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PHS Capstone Project “Education is the process in which we discover that learning adds quality to our lives. Learning must be experienced” Willliam Glasser

Capstone Project Overview What is the rationale? Capstone Projects help prepare students for future study or career after high school. In order to complete such a project, you must rely on most of the skills that you have acquired over your entire educational experience. You must also learn to solve problems and to manage your time wisely. The broad-based research is typical of what you will be asked to do when you leave Palmetto, whether to go to college, to the military, or to the workplace. We want you to be confident, productive citizens when you leave. Successfully completing a Capstone Project can be a rewarding culmination of your secondary education if you choose a topic which interests and challenges you.

What is a Capstone Project? Capstone Project is a process that gives you an opportunity to choose a research topic, to design a related hands-on project, and to present the results to the school/community. You will choose your project topic from three broad categories- community service, personal growth, or career exploration. These categories allow a great deal of freedom of choice and also provide the option for cross-curricular work.

Capstone Project and the Common Core Standards The Research Paper -Informational Text-12.1, 12.2, 12.3 Cite strong and thorough evidence for support-annotated bibliography for paper -Informational Text-12.4, 12.5, 12.6 Sort and select text, analyzing an argument -Writing-12a,b,c,d,e,f Writing to examine complex ideas -Writing-12.7 Independent and guided research The Project -writing-12.4 Writing appropriate to the tasks (emails to mentor, formal letter, resume) -language-12.1 Language usage in speaking or writing The Portfolio -language-12.2 Standard grammar conventions 12.3 Knowledge of language for different context (written, verbal, email, letters) The Presentation -Informational Text- 12.7 Integration of knowledge and ideas; using multiple sources of information in different media to format and address a question or solve a problem -Writing-12.1 a,b,c,d,e Writing and presenting arguments to support claims-organization, formal, syntax -Writing-12.5,12.6 Editing and revision, use of technology -Speaking and Listening-12.4, 12.5, 12.6 Presentations, use of digital media, use of appropriate adaptations

What are the components for each Capstone Project? 1) Project Proposal Elements – Student will write a formal proposal that will outline the research topic and hands- on project they chose; this will be approved/or not by the Capstone Project Advisory Committee 2) Research Paper – Your English teacher will give you the exact requirements for your paper. This will be a 4 – 6 page research paper with multiple sources. 3) Interview – a source requirement for your research paper (ideally with your mentor) 4) Project – minimum 10 hours outside of school, verified by an approved mentor. 5) Portfolio – an organized three-ring VIEW binder containing letters, photos, work log/journal, reflections, personal evaluation. 6) Presentation – 5-8 minutes about research and project (including a visual) and 5 minutes of impromptu follow-up questions from the panel of judges. April 20-24th are dates of presentations in 3 classrooms at PHS. PHS Capstone Project Project Timeline Your teacher will provide specific due dates for each assignment.

Milestones Task Completed Week of Sept 10-14th Finalize research topic and hands on project Sept 11th/12th Complete Topic Submission and parent consent forms Week of Sept 22nd SPAC will meet after school to approve topics Early October Begin research in Eng classes

Week of Oct 24 Write and submit letter for approval Oct 23rd/24th Mentor Contact Form due

October-November Conduct project-related research and complete research tasks October 30th Interview Nov 25th Research Paper Due (3:10 PM) Ongoing all year Maintain portfolio/notebook February Continue working on project hours April 10th 3:10 Hands-On Project Hours due April 11th –April 20th Practice presentations in class; feedback; editing Week of April 20-24th Project Presentations for Judges How are teachers and community members involved?  You will choose a mentor who has expertise in the area that you choose for your project. This person will guide you through the hands-on component of your Capstone Project. The mentor will initial your work log verifying that you have spent at least 10 hours completing your project. (That does not mean that the mentor has to spend 10 hours working with you. An expert in your chosen field will be able to verify your work hours (independent and supervised) and will help you be accountable for your work and progress toward your goal.) Your mentor may not be a peer or a relative. The mentor must be 25 or older. We hope that your family, friends, and teachers will support you in other ways.  Judges Panel from the community will evaluate your presentation. Each panel of judges will consist of at least 4 members (community judges and PHS faculty). The Capstone Project coordinator will provide this panel of judges. Parents, community members, and others will be present for final presentation.  Your senior English teacher will guide you through the entire process. He/she will not serve as a mentor, or presentation judge. Your teacher will give you the necessary information and instruction to help you to make your Capstone Project a successful, rewarding experience. English teachers will be responsible for grading your Capstone Project work.

