Getting Started on Your Senior Research Project

Graduation Project is a performance-based assessment that is intended to be a culminating experience, which allows students to demonstrate what they know and are able to do as a result of their cumulative education. It is housed in English IV and requires the successful completion of four major components:

• a research paper – This paper requires students to demonstrate proficiency in conducting research and completing a 6-8 page formal paper with the proper documentation. The topic of the paper is chosen by the student.

• a related product – A product that is selected, designed, developed, and related to the student’s research topic. The product should challenge the student and reflect what he/she has learned.

• a portfolio – The portfolio documents the student's progress in completing the components of Graduation Project.

• a presentation – Graduation Project culminates with the student's formal oral presentation, which is made before a panel of judges composed of community members.

Your Passport to Success is a library card — whether it’s from your school, your New Hanover County Public Library, SEAHEC located in the New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Randall Library at UNCW or the Learning Resource Center at Cape Fear Community College. Check out the websites for details on what is required to get a library card.