Complete Guide to Culminating Project Booklet 2008-09 (pdf)
PLEASE NOTE:
Much of the material in this book has been revised to reflect some streamlining of certain component requirements as well as clarifying certain issues and questions that came up last year. If you are familiar with the previous book, please study this new version carefully to make sure you understand the current requirements and processes.

THE CULMINATING PROJECT: AN OVERVIEW

1. Proposal - (Details Link) (Seminar Link)

After researching topics, student proposes a project. The proposal is a description of why the project will be meaningful, what the student plans to accomplish through the project. The student also submits a timeline/action plan showing that the project will be manageable in the time allotted. Parents, field experts, and faculty advisors all have to approve the proposal.

2. Annotated Bibliography - (Details Link) (Seminar Link)

All research for the project must be documented in either APA or MLA format. Additionally, each source cited will be followed by a brief annotation describing the source and whether it was useful and why or why not. There is a minimum requirement of 5 sources, using 3 types of media.

3. Journal - (Details Link) (Seminar Link)

Every activity related to the project must be logged into a journal, Each entry notes the date, time spent on the project, a brief description on the activity and a brief reflection on the activity and what was learned. The culminating project must include a minimum of 30 hours of activity. Students should realize that a high quality project could easily take 50 hours or more.

4. Product/End Result - (Details Link) (Seminar Link)

Each project must produce something tangible. This product can take many forms. It can be something that is built, a scientific experiment, a research paper, a performance, an exhibition, an event, etc. The product should be an outgrowth of the research that is done, but the research itself cannot serve as your product.

5. Presentation - (Details Link) (Seminar Link)

Each student will make a formal 20-minute presentation describing the project and the product. The presentation will be for a small panel of teachers, parents, community members, etc. Students should be prepared for questions from the panel. The presentation should be viewed as an opportunity for the student to demonstrate that he/she is qualified to graduate.

6. Reflective Paper - (Details Link) (Seminar Link)

After all other components are completed, the student submits a brief reflective paper (300 word minimum) that summarizes the entire process, and explains what was learned, what was unexpected, what job skills were necessary for the project, and overall impressions of the experience.

Failure to meet standard on any of the six components above will prevent the student from graduating.