The following assignments are included in the Capstone Project process and will be evaluated by your Senior English teacher. Your teacher will give you the due date for each assignment.  Topic Submission Form to the Capstone Project Advisory Committee (SPAC)for approval of project topic  Letter of Intent – goes to English teacher  Research Paper  Portfolio-given to judges the day of student presentations  Presentation ** Please note that presentations will be scheduled for May 15-23rd Choose a topic for your project that you can complete before then. Your presentation score will be determined by your panel of judges; it will be recorded as a major English grade. Doing the Capstone Project is a non negotiable standard for senior level English course (see common core state standards) Capstone Project Advisory Committee (SPAC) will be assigned by PHS, and will review all Capstone Projects. If project topic, mentor, etc. are unacceptable, the student will be must re-submit the memo. Palmetto High School 804 North Hamilton Street Williamston, South Carolina 29697

Capstone Project Contract Form

As the parent/guardian of ______, a senior at Palmetto High School, I am aware that he/she has chosen to complete a Capstone Project this year on the topic of ______. I also understand that he/she requires a mentor to assist them with their project. I understand that Capstone Project presentations will be held May 15-23rd, and that this process and project are requirements for senior level English courses. I fully understand that the choice of topics is an independent decision, selected from the three broad categories of personal growth, community service, or career exploration.

I support my child’s choice of topic and give my permission for him/her to proceed. As a result, I assume full responsibility for all liability issues related to the Capstone Project, including transportation to and from all activities associated with the project and 10 community service hours.

Parent/guardian’s signature:______

Student’s signature:______

Dates:______

Teacher signature:______Capstone Project Topic Submission Form

Name:______

English Teacher:______

Class Period:______A or B

Your hands-on project must be a “stretch” from normal day to day activities. Simply going to an already scheduled practice or game is not sufficient. It is also ideal to already speak to a potential mentor before submitting this form.

Give an explanation of the topic you have chosen to complete your research paper on:______

Give an explanation of how you plan to get your service hours and what your hands-on project will be:______

To be completed by SPAC (Capstone Project Steering Committee):

Topic Approved □ Topic Not Approved □

Comments______Next step reminder to students: You must secure a mentor and have contact information within two weeks!

Letter of Intent

1632 Garden View Road Anytown, SC 29612 [return address] [email protected]

November XX, 2008

Name of your English Teacher Palmetto High School [inside address] 804 N. Hamilton Street Williamston, SC 29697

Dear your English teacher: [salutations]

When we began talking about Capstone Projects, I was totally confused about what I wanted to do. Then, I decided to consider the personal growth category and to explore something that would make a difference in my life. I like to be outside and to participate in activities that are physically and mentally challenging; therefore, for my Capstone Project, I am going to focus on the landscaping industry. My knowledge of landscaping is limited, however, because I have never studied the topic in depth or with a project in mind. [Background of project]

For my hands-on project I will landscape the back yard at my parents’ house. I plan to consult books, the internet, and my mentor, Mr. Tom Drayton, my neighbor and the owner of a nursery and landscaping business. My parents have given me permission to undertake this project, provided they are allowed to oversee my work. I will take pictures throughout the process, and my father will video me while I am working. I will also interview my parents and keep a weekly journal on their options and suggestions as well as my own reactions to the work that I have completed. Mr. Drayton has agreed to be my mentor and to guide me and inspect my work. [Description of hands-on project.]

I have some rough figures that indicate that the entire project could cost me around $750 to complete. Mr. Drayton has offered to give me some leftover plants and materials from some of his jobs, and I will be researching alternative materials to reduce the cost. I will include documentation on the cost of my project in my portfolio. [Costs]

I do not anticipate any major problems because I have the support of my parents. I am certain that there will be some circumstances that will require that I ask for help from someone regarding the heaviest work for my presentation in the spring. I will also present my portfolio for the judges to see the evidence of my work. For my presentation I will show pictures of the yard before, during, and upon completion of my project and clips from my videos. I also plan to read some of my journal entries and to share what I have learned from this project with the judges. [Description of paper, presentation, portfolio]

I have no intention of being dishonest on any part of my Capstone Project. Not only do I not want to jeopardize my English grade and lower my GPA, but also I don’t want to let myself down by cheating on a project that I really do plan to enjoy. I believe that if I work hard, ask for help when I need it, and do my best, I will be successful. I realize that I must document all my sources and give an honest account of the work that I actually do. [Statement of integrity] Furthermore, I understand that I am not allowed to do a Capstone Project presentation without fully completing my research paper, hands on project, and 5 hours outside of school.

