High School Grade  Project 8 weeks

Fall 2025: Thesis Quest Adventure

BODIN A
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.10
+ 5 more
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Purpose

The Fall 2025 NMA Senior Project engages high school students in a rigorous, hands-on exploration of contemporary social and cultural issues through academic research and argumentative presentations. Students will create meaningful discourse, developing arguments backed by substantial inquiry and diverse perspectives from community partners. Through critical reflection, peer feedback, and professional critiques, students refine their academic and personal skills, culminating in a formal exhibition that integrates their research findings and proposed actions. This project fosters self-directed learning, academic mindset growth, and content expertise as students actively apply knowledge to challenges relevant to them.

Learning goals

Students will develop the ability to conduct thorough academic research that includes a deep understanding of context, case studies, and different perspectives. They will strengthen their skills in argumentation by forming coherent thesis statements and building persuasive lines of reasoning around complex, current social and cultural issues. The project encourages self-directed learning, fostering a sense of identity and belonging through critical reflection and collaborative discussions. Students will also refine their presentation skills, delivering informed, impactful arguments to audiences, which include critical judges and mentors.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.10 - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.10 - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1 - Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11—12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.

Products

Students will create a comprehensive research portfolio consisting of their initial background research, thesis statements, and argumentative outlines. This will culminate in a 12-minute oral presentation supported by a slide show that visually presents their findings and arguments. Additionally, each student will produce a detailed written research paper with an abstract, context, and cited works, showcasing their understanding and advocacy on a selected social or cultural issue. Throughout the project, students will also develop Public Service Announcements (PSAs) as part of a solution-driven exploration of their topic.

Launch

We will kick off the senior project with a dynamic launch event featuring guest speakers from diverse professional fields who engage with relevant social and cultural issues. Through interactive presentations and discussions, students will gain firsthand insights into how academic research influences real-world changes. This event will serve as an inspiring starting point, sparking curiosity and motivation to explore their chosen research topics passionately and thoughtfully.

Exhibition

For the exhibition, students will present their 12-minute oral argumentative presentations, supported by slideshows, to a panel of critical judges composed of educators, community leaders, and experts from relevant fields. This formal presentation will demonstrate students' command of research and their ability to argue persuasively on social or cultural issues. The exhibition will culminate in a gallery walk, allowing students to showcase their work to peers, family members, and community stakeholders. Audience members will provide feedback and score presentations, highlighting students' academic mindset and content expertise.