What is the Capstone Project Program?
The Clarksburg High School Capstone Project Program is a part of the school's Signature Program. It is a program designed to enhance and extend the comprehensive high school curriculum in a technological environment, as well as provide students with unique project based learning experiences. The program seeks to build a bridge for students between educational skills and their relevancy in the real world. It emphasizes study in Science, Technology, and Engineering.
Students are provided the opportunity to participate in a Capstone Project and exhibition in their junior/senior year exploring areas of science, technology and engineering encouraging possible career pathways, and investigating an area of interest.
The three phases of the Capstone Project include the development of a project, a five to ten page research paper on a related topic, a 10-15 minute presentation before a panel of staff, and a presentation at a Capstone Project Fair that includes a visual display of their efforts. Projects can include research based experiments, invention, or indepth exploration of topic with an action plan.
When electing to complete a Capstone Project, students will pursue their self selected topic through an Advanced Placement class, a college level class (online or in a traditional classroom), or an independent study in a guided research class in their junior /senior year. All experiences would culminate in the development of a project reflecting the exploration of that topic. The project emphasizes collaboration, research, creativity, writing, and oral presentation.
When electing to complete a Capstone Project, as possible, students will be mentored by professionals in the field of the student's interest. The project emphasizes collaboration, research, creativity, writing, and oral presentation.
How does it work?
The student will complete the project as an Independent Study:
The Independent Study can be associated with:
a.) A year long project in any junior/senior level science, technology or engineering class. They would have to meet the requirements of the Capstone Project, register with Ms. Costlow to let her know they chose this option
b.) As an independent project of interest (during the school year). They must register for a guided research class during the school registration period via a registration form available on the website and at school. They will complete their project with a handbook as a guide and report for periodic check points at a mutually agreed upon time with Ms. Costlow
*Note: If doing the Capstone Project as an independent study/guided research option, .5 elective credit will be assigned to the student. If all requirements are met, the student is eligible for recognition at graduation as a Capstone Scholar and granted an honor cord.
What are the requirements?
1. ) An in depth project in an area of Science, Technology and/or Engineering.
2.) 5 -10 page research/literature review paper related to the project topic.
3.) A developed project that incorporates experimentation, invention or indepth exploration with an action component an an area of Science, Technology and/or Engineering.
4.) You may want to pursue a mentor to consult, someone knowledgeable in your area of interest - You can select someone on your own such as a teacher or community member, or we will help you find one.
5.) A presentation to a panel of “judges” who could be students, parents, teachers, or community members.
6.) Presentation at a Signature Project Showcase in April toward the end of the school year.
How do I pick a project topic?
Choose something that interests you personally. This can be a hobby, sport, something
you learned in class, or an invovative idea would would like to pursue. It could pertain to your culture, a future career choice, an issue you care about in your community. Ms. Costlow has developed a presentation to help you come up with a topic which will be shared in your class or presented to you individually. Give yourself time to develop your idea. Ask yourself questions about your idea. What need can I meet with my idea. What do I already know about this topic? How could I experiment with what I know? What do I want to find out about this topic? Are there teachers or community members or business professionals who can help me learn more about it?
Do I have to have my project completely planned out at this point?
No, the first step is to declare your interest in doing a project as an independent study. There will be time to develop your project when your timeline starts in the Fall. Once you have determined your interest you will be asked to turn in the attached registration form to Ms. Debelius.
Can I work with another student?
Yes, you can work with another student but you will both need to write on a separate aspect of the research paper. You can present together.
Can I do the project over the summer?
Yes, you can work on the project over the summer, but the timeline will follow the school year schedue in terms of due dates.
What are the benefits of doing a Capstone Project?
•Senior Projects are incorporated by colleges and well regarded in the work world. Some students have included products from their Capstone projects in their college applications or applications to the world of work. See the Gemstone Program at the University of Maryland.
•You have the opportunity to work indepth within an area of strong interest and/or investigate something you thought could solve a problem or meet a need.
•Emphasis on real-world research, technology and presentation skills. You will receive support and coaching in the areas of project design, research, and oral presentation skills.
•A Student completing a Capstone Project will earn recognition at graduation:
Signature Scholar (2.5+ GPA)
Signature Scholar of Merit (3.5+ GPA)
What do I do if I have more questions?
If you have additional questions or a comment about this program, fill out the form below and send or contact Ms. Costlow at the email/phone at the top of this page.
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....through integrated technology 
