Senior Capstone
Introduction and Overview
What is the Senior Capstone Project, and what is its purpose?
The Senior Capstone Project, which is a graduation requirement, is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply all that they have learned in their four years of high school into a project which will extend their learning, stretch their potential, and challenge their abilities. The work of the Capstone Project consists of 5 Phases: The Introduction/Proposal, the research paper, the portfolio, the presentation, and the reflection. The goal is to choose a topic of interest to the student and explore that topic in depth. This might include investigating a topic they have always been curious about, an internship that has led to deeper career interest, a yearning to complete a service learning project that assists their community, or choosing something they know little about and taking their understanding to a new and challenging level.
This handbook will guide each student through this journey every step of the way. It includes the information and forms they will need to complete the Senior Capstone Project.
What are the five Phases of the Senior Capstone Project?
The Proposal:
Student and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be introduced to the Senior Capstone Project. Each student will receive a Student guide identifying the requirements as well as timelines for completing assignments related to the Capstone Project. Consent forms will also be given as well as a Proposal Form that outlines the students’ topic/area of interest. Students will be responsible for writing a letter of intent that solidifies their topic, and include why they chose the topic, and what they will research. Additionally, students will identify four (4) research questions that will be explored and answered during the project. You will be assessed on identifying a topic/area of interest and the creation of four (4) good research questions.
The Paper:
All students will be researching and writing a paper of approximately 6-8 pages, based on their topic or area of interest. They will use primary and secondary sources to gather information as well as interviews, hands-on work experience and various school-related opportunities.
The Portfolio:
The portfolio provides a demonstration of required lessons learned during the research phase of the project. The purpose of the portfolio is to document the process of the Senior Capstone Project in all its dimensions. The portfolio could include work from past classes, a resume and letters of acceptance from post-secondary endeavors, but must have notes from research, copies of their proposal, letter of intent, interview information, citations and any other information that tells of the journey with this project.
The Presentation:
Each student will be delivering an 8-10 minute oral presentation that describes their research and demonstrates their project fully. This presentation is done before a panel of IAB or community members, parents and staff on a specified evening (TBD). The Presentation is their chance to demonstrate what they know and what they can do.
The Reflection:
The greatest sign of solid learning is to have students reflect on their experience. With that in mind, students will reflect on their Capstone experience by completing a short 2-4 page essay that describes their learning and discusses the answers to their research questions. Guiding questions will be available for students to assist in this phase.