Senior Projects & Field-Based Learning Program - Expanding Students' Horizons
The Senior Project Program is designed to be the culminating experience of a Bay School education and is the highlight of each student’s 12th grade year as he or she embarks on a journey of personal investigation and discovery. Significantly different from senior programs at many high schools, successful participation in the Bay School program is a requirement for graduation and involves a minimum of 65 hours of field work for which students earn full academic credit for a two-trimester elective course.
The program offers a meaningful opportunity for each senior to pursue an area of academic or personal interest in depth with the close guidance of an experienced mentor who provides expertise and resources. Many senior projects involve internships at Bay Area companies and non-profit organizations. Senior projects in recent years have included biotechnology research, operatic performance, brand marketing for Kashi, computer programming, design and construction of a 3-dimensional printer, marine mammal research, the production of a fashion show to benefit a San Francisco school for single mothers, submarine design and construction, educational diversity programs, and worldwide nutrition and health research.
The Senior Project and Field-based Learning Program begins during the third trimester of the junior year as students begin to investigate and identify specific areas of interest. Guided by the full-time director of senior projects, students learn to write project proposals and resumes in preparation for contacting individuals and organizations to serve as mentors. At the conclusion of their projects each student produces a deliverable from their work and makes a formal presentation to the school community. The program offers the important long-term benefits of encouraging students to explore possible areas of study in college, future careers, and ongoing involvement in their communities, as well as build valuable organizational and motivational skills.
The Senior Project Program is directed by Krissa Lebacqz. Krissa earned a BS in Earth Systems (Biosphere) and a MS in Earth Systems (Watershed Conservation and Management) from Stanford University. She served a teaching internship at Menlo School before teaching Biology for three years at Serra High School. Krissa has also taught Outdoor and Environmental education to a range of age groups. In 2007 Krissa joined Bay as a biology teacher and then in 2008 she became the Director of Senior Projects. “I believe that the ultimate goal of education should be to create a generation of citizens who are engaged in and informed about the world around them and who have the skills to tackle the challenges ahead,” says Krissa. “My goal for students in the Senior Project Program is that they discover not only their passion but gain confidence in their abilities.”
Recent Senior Project Topics have included:
Memory and Aging – UCSF neuroscience research
The Dutch Crescent – Muslim immigration in the Netherlands
Electronic Music Production
Costumes and Movement in Theater
Internship at an Architectural Firm
Understanding the Biology of Cancer Stem Cells – Internship at a biotech laboratory
International Business Decision Making
Honduran Potable Water Project
Solar Food Dehydration
Founding a Mission District Youth Forum
Financial Investment
Micro Finance Project in Columbia
Researching D-Day
Sequential Art – Graphic novels and cartoons
Writing a Screenplay
Educational Campaign Promoting Safe Cosmetics
Exploring Mural Painting
Writing a First Grade Lesson Plan
Design and Construction of an Electric Car