EIGHTH GRADE CAPSTONE PROJECT
The 8th Grade Capstone project is the culmination of a student's academic work at Congressional School. The project is intentional in its overall objective, providing a purpose-based learning opportunity for our 8th grade students. It is a time for our students to find an area of interest, explore deeply, take action, and communicate with the broader Congressional School Community.
Alumni, Karmen talks about her Capstone Project experience
PAUL: RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MUSIC & COLOR
Paul ‘22 decided to pursue a Capstone topic he has been passionate about for quite some time now: music. Paul completed his music album Stripes&Sinewaves as part of his capstone project, in which he explored the relationship between color and texture to music. He also studied the phenomenon of synesthesia in music. The word “synesthesia” has Greek roots and is translated to “to perceive together.” Paul described the phenomenon as having a second sensory perception, such as seeing color when you hear sound. This is something Paul says he experiences when he listens to and plays music, and this is what Paul wanted to explore more deeply during his musical process.
“In order to make this album successful, I had to put in full effort,” Paul said. After completing his album, Paul had classmates listen to samples of his songs and draw what they saw as an example of how synesthesia works. Stripes&Sinewaves was released on April 29th to all major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube, and is available for listening now. Paul is very proud of his album and was so happy to be able to incorporate his love of music into his capstone project. “It means a lot,” Paul said. “I’ve finally found something that makes me happy.”
Click the video above to watch Paul's Capstone Presentation on Relationships Between Music and Color.
Click the video above to watch Owen's capstone presentation on Climate Change and Wildlife Conservation in East Africa
OWEN: CLIMATE CHANGE AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN EAST AFRICA
Owen '24 decided to pursue a topic on Climate Change and Wildlife Conservation in East Africa. Owen chose this topic because he has family in Kenya that he visits each year, and noticed that climate change has affected the wildlife over time. As part of his project, Owen discussed mitigation strategies to combat climate change and showcased his very own children's book Trouble in the Savanna, which he read to first grade students.
"We need to raise awareness about climate change in East Africa because it is detrimental to their wildlife."
SAMPLE CAPSTONE PRESENTATIONS
As a part of their project, students presented their research to members of the Congressional community. Enjoy a few sample presentations below:
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