too short. That person can also tell you if you

are speaking too rapidly, too slowly, too loudly, or too softly.

Try to use your note cards as help to remember what you want to say, but don't read the cards word for

word. Concentrate on looking up to the audience as you talk rather than down to your notes.

Don't practice by silently reading the speech. Practice by saying the words aloud so you are sure of the

pronunciation, the speed to use in saying the words, and the words or phrases you want to stress.

Practice several times! The more you practice, the better your chances of presenting a smooth speech in

front of the judges.

When you present - talk to your judges as if you were talking to me.

Relax and describe your experience.

Visual Aids:

Visual aids are required for your presentation. To enhance your speech you must to include a visual aid

such as Power Point highlighting your presentation, a presentation board highlighting some features of your

project, or an AV aid such as a DVD of your project hours. You may also want to use charts, posters,

pictures, and/or any physical project you developed. If you are using PowerPoint, it should just be main

points which you will elaborate on, or pictures that can be explained with your presentation, NOT your

entire speech! If you make a poster, you should explain everything about it.

If your aid is visual, make sure it is large enough for your judges to see and that you have spelled everything

correctly. You may need to bring something with you to the presentation (tape, tacks, an easel, etc.) to help

you set up whatever you are displaying.

Practice your presentation with your visual aid several times so that the presentation is smooth and there are

no unforeseen problems when you are in front of the judges.

If you are planning a PowerPoint presentation or some sort of video/dvd, you MUST test your presentation

on a school computer BEFORE the date of presentations. You need a flash drive to test and present.

On the day of your presentation, arrive in your scheduled location 10 minutes early so that you can make

sure all equipment is working correctly. If you are using videotape, be sure that the tape is re-wound to the

spot you need to begin.

Preparing for the questions the judges could ask when your speech is over:

Here is a

list of possible questions you might be asked:

Why did you choose this topic?

Who helped you?

How did you finance the project?

How much time did you spend?

How did you...?

What happened when you...?

Tell us more about ...?

Are you going to continue...?

Presentation: 1pm to 3pm (You Must Stay the Entire Time) 8-10 min. presentation, up to 5 min Q & A

Updated: 12/17/15

Documents

Senior Project Spring 2016 Calendar updated 1/20/16 Project Spring 2016 Calendar – updated 1/20/16 Week Dates Assignments/Discussion Work Due 1 1/11 – 1/15 Meeting …