White Paper Requirements

This is section is home to an ongoing list of resources and information you will need to complete your white paper.  Check back as our notes and agreements will be posted here.

What is a white paper?

A white paper explains a problem and offers a solution.

What should your white paper do?

Your paper should inform your reader of the history of your topic, history of the problem, and how your product will solve the problem.

Is there suggested a structure?

An Intro,  A History of the Problem, An Explanation of Your Solution

Is there a required format?

Full MLA format is required.

Where can I get some help with this paper?

First, ask your teacher.  Second, check OWL’s page on white papers and OWL’s page on MLA format guide.

My white paper outline is due on Friday, February 12th; what should that look like?

A minimum of a five point outline is required.  Your outline should show how you plan to introduce your topic (ex. music is essential to human culture), a history of your chosen field (ex. the five most influential advancements in music technology), an analysis of the problem in your chosen field (ex. a look at current harp technology and the shortcomings of current harps), and an explanation of how your product will overcome this problem (ex. the laser harp and why it’s so cool).  Your outline does not need to be overly detailed, a numbered list no longer than a page will do, but it must show a clear direction.

Map of the First Half of Your White Paper

The first half of your white paper is a research and a historical paper.  Provide enough background to prove that you are knowledgeable in your fields of study and make everything build up to the claim that there is something lacking in the current state of your field - it is your product that will fill this void!

The Second Half of Your White Paper

The second half of your white paper is technical document that explains how your product works.  There is not a proscribed structure for the second half of your white paper, as there is with the first half.  What you need to concentrate on is describing your product in detail and pitching your product to developers.  How you decide to structure this part of your paper will depend on the type of product you have.  Try to write so that your paper will have an impact on your readers.

More on MLA Format

There are two things to focus on to get your paper into MLA format. 

The first is a bit of checklist of little things that you should go through to make sure you have the page formating correct.  You can find this list on the OWL site and  I have also copied below...

    * Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper.

    * Double-space the text of your paper, and use a legible font like Times Roman. The font size should be 12 pt.

    * Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks (unless otherwise instructed by your instructor).

    * Set the margins of your document to 1 inch on all sides. Indent the first line of a paragraph one half-inch (five spaces or press tab once) from the left margin.

    * Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. (Note: Your instructor may ask that you omit the number on your first page. Always follow your instructor's guidelines.)

    * Use either italics or underlining throughout your essay for the titles of longer works and, only when absolutely necessary, providing emphasis.

    * If you have any endnotes, include them on a separate page before your Works Cited page.

Also, make sure that your first page is formated like the example on the OWL site.

The second is getting your citation in order.  This is a two part process.  First you must place your in-text citations in your paper, then you must create a properly formated works cited page.  Let’s look at these steps in greater detail...

In-Text Citations

The first question you face is, “What do I need to cite?”  The OWL site tells us, “Common sense and ethics should determine your need for documenting sources. You do not need to give sources for familiar proverbs, well-known quotations or common knowledge. Remember, this is a rhetorical choice, based on audience.”  This means that if your commenting factual claim that is not common knowledge, you should cite where you gathered the information.

Here is an example of what it should look like for a website...

Before plating either the Nickel Master or Nickel Positive Matrices, they need to be pacified to prevent the next matrix from adhering to the previous matrix. Several different methods were used such as the album soaking method, the Electrolytic method, and the soaking in a di-chromate solution method.   (www.recordknowhow.com)

Here is an example of what it should look like for paper text...

Before plating either the Nickel Master or Nickel Positive Matrices, they need to be passified to prevent the next matrix from adhering to the previous matrix. Several different methods were used such as the album soaking method, the Electrolytic method, and the soaking in a di-chromate solution method. (Stevenson 42)

Works Cited Page

The second part of the citation takes place on the works cited page.  Any citation that that you make in-text must have a full citation on your works cited page.  Again, see the OWL page on Works Cited for the full guide.  Here is an overview.

Here is the generic structure for an electronic resource...

Site Author. “Page Title.” Website Title. Date Accessed. Organization the Published the Site.

Date of Publication. <www.url.com> 

Here is an example of what a citation should look like for the example above...

Garcia, Elizabeth. "How Records are Made." Online Record Corner. 8 May 2006. The Film School of New Hampshire. 2 May 2002. <http://www.recordknowhow.com/made>

Here is the generic structure for a paper text...

