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.
Students will delve into an interest or passion, apply their knowledge for an authentic purpose, and showcase/share/present their experience with an audience.
Students will identify a topic of personal interest and importance, craft a central question and thesis, conduct research, and compose an essay in English class. Following winter break, students will work with a mentor to extend their learning experience. This application of their knowledge may take many forms and will be determined with and supported by the student’s mentor.
Possible applications may include:
- Community Project
- Film or documentary
- Art installation
- Musical composition
- Dramatic performance
- Invention or innovation that meets a need
A long-term, self-driven project requires proactive application of life skills. Effective execution of this project requires that the student is accountable to him or herself in its management. The following skills and actions will ensure success:
- Responsibility
- Communication
- Time Management
- Organization
- Resources
- Generate list of topics of personal interest based on topics you’ve previously learned about at home or in school, a book, t.v. show, or movie, or which you or someone close to you has experienced.
- Determine what, specifically, you want to know about each topic.
- Choose several topics and create a basic outline.
- Finalize your topic: Determine what you want to know and where you will attain information.
- Goal-Setting: Determine what steps you need to take to write your essay.
- Research and Refine: As you research for your essay, the topic may need to be refined for clarity and size.
- Complete your essay.
- With your mentor, develop plan, milestones, and goals for project after completing the essay.
- Meet with mentor regularly to report on progress, seek guidance and resources, and refine project as necessary.
- Present your project.
AVA: REDEFINING THE
DEFINITION OF BEAUTY
"We're constantly shown what society's definition of beauty is, and most of the time that definition of beauty is unrealistic and unhealthy. But me being only one person, I can't change the world, but I thought maybe I could change the definition at Congressional."
As a part of her project, Ava led a beauty workshop and began a very special Instagram page. Watch her Capstone story as she shares her journey to redefine beauty. Click the tab to the right to watch her presentation--the culmination of her work.
WILLIAM: FOUR TO FOURTEEN, MY CHALLENGE (MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY)
"I'm passionate about this project and topic because I have muscular dystrophy, and I really want to educate people so I can help as many people as I can understand muscular dystrophy and the people that it effects."
As a part of his Capstone project, William raised $5,000 to support muscular dystrophy research. Watch his Capstone story to see how. Click the right tab to watch his presentation--the culmination of his work.
SAMPLE CAPSTONE PRESENTATIONS
As a part of their project, students presented their research. Some were in front of only 8th grade students, others in front of 6th-8th grades, and others in front of the whole kindergarten - 8th grade community. Enjoy a few sample presentations below:
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