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Senior Thesis

Springfield Township High School

Course Overview

Fall 2024

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Introductions

Eric Gershman

Maple Glen, PA

Wife: Andrea

Children: Jordan (20), Jules (18), Avi (16)

Temple University: B.A. in English Literature

Arcadia University: M.A. in Secondary Education

Years at high school: 25

Yearbook Advisor: Since 2000

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Other Professional Work:

The Teaching with Primary Sources Program at the University of the Arts

The Teaching with Primary Sources Program at the University of the Art

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COURSE SUMMARY

>Students will complete the entire research component of Senior Thesis Seminar, consisting of select topic, targeted resources, and cumulative building

>Students will accumulate between 10 - 30 service hours (community service, career exploration/internship and/or an art experience)

>Students will present their research and service experiences via end-of-semester formal oral presentation/speech/dissertation to their peers.

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Service

>Community Service

>Career Exploration

>Creative Art Experience

All students will complete the following:

  • 10 - 30 hours of community service or internship
  • Mentor Service Contract
  • Service Hour Record Sheets
  • Mentor Progress Report

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Research

Students must demonstrate proficiency in their ability to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information, and communicate significant knowledge and understanding.

All students will complete the following:

Annotated Bibliography (at least 15 research sources)

Digital Google Drive portfolio

Thesis Argument Organizer and detailed outline of research in support of thesis

Google Slide Presentation and Live Presentation to Peers

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Final Presentation

All students will present their culminating research and service experiences. Students will incorporate the following into their final presentations: (approx. 30 minutes minimum)

Google Slide Presentation (minimum 50-80 content and development slides)

Thesis and Supportive Arguments based on Research explication and documentation

Evidence from a variety of text and digital sources (Senior Thesis LibGuide)

•Service and Research Description and Reflection (if it applies to research topic)

All other images, videos, information, etc. pertaining to student’s research or project experiences. Citations and attribution of evidence is a requisite and continued expectation

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Sample Cover Slides of Past Presentations

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REFORM OF

American

Infrastructure

Teddy Baughan

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The Complexities of Sequential Art

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Shahaan Shah

Senior Thesis

Spring 2021

Final Thesis Presentation

Poverty in the United States

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THE

EFFECTS

OF

SKATEPARKS

POSITIVE

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Stem Cells: Medical miracles

Jasmine Jain

Senior thesis, Spring June 4, 2021

B block, day 2

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14

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

BY DAVID IMREDY

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Negative Effects of Social Media

On Teenagers

Rileigh Serroni

Senior Thesis

A Block, Day One

Mr. Gershman

June 1, 2020

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M U S I C T H E R A P Y:

A P O W E R T O H E A L

Abby baughan

Senior seminar

Mr. gershman

June 1st, 2020

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The Fall of Communism in Czechoslovakia

Hannah Schermer

Senior Thesis A Block, Day 2

Spring 2021

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Global Gender Inequality

Charlotte Bleemer

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Course Expectations

Attendance: Day One/Day Two Schedule

Grading: Point Value System. Students accrue points based on best practices and adherence to goals and expectations of each performance task (in-class and at-home research work)

Supplies: Course Schoology/Drive Portfolio/Library Databases for Research/An open and engaged mind/course notebook and folder

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Questions

Contact me via email: eric_gershman@sdst.org

Headquarters: Lower House Room 11 (1st floor, Lower House)

  • contact hours: 7 am - 4 pm
  • in person lunch & learn office hours: 11:20-11:50 am
  • planning time: B block 9:27 - 10:50 am