When high school rolls around, you might want to consider a homeschool capstone project for your student. Capstone projects are an excellent way for students to pull their existing skills together and build on them. In fact, with their potential for individualization, you’d think capstone projects were designed with homeschoolers in mind.
For many, it’s a chance to learn more about a career that they’re considering. My two oldest both completed engineering based capstone projects their senior year of homeschooling in high school. My youngest will do one as well, although he may go in a different direction. That’s the beauty of capstones – they can be designed to accommodate nearly every interest.
What is a Capstone Project?
Simply put, a capstone is a project for a senior in high school or college. It’s usually (particularly in the case of college) a project based on the student’s career interests. Many high schools offer a capstone project option for seniors now, but there’s no standardized formula.
There are, however, some common elements of successful and comprehensive capstone projects. Capstones usually include:
- A Thesis or Letter of Intent – This is a statement of the proposed project and its purpose.
- A Mentor – Students should find someone who has experience related to the project and is willing to provide expert guidance. Ideally this is a member of the community, not a teacher or parent.
- Research – Students may have some prior knowledge, but they should do further research to define the project and find the resources to complete it.
- Execution – This portion can take many forms. Students may create a product, build a model, make a website, conduct experiments, plan and hold an event, complete a community service project, take political action, create art, and more.
- Reflection – Traditionally, students write a paper that summarizes their capstone, from inception to completion. As an alternative, the student could create a documentary or portfolio of their work.
- Presentation – The completed project is presented to teachers, mentors, parents, and/or community members.
Capstone Project Examples
In addition to guiding my own children through capstone projects, I was fortunate enough to help with a local high school’s capstone projects. Here’s a small sampling from both places:
- Designing a tiny home
- Organizing a used shoe drive
- Holding a fundraising basketball tournament
- Analyzing rocket tip design
- Modeling and assessment of an atmospheric water generator
- Organizing a youth first aid camp
- Building a little library
- Designing a website for a business
- Starting a business
- Writing a novel
- Teaching Cyrillic alphabet basics
- Designing an athletic injury prevention program
From this short list, it’s easy to see endless possibilities. Even within the ones listed above, there are many different approaches for a student to take. Given the flexibility and potential of these projects, capstones are a natural fit for homeschooling in high school.
Let me know if you have any questions about homeschool capstone projects.
Note: Many students, like mine, do both a capstone and take the SAT or ACT. However, a capstone project is one alternative to meet Colorado high school graduation requirements for those who don’t wish to take the SAT or ACT. See your state and/or county website for up to date graduation requirements.
Related Resources:
Homeschooling through High School
Graduation Guidelines: Colorado Department of Education