Overview

The research paper and project must be related, the closer the better; and they should choose a project that is new to them or extends prior knowledge. They cannot, for instance, drag out an old science model from junior high. One major requirement of the project is that it must demonstrate a learning “stretch” physically, emotionally, and/or intellectually.
You will need to find a mentor before you start your project. This mentor cannot work in the Northwood school district or be a family member and must be at least 20 years old. This mentor needs to fill out the Mentor Confirmation Sheet at the beginning of the SEP process.
You must meet with your mentor at least thrice throughout your project and have him/her fill out mentor log forms. This mentor will also give you a grade at the end of your project, so it is important to keep him/her informed about your project.
There is a time requirement for the project. As a part of the portfolio rubric, students will be graded using five points. A student completing 15 – 19 hours earns 6 out of 10 points, 20 – 24 hours earns 8 out of 10 points, and 25 or more hours earn 10 out of 10 points in the rubric. The project is also scored on the portfolio rubric based on organization and design, written documentation, physical evidence, reflection of learning, and degree of difficulty.
Remember to keep all receipts, documents you create, pictures that show the project process, and anything else you can use as evidence in your portfolio.
Anytime you log hours for your project you will need to complete a project journal entry. This can be done online via your website or using this form and transferring the journal entry to your website later. Don’t save this step until the end! Items with an asterisk are required for every journal entry. The journal should record not just time and work done, but feelings, emotions, and reactions as well. The journal is very important when the faculty advisor evaluates the project.
Take full advantage of your planning and time management skills. Make sure you contact businesses or organizations you plan to work with ahead of time to find out if and when you can complete your tasks.
Don’t let a roadblock stop you. When problems occur, adjust and adapt.
Only 1/3 of the time you put into your project can be spent job shadowing or volunteering, the rest should be your self-driven project.
Driving time does not count towards total hours.
Your project must meet two of the following criteria: academic, career, community service, personal growth.
Your portfolio is the only way you will be graded on your project. Make sure you make your portfolio as detailed and organized as possible to showcase your hard work.
If student has prior experience with the skills used in SEP, the project must show a higher level of performance and intricacy or extended depth of knowledge.
Partner projects are not allowed.
To encourage original thought and personal challenge, projects from the previous year will not be eligible for approval.
Double-dipping rule: SEP should be an original project, i.e. it cannot be a SkillsUSA project, a STEAM project, other class project, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts project, etc.
Proposals will ONLY be accepted two times during the year.
- Early Projects (Summer through Quarter 1) must be submitted by May 15th.
- Late Projects (Quarter 2 & Quarter 3) must be submitted by September 15th.

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