Author. Book Title. Location of Publisher: Publisher, Date of Publication

Here is an example of what a citation should look like for the example above...

Stevenson, John. How to Make Records. New York: Viking, 1997.

Fill out your work cited citation as completely as you can.  If you do not have some of the information listed in the examples, just skip it and put in what you do have.  The key is that you keep your paper clean, as in readable, and that the reader can track down your source.

Images In-Text

Your in-text images must also be cited.  Do this by putting the citation right below the image using a text box.  The image should also have a full citation on your works cited page.  Here is an example of what this looks like..

More Help

Please use the OWL site to help you with MLA formatting.  There is also a great resource from Duke University.  If you want to try an online program to help you with your Works Cited page, try the Citation Machine or EasyBib.

And ask me for help!!!

To the members of the senior class from your instructors:

There is a time when every student must prove to their teachers and to their community what they have learned.    You have been a student of science, engineering, language arts, history and several elective subjects and you are now ready to face your greatest academic challenge to date – your senior project.  The senior project is your magnum opus at Technology High School; it is where you show the world what you can do.  To this end we present you with the following scenario.

You are an “up and comer” in your company and you have just returned from a brainstorming session with the CEO and her staff.  You presented an idea for a new engineered product that excited your colleagues and engendered a great deal of discussion.  You came away thinking that your idea may have a shot at making it to market and you’re feeling like you’re on top of your game.  Now you get the e-mail…

“Congratulations.  You are enthusiastically promoted to product manager and charged with bringing your idea to fruition.  You will report to the Vice President for Research and Marketing.  Please begin to put your team together and bring the product to market in the shortest time possible.  Once again, congratulations on the occasion of your promotion and good luck.”

This means it’s time to get to work!  You will present to a panel of industry experts and the faculty the week of May 17th.  This presentation is to be the culmination of all of your work, but there are many other products that will need to be created before you can get to the final show.  A white paper that analyzes the history of the problem your product addresses and that explains how your product will overcome this challenge is the first component that will be submitted.  A complete business plan and production budget is also required. Next, you are expected to create a functional prototype of your product.  If you complete these steps, then you will be ready to prepare for the most challenging presentation of your high school career.  Are you ready to begin?

You have a lot to do, but we are here to support you through the whole process.

Have fun with your final project at Tech High.

Show us what you can do!

Technology High School Senior Project 2009

If I Build It, Will They Buy It?

What problems are involved in engineering, marketing, and effectively selling a product?

Estimated timeline: Spring Semester

Integrating disciplines in this project:

1) Engineering

2) Economics

3) Language Arts

Driving discipline for this project: Engineering

Main products of this project:

1) White Paper

2) Business Plan

3) Physical Engineering Product

4) Multimedia Marketing Presentation

Description of the final exhibition:

Students will present their engineered product to a group of “potential investors”.

Project Overview

Essential Question:

If I build it, will they buy it?

What problems are involved in engineering, marketing, and effectively selling a product?

What content knowledge will students acquire?

Students will learn about the processes involved in planning and creating an engineering product, the intricacies of creating a business plan, and the nuances of powerfully presenting their ideas.

How will students demonstrate understanding and apply knowledge?

Students will acquire a basic understanding of designing and engineering a product.  They will learn how to construct a business plan involving including all aspects of resource management,   production, and marketing.  In the research paper they will hone their skills in communicating effectively, using resources wisely, and understanding the historical perspective in innovation and engineering.  The culminating exhibition will be a multimedia marketing presentation in which students will demonstrate mastery of persuasive marketing techniques, clear communication, technical expertise, and content knowledge.

How will students reflect on their learning during and this project?

Students will reflect on their learning by having frequent conversations with their mentors.  These conversations will be written up in their journals.

What Essential Abilities and Attributes will be assessed in the course of this project?

Critical thinking, creative expression, effective communication, and reflective learning are all addressed in the execution of this project.  

Project Resources

Computer and Internet resources

Research- requires the use of the library and Internet.

Physical Project- use of shop for tools, materials for construction of engineering product,

Multimedia Presentation- cameras, projectors, multimedia production equipment

Assessment

See rubrics

•If I Build It Historical Paper Rubric

•If I Build It Business Plan Rubric

•If I Build It Physical Engineering Product Rubric

•If I Build It Marketing Presentation Rubric

Standards

Engineering:

The state of California does not have standards for high school engineering courses.

