Page 11 - Demo

Choose Your
Path
Rising seniors must decide to take one of three paths that will complete their Edgewood career with a diploma of distinction. They have the option of taking Leadership, Science Research, or AP Capstone.
Science Research
Does designing experiments and testing hypotheses sound
interesting to you?
If so, science research might be the class for you. Students in science research can explore any topic that interests them, and can carry out any kind of research no matter how sophisticated. Science research students are tasked with finding a problem and creating a solution through their own experimentation and research. Before the science fair in February, students must have their experiments complete and presentations ready for the judges.
“I love seeing students finding a problem and coming up with a solution,” Mr. Ryan Cilsick said.
He, along with the entire school, enjoys seeing what the students come up with each year. One of the benefits of taking this class is the financial support that the district provides to aid students. They give money to students so that their costs are covered. Cilsick shared some advice for rising seniors so that they can start the class more prepared.
“I would encourage anyone who is taking the class to have an idea for their experiment before the school year starts so that they can get a headstart,” Cilsick said.
This class is fit for those who have a passion for science and conducting original research. While academically challenging, science research has proven to be an enjoyable and educational program.
AP Capstone
With an interest in individual research,
AP Research may be the course for you. AP research is the second part of the two-year Capstone program, with AP Seminar being its precedent. The goal is to complete research, write a paper, and submit it by the end of the year. Rising juniors should consider enrolling in this program because of the academic enrichment that can be gained from it. The main advantage of Capstone is the fact that it is mostly self-paced and student driven, which is appealing to students looking to work independently. The skills learned in this class will help prepare students for college writing and research. Mr. Michael Brocchini explained that the class allows students to work independently and research anything they want.
“The whole class is centered around students developing, implementing, and defending a research project that is their own choosing,” Brocchini said.
Students who are interested pursuing a sophisticated project should consider Capstone because it has a platform that allows students to excel academically. Of course it also counts towards AP credit as well.
“Seeing the projects that kids come up with is very interesting. [They are] developing skills that will benefit them throughout their entire academic career,” Brocchini said.
Story by Joseph Frey
Leadership
If you’re the creative type,
Leadership class has limitless projects that will allow you to unleash your imaginative potential. Mrs. Susan Rhoden teaches leadership class, where students are tasked with completing a community service project as well as writing a research paper. Those who want to benefit their community should consider leadership because there are many organizations who are in need of volunteer work to help achieve their goals. Rhoden refers to leadership as the “hands-on class” because the project is completely in the hands of the student. Students can use their talents and skills and apply it to a project of their choosing. Students must have their projects approved and must follow the guidelines for carrying out a community service project.
“You have a lot more opportunities for the type of project you want to do,” Rhoden said.
The best way to see what leadership class is about is to visit the media center during Senior showcase, where all of the projects are put out for display in the Media Center. This gives underclassmen a preview of what they will be doing when they become seniors.
Ultimately, Leadership enables students to express their creative abilities with their projects.
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