Divorce

Volunteering for Mrs. Baker’s 8th grade class

Michael Blackley

Mentor: Harriet Baker

Advisor: Pam Peedin

Teacher: Nan Danehower

Why I chose my topic and product

I chose this topic because I was affected by divorce at a early age and wanted to learn more.

The reason I choose to volunteer at the middle school was to get a child’s perspective on the topic.

Does divorce cause long term effects on a family?

Many recently divorced parents have financial issues after they separate.

Children who move from house to house have difficulties making friends.

Divorce usually causes a huge distraction from school work.

Facts

Children affected by divorce are more likely to repeat a grade and have a higher drop-out rate.

Abuse is higher in step-children than among children of intact families.

Studies show that divorce reduces parent-child affection.

Research Obstacles

Had difficulty finding enough articles about divorce to use as quotes.

Finding credible information.

Figuring out how to make a graph.

Research Successes

Learned how to correctly type a research paper and make a works cited page.

Proper format for making note cards.

Volunteering - My Trifold

Through my research I have found that students who have experienced divorce have a lower academic performance.

For my product I held a debate on several different separation issues in hopes of giving a better understanding of how to deal with them.

Mentor

Assistance:Helped me prepare the lesson plan.Gave me ideas on what to do with her class.Contributed to the debate topic ideas.Gave me a middle school debate book with

worksheets.Assisted me with the class on the day of my product.

Learning Stretch

This experience helped me open up to volunteering.

Also helped me learn more about divorce from a different perspective.

Product Obstacles

Finding free time in between me and Mrs. Baker.

Scheduling a day to do my product.

Coming up with debate topics that did not directly deal with separation.

Product Successes

Helped students further understand separation from several different perspectives.

Learned how to properly hold a middle school debate.

Self reflection

Through the graduation project I somewhat overcame my fear of presenting.

Provided me with a learning stretch which will ultimately further prepare me for college.

Thank you for you time!

Are there any questions?