Introduction

The capstone project is a culmination of all of your hard work throughout college. It is the culmination of everything you have learned over the past four years, but it also gives you an opportunity to show off your skills and learn new ways to apply those skills. The goal of this project is not only to demonstrate what you know, but also how well you can apply that knowledge with others.

I will discuss the following with my site supervisor:

During our meeting, you will discuss the following:

• • The need for and importance of the capstone project.

• • What is involved in a Capstone project in which I am interested in pursuing?

• • How can I obtain guidance and support from my school regarding this project? Is there an adviser available who can help me develop my idea further? If so, what are their qualifications and areas of expertise (i.e., computer science vs engineering)? Do they have any publications related to their field that might be helpful when developing my idea into an actual product or service?

• • How can I structure the project to meet expectations of mentor/teacher(s), as well as those of myself as a student within that course program (i.e., final report deadline).

1. The need for and importance of the capstone project, including how it fits into the curriculum.

In order to successfully complete a capstone project, you need to be able to:

• • Understand the purpose of the capstone project.

• • Write well in both research and writing formats.

• • Design a research or creative project that fits within your field of study and meets its stated learning outcomes.

2. What is involved in a Capstone project in which I am interested in pursuing.

As you consider the Capstone project that you would like to pursue, you should think about what it means for your future. You may want to do this project because it will help with one or more of these items:

• • It will give you experience in working with others who have different backgrounds and experiences than yours.

• • It will give insight into how other people work within their organizations, which could help in your own career development.

• • The knowledge gained from working on an actual case study could be useful if there is ever another opportunity for this kind of experience again (or even if there isn’t).

3. How I can obtain guidance and support from my school regarding this project.

You will need to first contact your mentor, who is a subject matter expert in the field. Your teacher can also provide guidance and support for this project.

You may also want to consider contacting your school’s academic advisor, career center or building manager for help understanding how to obtain funding for your project.

If you would like advice from other people who have completed similar projects before us then we would recommend asking our friends/family members/coworkers for advice when writing our proposal letter.

4. How I can structure the project to meet the expectations of my mentor and school and improve student learning in an engaging way.

• • How I can structure the project to meet the expectations of my mentor and school and improve student learning in an engaging way

One way to meet these expectations is by finding a way to engage students. This may mean using interactive tools or videos, providing them with feedback on their activities, or giving them opportunities for peer collaboration. As you plan your project, consider how you will let students see that you are listening to them as well as hearing them—and make sure it’s something they want!

5. How I can obtain any special permissions, such as for confidential information or for working outside of school hours or on non-school days.

You should always get permission from your site manager, mentor, supervisor and other sources before you do any work for the site.

You may need special permissions if you are working outside of school hours or on non-school days.

6. What resources are available through the school, through a district, or from other sources to help me plan and complete a Capstone project.

• • What resources are available through the school, through a district, or from other sources to help me plan and complete a capstone project?

• • How can I get funding for my project?

• • What do I need to know about copyright laws before I begin working on my capstone project (if applicable)?

Conclusion

Now that you have a better idea of what to expect, it’s time to get started. I hope that these tips will help you feel more confident in your Capstone project and provide some useful ideas for getting started!