Sincerely, [Closing]

[Signature]

Pam Palmetto [typed name] 1B English 4

Name:______The Role of Your Mentor

A mentor should be an expert in the field that you choose for your project. This person will be your guide, your instructor, your coach, your support, etc. This person may not be a peer (fellow student or teenager), or a relative. Your mentor may be a neighbor, a family friend, a member of your church, a former teacher, someone from your workplace, the instructor of a course that you are taking, etc. If you are a Career Center student and your project serves as dual credit, your Career Center instructor may be your mentor if you choose.

Your project has a 10 hour requirement, but you may choose to work many more hours than that. Most students go well beyond 10 hours! Your mentor needs to work with you sometimes, but he or she does not have to work every hour that you do. We do ask that the mentor sign your work log on the occasions that you do work together. You must spend some time with your mentor, preferably at least two hours. Also we ask that the mentor sign the bottom of your work log verifying that you have completed your ten hour requirement.

Your relationship with your mentor will depend on the type of project that you choose. Some of you will be much more dependent on your mentor than others. Yours may actually teach you how to do something or simply check to see that you have done the work correctly. This expert may be able offer advice on your research as well as your hands-on project. Whatever the role, the mentor needs to be fully informed about the entire Capstone Project process, so that he or she is truly involved.

You must give the name, telephone number, and (if possible) the e-mail address of your mentor when you write your memo to the steering committee. Your mentor will be contacted at least twice before your presentation to make certain that you are making progress with your project.

Finding a mentor is the responsibility of the student. Capstone Project Work Log

Date Hours Mentor’s Signature (when applicable)

I affirm that the information given here is accurate.______(student’s signature)

I verify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information given here is accurate. All Capstone Project related hours must be completed outside of regular class meeting times. The student doesn’t have to spend all hours directly with the mentor; but rather that the mentor serves as a contact person for assistance, and oversees any potential questions.

(mentor’s signature)

Mentor Name :______Mentor Contact Information:

Cell Phone:______

Home Phone:______

Student Information Sheet

Student:______

Hands On Project:______

Research topic:______

Category: Personal Growth Career Exploration Community Service

Mentor Contact Information

Mentor:______

Mailing Address:______

Work Phone:______Cell Phone:______Email Address:______Occupation/Place of Employment:______Area of Expertise Related to Student’s Project:______

Please attach a business card (if available)! Mentor Signature:______Date:______

Parent Contract Form on File:______Parent Permission Form on File:______Parent Signature:______Date:______

Capstone Project Portfolio

All Portfolio pages must be placed in plastic page protectors for final grading.

Binder – 3 ring VIEW binder (1 inch)

Front and Back Cover Page (text and relevant visual)

Title Page

Labeled Divider Pages (for each section)

Copy of Parent Permission Form

Letter of Intent

Mentor Interview Notes

Final Copy of Research Paper (save your work for this reprinting)

Academic/Work Resume

Photos, Sketches

Charts, Diagrams (if applicable)

Completed Work Log

Financial Report (if applicable) Preparing for Your Presentation

 Public speaking is not easy for many people, but it is an essential life skill, and every experience will build your confidence.

 For this presentation, you will prepare a 5-8 minute speech explaining your project. At the conclusion of your speech the judges will ask you questions about your project. Note: presentations that are judged as being too brief (less than five minutes) will carry point deductions. Likewise, presentations that exceed ten minutes will be stopped to avoid schedule problems.

 The panel of judges will consist of four members, possibly two from the community and two faculty members from PHS.

 A visual aid is an important aspect of your presentation. You may use PowerPoint or create a “science board” display of photos, drawings, charts, etc. For some projects, use of video clips would also be appropriate. Use these to supplement your presentation.

 If you are using technology in your presentation, you MUST check it with the equipment at school in advance to make certain that it will work properly. (Specific information on use of technology will be provided,)

 You should dress well on the day of your presentation. Think of it as a “power dressing”; you will make a better presentation if you feel good about your appearance, and appearance is part of the evaluation.

 Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!! You must practice before you stand up in front of your panel, if for no other reason than to check your timing.  The judges will be expecting the following features in your presentation: 1. Has the student thoroughly explained why he/she chose to pursue a community service, personal growth, or career exploration project? 2. Does the student’s project reflect planning, effort, and self-assessment of fulfillment of purpose? 3. Has the student’s project provided an opportunity for growth? Did the student sufficiently challenge himself/herself? 4. Does the project reflect use of community resources? (This might include taking classes, soliciting financial support, collaborating with her/her mentor, etc.) 5. Does the student use acceptable presentation skills, including consistent eye contact, appropriate gestures, articulation and sufficient volume, quality visual aids, and appropriate language?

