CFMS 8th Grade Capstone Research Project

Philosophy: Our thoughts and actions can make a positive difference in the nation and throughout the world. Awareness and understanding of the accomplishments of others can help us to grow personally as individuals and collectively as a nation.

Purpose: To synthesize learning from across content areas and employ varied print and digital research strategies to develop a personal understanding relative to how events and individuals can have a significant impact upon our nation and the world. Students will evaluate events and the actions of a specific person to develop a unique monument/memorial proposal.

Task Overview: Washington D.C. is our nation's capital and home to national memorials and monuments to honor significant events and individuals. Students will be challenged to consider how these events and individuals have been chosen and learn about the process used in creating memorials. They will use this learning to identify a person or event that is worthy of becoming a national monument or memorial in Washington D.C. and create a proposal for this plan.

Project Components:

Students will study the existing monuments within Washington D.C. and their history and relevance. Project will challenge students to:

  1. Craft a Design Proposal to include the following:
      • Title of Monument
      • Introduction (1 paragraph) - Grab the attention of your reader and state your thesis.
      • The Need for this monument (1-2 paragraphs) - What is it? Research facts and statistics that will support your need.
      • Existing Monuments (1-3 paragraphs) - Do the research!
      • Our Proposal (1-2 paragraphs)
      • Conclusion (1 paragraph) - Restate your thesis and end with a strong/ persuasive final thought or question. Include a “call to action” where you encourage the committee to choose your design to build in Washington DC
  2. Create a Model of the Proposed Monument and Design Specifications
  3. Collaboratively develop and present a slideshow to provide an overview of the overall project
  4. Independently write a Business Letter designed to propose the monument for consideration to include:
      • Use of correct business letter format.
      • Clear articulation of the the qualities/message to be portrayed via the proposed monument.
      • Description of the dimensions, materials, textures, shape, and location of the monument.
      • Description and justification for the words, quotes, symbols to be included within the proposed monument
      • Presentation and explanation of at least 2 reasons for the memorial/monument construction.
      • Identification and justification of an original name for the monument/memorial.