The following components are indicators of quality project submissions and are closely correlated with the North Carolina Graduation Project:
Application
- Title describes intent concisely and appropriately
- Effectively defines the research problem and states the research question
- Research problem is creative, sensible and substantive
- Abstract conveys sense of the full problem concisely and effectively
Plan
- Project components listed in adequate detail
- Correlated timeline included
- Budget included
- Other important project details included
Research Mentorship
- Suitable mentor identified and recruited, if applicable
- Mentor(s) given proper credit
Research Paper and Report
- Problem and associated concepts are adequately researched
- Writing exhibits scientific style: clear and to the point
- Writing exhibits proper grammar and spelling
- All appropriate sources are listed
- Citations and references adhere to proper format
- Successfully establishes the scientific concept of the research
- States hypothesis and provides logical reasoning for it
- Methodology is described in enough detail to allow replication
- Scientific methodology is solid (i.e. controls, multiple trials, etc.)
- Appropriate data is presented
- Conclusions demonstrate a clear link between the data and the research question
- Successfully addresses other issues pertinent to the research
- Demonstrates clear and thoughtful scientific inquiry
Research Project
- Physical manifestations of the research are developed
- Portfolio developed
Oral Research Presentation, if invited
- Opens with effective statement of overall findings
- Presents verbal findings clearly and with sufficient support
- Presents visuals clearly and accurately
- Format of tables and figures are correct
- Handouts provided
- Artifacts provided
- Persuasive arguments are presented
- Conclusions are drawn and presented
- Demonstrates ownership of research project
- Able to explain research project to non-scientists