Capstone Project Assessment Outline

Judges Panel: Below are comments, assessments, and material relevant to the student listed below in reference to his/her Capstone Project. Please find them useful as you evaluate each presentation.

For English teacher to complete: Memo to Capstone Project Steer Committee completed in timely manner: ___ yes ___no

Rough Draft Research Paper turned in timely manner: ___ yes ___no -if not, teacher will deduct 7 points on presentation

Final Draft Research Paper turned in timely manner: ___ yes ___no -if not, teacher will deduct 7 points on presentation

Student Completed work log/completed 10 hours on hands on project: ___ yes ___no -if not, teacher will deduct 7 points on presentation

Did student perform a practice presentation: ___ yes ___no

Comments:______

For student to complete: Name:______

Research Paper Title:______Project Abstract:______

Explain what you chose to do to complete your five hours of community service:______

Explain three things you learned in doing research for your paper:______

Explain how this project was a stretch for you, and something you had to go outside of the regular daily activities to do: ______

Some Previous Capstone Project Topics and Related Research

Project Topic Research Paper Topic

Become Healthcare Volunteer Alternative Medical Treatments Assist as an After-school Care Volunteer ADHD Treatments Serve as an Salvation Army Volunteer Homelessness in SC Learn Scuba Diving Extreme Sport Safety Concerns Serve as a Volunteer fireman Treatments for Burn Victims Learn swing dancing Music Therapy for Anxiety Disorders Learn to play the mandolin Origins of Bluegrass Music Search for Birth Parents Rights of an Adoptee Build a robotic hand Robotics and Prosthetics Build a house ramp for a handicapped person Diabetes Ran a marathon Running for Fitness Lost 10 pounds Weight Loss Program Tutored teenage stroke victim Strokes Taught Sunday school class for 6 year olds Elementary Education as a Career Taught my grandmother how to drive Geriatric Medicine as a Career Served as a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s Dementia and its Treatments patient Made a quilt The History of Quilting Learned to crochet The Yarn Industry Learned to sew and made a dress Fashion Design as a Career Worked at a Vet’s office Animal Rights Learned a Barrel Race The Popularity of Rodeos in the South Painted a mural Funding the Arts in Public Schools Wrote an original song The History of Acoustic Guitar Learned to play the guitar Jimi Hendrix Learned to swim Infant Swimming Programs Wrote a collection of poetry Two Poets: Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson Rebuilt an engine motor Muscle Cars Landscaped my parents yard Organic Gardening Developed a cookbook of original recipes Culinary Arts as a Career Learned to play chess The History of Chess Organized a fund-raiser golf tournament for a The Masters Tournament church mission-trip Coached (volunteer) and Upward Bound The History of Basketball Basketball team at church Pressure washed (not paid to do so) the The History of Soccer football stadium Organized and participated in a Stop Smoking The Dangers of Second-Hand Smoke campaign for your friends Created a virtual tour of PHS Digital Photography Provided transportation and assisted with an Physical Therapy as a Career exercise program for an elderly neighbor (not paid to do so) Organized and worked in a Car Wash to raise Mexico money for a mission trip to Mexico Served as a volunteer tutor in TIDES for Learning Disabilities special need learners Volunteered with Eden Farms Therapeutic Riding Programs Mentored a ninth grader Teen Gangs Teacher’s Helper SC Life and Hope Scholarship Programs

______Signature Date

Capstone Project Reflection and Feedback Form:

Now that you have completed the Capstone Project, answer the following questions honestly:

1. You selected your Capstone Project topic in October. Do you think this was too early? Why or why not? ______2. In hindsight, would you choose the same topic for research? Why or why not? ______3. In hindsight, would you choose the same hands-on project? Why or why not? ______4. How effective do you feel you linked your research paper topic to your hands-on project? ______5. Do you think your research paper grade effectively reflected the amount of work you put into your research paper ______6. Do you think your presentation grade effectively reflected the amount of work you put into your Capstone Project? Why or why not? ______7. If you were given a notebook to keep all Capstone Project related materials in, do you think this would help you in staying focused and organized all year? Why or why not? ______

Advice 8. Please list three points of advice for next year’s seniors that will HELP them do a great job on Capstone Project: a. ______b. ______c. ______

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