What is a Capstone?

A Capstone is a self-initiated, self-paced, independent research project that affords students the opportunity to receive school credit while researching and focusing on a topic of special interest to them.

• Self-initiated: Students choose to complete a Capstone because they want to,
  not because they have to.
• Self-paced: Students work in their free time, with no dictated deadlines,
  no pressure, no stress.
• Independent: Students work autonomously, outside of school, with guidance from mentors in the community.
• Research Project: Students conduct creative, scholarly, or scientific work.
• School Credit: Students may earn up to 5 credits depending on the hours and effort exerted.
• Topics: Students may choose almost any subject that is of interest to them.

Why should a student do a Capstone?

• Earn up to 5 school credits
• Receive the Capstone medal
• Work with community mentors
• Learn something meaningful to you
• Build your career opportunity network
• Receive recognition at the Capstone celebration
• Wear your Capstone medal to graduation
• Receive acknowledgment in the graduation program
• Recorded on your high school transcript for college recruiters to admire

What would be a good Topic?

• Career Interests
• Scientific Interests
• Scholastic Interests
• Starting a Business
• Hobbies & Activities
• Volunteer Experience
• Clubs & Organizations
• Travel & Foreign Countries
• Recreation & Leisure Pursuits
• Political Campaign Experience
• Music, Dance, Art, Entertainment...

What is the Capstone Process?

1. Meet with Mr. Slawson
   • Start during any year of high school
   • Brainstorm your topic
   • Brainstorm suitable mentors
   • Pick-up a Capstone brochure
     or click here to download the brochure .pdf file
2. Complete the Capstone Application
   • Ask Mr. Slawson to email an application to you
     or click here to download the application & example .pdf file
   • Fill-out the application on a computer
   • Print and/or email the completed application to Mr. Slawson
3. Work with Mentors
   • Recruit suitable Mentors
   • Get research guidance from your Mentors
4. Conduct your Research
   • Write in a journal or take good notes about your experience
   • Take photos and/or record video during your experience
   • Document the number of hours you spend planning & working on your Capstone: 90 hours = 5 credits, 72 hours = 4, 54 = 3, 36 = 2, 18 = 1
     
5. Write a Report
   • Describe what you experienced, performed, completed, realized, accomplished, learned…
   • Express how it made you feel, how it changed you…
   • Report must have a minimum word count of 1000 words (about 3 pages)
   • Print and/or email your report to Mr. Slawson
6. Create a Multimedia Presentation of your Report
   • Use PowerPoint, Movie Maker, or similar software
   • Visually communicate your report
   • Use photos and/or videos taken during your experience
   • Verbally communicate your Capstone report
7. Perform your Multimedia Presentation
   • Choose your audience
   • Schedule a date, time, & location with Mr. Slawson
   • Presentation needs to be finished by March of your senior year

Mike Slawson
Capstone Coordinator
488-6068
mslawson@psdschools.org