Dear Senior,
This year each of you will do a Senior Project in your Senior Seminar class. This class is a graduation requirement. Students will write a research paper and do a physical project. In addition, students will set life goals, search career/college options, and learn how to public speak.
The Senior Project is a three-faceted production. The first facet is a physical project. This facet of the Senior Project may take on various forms. One option is to volunteer through a community organization. If, for example, you write a research paper on Alzheimer’s disease, you might volunteer at a retirement home for Alzheimer’s patients. Another possible project form is to create a manufactured product. A student interested in woodworking might write a research paper on Shaker furniture design and then, for the physical project, build a chair in that style. Other physical projects may include learning a new skill such as playing an instrument. Whichever project you choose, a minimum of 15 hours, verified by an adult who is familiar with your topic, must be completed. Choosing a mentor is an integral part of this facet of the Senior Project. Your mentor cannot be in your immediate family.
The second facet involves researching and writing a documented research paper on some aspect of your overall topic. The sources will be a combination of primary and secondary sources. Your teachers will go into more detail about the research paper format and its requirements.
The third facet requires you to give a 15-20 minute speech, followed by a 10 minute question period in which you will answer questions about your research, project, and self-growth. You will speak to a board composed of Mashpee community members. This will be your opportunity to really show off your project and knowledge to your community.
You will receive a calendar, which reminds you of deadlines and important dates. In addition to the three facets of the Senior Project, you will also receive class grades for meeting deadlines and completing the other various components of Senior Seminar class.
Although you might feel overwhelmed by the project requirements at this time, be assured that if you meet all of the deadlines, give it your best, challenge yourself and take a risk, you will not only graduate, but you will feel like you really accomplished something important during your senior year.
Sincerely,
The Mashpee High School Staff