Senior Capstone Project 

The Senior Capstone Project is the culminating experience of the STEM Magnet Program. It provides students the opportunity to apply everything they have learned over the past four years to design, develop, and present a real-world solution to a meaningful problem.

This project represents a student’s ability to think critically, work independently, and create innovative solutions aligned to their STEM pathway:

• Engineering

• Computer Science

• Biomedical Science

Purpose of the Capstone

The Capstone is designed to:

• Demonstrate mastery of STEM knowledge and skills

• Solve a real-world problem with a meaningful impact

• Prepare students for college, careers, and future innovation

• Provide experience presenting to an authentic audience

What Students Do

Students will:

• Identify a real-world problem connected to their pathway

• Conduct research and analyze relevant data

• Design and develop a solution, system, or prototype

• Create a data dashboard to support their findings

• Refine their work through feedback and iteration

• Present their final project at the STEM Expo

Key Components of the Capstone

• Problem Statement: Clearly defined real-world issue

• Research & Data: Evidence used to support the solution

• Solution Design: Product, system, app, or innovation

• System Diagram: Explanation of how the solution works

• Data Dashboard: Visual representation of key data and findings

• Presentation: Formal presentation to an authentic audience

STEM Expo (Final Presentation)

Students will present their Capstone projects at the STEM Expo, where they will:

• Showcase their work to industry professionals, educators, and families

• Explain their design process and solution

• Receive real-world feedback

This experience mirrors professional environments such as engineering showcases, tech demonstrations, and research presentations.

Skills Developed

Through the Capstone, students strengthen:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving

• Research and data analysis

• Communication and presentation skills

• Technical and pathway-specific knowledge

• Project management and independence

Why the Capstone Matters

The Senior Capstone is more than a project—it is a demonstration of readiness.

Students leave the program with:

• A portfolio-quality project

• Experience solving authentic problems

• Confidence presenting to real audiences

• Skills that directly translate to college and careers

Connection to Earlier PBLs

The Capstone builds directly on:

• 9th Grade: Understanding problems

• 10th Grade: Using data to design solutions

• 11th Grade: Developing innovative ideas

By 12th grade, students are prepared to fully develop and present a complete, real-world solution.