Economics:

12.1 Students understand common economic terms and concepts and economic reasoning.  Examine the causal relationship between scarcity and the need for choices.  Explain opportunity cost and marginal benefit and marginal cost.

Language Arts:

Writing Strategies

1.3 Structure ideas and arguments in a sustained, persuasive, and sophisticated way and support them with precise and relevant examples.

1.4 Enhance meaning by employing rhetorical devices, including the extended use of parallelism, repetition, and analogy; the incorporation of visual aids (e.g., graphs, tables, pictures); and the issuance of a call for action.

1.5 Use language in natural, fresh, and vivid ways to establish a specific tone.

1.6 Develop presentations by using clear research questions and creative and critical research strategies (e.g., field studies, oral histories, interviews, experiments, electronic sources).

1.7 Use systematic strategies to organize and record information (e.g., anecdotal scripting, annotated bibliographies).

1.8 Integrate databases, graphics, and spreadsheets into word-processed documents.

Writing Applications

2.6 Deliver multimedia presentations:

a. Combine text, images, and sound and draw information from many sources (e.g., television broadcasts, videos, films, newspapers, magazines, CD-ROMs, the Internet, electronic media-generated images).

b. Select an appropriate medium for each element of the presentation.

c. Use the selected media skillfully, editing appropriately and monitoring for quality.

d. Test the audience’s response and revise the presentation accordingly.

Listening and Speaking Strategies

1.4 Use rhetorical questions, parallel structure, concrete images, figurative language, characterization, irony, and dialogue to achieve clarity, force, and aesthetic effect.

1.5 Distinguish between and use various forms of classical and contemporary logical arguments, including:

a. Inductive and deductive reasoning

b. Syllogisms and analogies

1.6 Use logical, ethical, and emotional appeals that enhance a specific tone and purpose.

1.7 Use appropriate rehearsal strategies to pay attention to performance details, achieve command of the text, and create skillful artistic staging.

The Senior Project Calendar

All Dates Are Subject To Change

Engineering Log & Prototype Proposal

First, you must submit a formal proposal for review.  You may begin your project once your proposal is approved.  There are four main products required to complete your senior project (viz., white paper, business plan, prototype and marketing presentation).  These products are interdisciplinary and include input from departments of English, Economics and Engineering (E3). Several important preliminary products are also required for each individual department including drafts of papers, your engineering log and a prototype proposal before the Senior Engineering Class.

As you begin your project there will be periodic design reviews.  Mostly these will be with one or two of your supervisors and peers.  As your project begins to come together you will develop thorough, detailed plans and you will be able to answer some tough, technical questions, e.g.:

•How will you construct the prototype?  What is the timeline?

•What are possible sources of failure?  Are there backups?

•Who sells the materials (vendors) and what are the specifications?

•What tools or facilities are required?

After thorough research and much thought, you will present your prototype proposal to a large group from the Engineering Department for critical review in order to gain input from as many minds as possible.  This is a brain-storming session where you may demonstrate your well thought-out ideas and tap other minds for those details you may have overlooked.

Your engineering log is the place for you to keep notes, ideas, records of research references, conversations, sketches and experimental data – in short, everything that transpires concerning Senior Engineering should be reflected by an entry in your log. This is how you earn your pay (grade) during ongoing development of a product. 

(Note:  electronic versions of logs are permitted only where a suitable authentication and change control system is in place.)

Engineering Log Format:

The Engineering log must be permanently bound with quadrille-ruled leaves.

The log begins three leaves (6 pages) into the book.  This is to allow space for a table of contents and final thoughts to be added when the book is to be retired and archived.

Every page is to be enumerated starting with page one on the page with your first entry.  TOC pages and the other pages at the beginning are enumerated with lower case roman numerals when these entries are made.

Entries are dated on a daily basis.  If the time of day is important time stamps may follow the date.  There should be an entry for every class you attend and any meetings with engineering partners held outside of class.

Empty spaces or blank pages should be lined through.  Completely blank pages should be lined through and noted with phrase “This page intentionally left blank” (or the abbreviation TPILB).

Charts, graphs and drawings that are included in the Engineering Log should be permanently affixed and authenticated by signature or initials.  Inclusions must not extend beyond the pages of the log.

Logs will be reviewed and authenticated from time to time by your instructor.