Capstone Steps
Deciding on the Capstone 1. Generalize: Decide the Career pathway you are interested in. Ex. Computer science, Tourism, Business… 2. Subject Area: Explore your general subject area to determine a specific area of interest. Think about the inquiry questions from last term. 3. Topic: Choose a focus topic within subject area and resources you can access. 4. Project Strand: Pick which of the 5 project strands you want to use for the presentation (Research/Experiment, Event, Service, Career Experience, Product) Example Step 1: Architecture Step 2: Modern Design and Construction Step 3: Student has always enjoyed or been drawn to this particular design of buildings. Perhaps the student is an artist, or may have even taken classes where they have been introduced design and build software. Step 4: Product Capstone with a specific focus on designing and building a model of a small private residence using modern architecture design techniques.
Research/Experiment Strand Develop your essential question. Read/review a number of academic literature related to your question. Create a thesis statement. Create an essay proposal to be reviewed by your mentor. Conduct research. Collect data. Write your first draft. Edit. Revise & type final paper. Include reference or works cited list.
EVENT CAPSTONE Select an area of interest. Research and select an appropriate event style for your chosen topic. Create an overall timeline/outline for your event. Connect with your mentor for support. Research and organize / book event location. Research and acquire technology for event. Research, determine, and contact guest speakers, talent, helpers, etc. Research and determine material(s) list. Research and create a budget. Create and distribute event marketing. Host event. Keep a journal to reflect on the process: from planning and preparing to hosting.
PROJECT CAPSTONE Select an area of interest. Start keeping a journal of your process. Brainstorm ideas of what this project could look like. Research your project - what has been done in the past? What has been done currently? Consider a timeline. What needs to be done and when it needs to be done by. Connect with your mentor to help support your learning. Design your product Create a draft of what it could look like. Construct an equipment or material list. Develop a budget, if needed. Create your project/product (min 25 hours.) Keep a written and visual journal of your progress, struggles, and successes. Manage your time well.
SERVICE CAPSTONE Research a current issue and its importance to the community. Ask specific questions about the issue you have chosen. Why is this service needed? Who benefits from this service? How could this service be provided? Research and answer questions about the issue and identify solutions to the problem. Implement your service to support the solution. Use a journal to document the process, from ideation to implementation to reflection
Career /Entrepeneur Strand Part 1 Steps of the Career Strand 1. Research an area of study/career field of interest 2. Identify local businesses, organizations, or companies that can be a source of information and mentorship 3. Incorporate ACTIVE job shadow/internship/volunteer hours with a chosen mentor(s) – “active” meaning you are not just watching, but actually working/contributing and interacting with others working in this field 4. Research a selected business/organization similar to the one you hope to one day work for or establish 5. Prepare a business plan, product, or career path plan which is original to you
Career/entrepreneur sTrand Part 2 If connecting to Entrepreneurial component 1. Conceptualize: authentic or fictional business, profit or non-profit 2. You should spend time framing and structuring the problem you are solving. 3. Think– ‘Why, What, Who, Where, When and How’ about the problem. 4. Think that you are the customer of your product or service and have that mindset. Remember that customers buy products or services that solve their problems. To think about: - Market research and analysis Design a business plan Product — Improve your product or service based on findings about what your customers really want and need. Price — Set a price based on competitors' prices, or the price a customer is willing to pay. Placement — Decide where to set up and how to distribute a product. Compare the characteristics of different locations and the value of points of sale (retail, wholesale, online). Promotion — Figure out how to best reach particular demographics (teens, families, students, professionals, etc.) in areas of advertising and publicity, social media, and branding - Implementation of Service or Product Budget: Think about your budget Career/entrepreneur sTrand Part 2
Supplies For this project you will have to get the majority of your own supplies depending on your product. We can help support you with supplies while you are in class like glue, tape, scissors and colored paper, however, you must have your own supplies to use when creating your individual project outside of class.