Scientific Visualization Advanced Studies

You have learned so much in SciVis I and II and you should be proud of your accomplishments! What more could there possibly be to learn in SciVis? Well, in Advanced Studies, you will soon find out. This course is designed to help the student pursue a course of study that will lead to enhanced understanding about a specific area in the realm of Scientific Visualization.

We have a standard curriculum that we will follow. You are encouraged to look at this curriculum at:

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/cte/technology/curriculum/programs/guide/technologyadvanced.pdf

Fortunately, there is a lot of room within the curriculum for each of you to pursue areas of study in which you are particularly interested. This course assumes that you are here to work hard in areas that you interest you.

I will be conducting interviews with each of you to help discern how best to spend the next few months in SciVis III. I expect each of you will be doing much work on an individual basis, and some work as a group. I may call on each of you periodically to help me work with my SciVis I students. I will do this only when I feel it will help your SciVis skills, your public speaking skills, or will offer some other benefit to your learning. None of us has time for busy work and I will make sure that your time in this class is well spent on authentic activities that will directly benefit you, the rest of your SciVis peers and Atkins High School in general.

Some areas of study that I would be interested in some of you pursuing include:

• TV Shows (SciVis, Animation in The Triad, Careers in Graphic Arts and Animation) that we can submit to the local cable channel for WS/FCS
• Animated Short (plot, sound, graphics, lighting, titles/credits)
• Grants, internships, and other funding avenues
• Create a set of instructional tools to help others learn SciVis
• Research area companies employing people with SciVis skills
• Help develop a roster of guest speakers and field trip ideas

The following requirements for this Advanced Studies course are stipulated by the State of North Carolina. Each student in SciVis III must complete EACH of the following:

1. Paper: The preparation of a research paper is required by every student. Students are to select a topic that has application and implications within their chosen career pathway and lends itself to performing a skill or producing a product. Guidelines for selecting the topic should be established by the teacher. The paper uses the acquisition of knowledge through researching, writing, interviewing, and synthesizing in conjunction with applying real-world skills of time management, organization, self-discipline, persistence, and problem solving. The recommended length of the paper should be 10 to 20 typed, double-spaced pages, with a minimum of five primary and secondary sources. An interview must be one of the primary sources.

2. Working Portfolio: The working portfolio consists of two types of evidences. One type of evidence includes the student's efforts, progress, and achievement over the entire time span of the course. Examples of this type of evidence are representative samples of work correlated to course competency goals, such as homework tasks, quizzes and tests, logs, written work, survey results, self-assessment tools, independent and cooperative projects, video and audio tapes, observation checklists, rough drafts of assignments, and completed individual and group products. The second type of evidence includes such items as the project or product components and a resume to be used in employment attainment or further education pursuit. This portfolio provides evaluators and the student with a road map through the Advanced Studies course and a summary of the growth that is achieved. The final product from this course should be a part of the student's portfolio that can be shared with a prospective employer or postsecondary institution.

3. Presentation: A five-to-seven minute presentation must be delivered before a panel of evaluators. A question and answer period should follow the presentation. The panel should be composed of educators and community members with knowledge or background relevant to the project area. The presentation should culminate the Advanced Studies course work.

4. Product: The product is an appropriate and logical extension of a research paper. It demonstrates the application of acquired knowledge through a reflective, physical, and/or intellectual stretch. The product may reinforce real-world skills, such as decision-making, problem solving, and time management. Outside class work is required.

Please review these general requirements with your parents/guardian and sign below that you understand what will be required of you in Advanced Studies.

Student Signature___________________________ Date________

Parent Signature_____________________________ Date________