BHS Senior Research Project

Students enrolled in British Literature classes will each complete a Senior Research Project that addresses Burlington High School’s Mission and Core Values. The project asks students to answer the school-wide essential question: How can I use my knowledge, skills, and resources to better myself and my community? By considering various responses to this question, students will participate in a reflective practice that prompts them to engage in the world as critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and responsible citizens. In addition to providing students with an opportunity to expand on and master the skills they have been learning throughout their work at BHS, the project also seeks to give students an authentic, extended learning experience that is meaningful to them personally.

The Senior Research Project is a graduation requirement. Students will work on the assignment in phases that extend across the first three quarters of their senior year, and will have ample time and opportunity to present mastery of the skills required to complete the assignment.

PHASE I: INTRODUCTION (October)

• Identity Reflection

• Topic Proposal

PHASE II: RESEARCH (November - December)

• Student-Centered Research

• Defining an Inquiry Path

• Source Processing Form for at least one of each required source type (scholarly article, web source, audio/visual source, expert interview)

• Expert Interview(s)

• Public Narrative

PHASE III: CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT (January - February)

• Continued Research

• Action Plan

• Digital Product Planning

  • Podcast

  • TED Talk

  • Mini Documentary / Editorial Video

  • Photo Essay

  • Other (Students who choose a different mode of digital writing for their final product will work out the details of their product with their English teacher).

• Website

PHASE IV: COMPLETION AND PRESENTATION (March)

• Revise/Finalize Digital Product

• Metacognitive Reflection

• Updated Public Narrative (for a digital audience)

• Exhibition