North Carolina Graduation Project

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North Carolina Graduation Project

• Eleanor Hasse
• Randy Senzig
• Peggy Sloan
• Sarah Yelton
• Environmental Education Forum
• Haw River State Park
• February 12, 2008

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Session Objectives

• Overview of NC Graduation Project.
• Develop Science Community Support for Graduation
  Projects.
• Encourage Science Graduation Projects
• Share Graduation Project Ideas and Experiences

3
Graduation Project Guide is available

• On the DPI NC Graduation Project Website at
• http//www.ncpublicschools.org/graduationproject/
• Password ________
• Available from our Publications Office
  1-800-663-1250

4
Overview

• The NC Graduation Project is a performance-based
  exit assessment
• Effective with the entering 2006-2007 ninth
  graders (this years sophomores)

5
Overview

• NCGP is a school-wide responsibility
• There is no set formula - it should be developed
  and owned by the entire school and community
• Dont let one discipline or group set policies
  that preclude great projects in other
  disciplines.
• Build in safeguards
• Allows students to apply practical, real-world
  skills

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Overview

• Four components
• Research paper
• Product
• Portfolio
• Oral presentation
• Note Students must complete all four

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The Paper

• Standard Style (MLA or APA)
• Length 8-10 pages not including titles, charts,
  and resources.
• LEAs may differentiate for academic, honors, AP,
  IEPs, and/or ELL.
• LEAs may set the minimum number and types of
  resources required. The LEA may require an
  interview.
• Teacher advisor approves project at each step.
• Processes monitored topic selection, note
  taking, outlining, thesis development and working
  bibliography.
• Plagiarism must be defined, discussed and
  prevented.

8
The Product
tangible product

• Students may produce a tangible product like a
  boat, wedding cake, container herb garden, quilt
  or computer game.
• Students may conduct a service project such as
  raise money for a charity, plan and set up meals
  for a homeless shelter or organize a battle of
  the bands for a selected cause.
• Students may conduct original research such as
  scientific investigations on a particular topic.

9
Product

• Should link to research topic and thesis
• Should be adequately documented
• Photographs, logs, letters, journal entries,
  video, etc
• Should be evidence of the time and effort
  invested
• Should not be dependent on the amount of money
  invested

10
Portfolio

• Is a learning record of the
• Process
• Progress
• Sample Table of Contents (page 9-10 of guidebook)
  
• If the school has the resources, students should
  be encouraged to collect work samples and
  artifacts electronically

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Oral Presentation

• Is a culmination of the NCGP
• Should
• Demonstrate public speaking skills
• Deliver accurate, credible information on the
  topic

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What role can environmental educators play?

• Serve as advisors.
• Serve as mentors.
• Contribute ideas and research needs to local
  schools.
• Post ideas, needs for interns, future projects
  already planned, and research needs to a central
  web site/message board.

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Graduation Project Mentors

• Community or faculty member
• Expertise in field
• Willing to work with the student
• 21 years of age or older
• May not be a household member
• Scrutinized for appropriateness

14
GP Mentors

• Approved by parents and school
• Allocate time and make arrangements to work with
  the student
• Provide suggestions and advice
• Serves as a support and resource

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Protecting Yourself and Students

• Meet in public places at appropriate times.
• Be sure research plan, project or product is
  safe.
• Make sure project is do-able.
• Communicate with students faculty advisor.
• Keep up with paperwork.
• Keep records of correspondence.
• Make sure student is committed to the project
  before you invest huge effort.

16
Review Panel

• Community or faculty members
• Attend presentations
• Participate in the evaluation of a students
  presentation and possibly other components.

17
Science Competitions

• Great way to prepare students for graduation
  projects and meet inquiry and technological
  design goals.
• Science Fair http//www.ncsta.org/sciencefair/
• Science Olympiad http//www.tx.ncsu.edu/science_ol
  ympiad/
• Student Academy of Science http//www.ncacadsci.or
  g/ncsas/
• Other Competitions

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Options for Completing the NCGP

• Service Learning
• Advanced Placement
• International Baccalaureate
• Advanced Studies
• Career and Technical Education

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Diverse Learners

• Considerations for
• Students with disabilities
• LEP students
• All students that must participate in statewide
  assessment ALSO have to pass all four components
  of the NCGP

20
Contacts

• Eleanor Hasse
• eehasse_at_dpi.state.nc.us
• Benita Tipton
• btipton_at_dpi.state.nc.us
• Bryar Cougle Tcougle_at_dpi.state.nc.us
• 919-807-3855

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