21st Century Capstone Project

Senior Capstone Goal: All seniors will work in groups of 2 or 3 to research a given 21st Century dilemma the Millennials will have to face or be destroyed and die a miserable and sudden death. Okay, that might be hyperbole. Well, actually it is hyperbole. In truth, the 21st Century will face many challenges; each group will research the current issues, build a Google Slides presentation, or Google Sites webpage, Prezi, or PowerPoint, then present this to the class. A YouTube video presentation will be acceptable also. For better slides in Google Slides utilize the site Slide Carnival for more aesthetically pleasing templates. 

2024 A.I. Assisted Senior Capstone

Topic 1 – Planetary Population Density: teach the class about the explosion of human population in the 20th century and the predictions of its continued growth in the 21st century.

Topic 2 – Global depletion of finite resources (oil, coal, gas) vs. future of green energy (bio, solar, wind, geothermal, etc.). How will humans deal with the effects of global warming due to burning fossil fuels in the 21st century. 

Topic 3 – In the 21st century, how will humanity feed the world. (hydroponics, food preservation, etc.) and what farming breakthroughs will be to feed the world. 

Topic 4 – Teach the class how NASA will take the USA to the moon and Mars in the 21st century.

Topic 5 – Research America's incarceration rate in the 20th and 21st centuries. Present issues concerning incarceration rates along with capital punishment. Compare and contrast the USA with other first world nations.

Topic 6 – Research the changing demographics in America concerning the 21st century. Offer data on past demographics of the 20th century along with current and predicted numbers at 2100.

Topic 7 – Research America’s current immigration policy along with its national debate. Discuss proposed solutions from a variety of groups. Present the positives and the negatives of the immigration issue that the USA faces in the 21st century.

Topic 8 – Research the recent developments in Artificial Intelligence. Provide a 20th century historical overview, current technologies, and 21st century predictions: the good and the bad.

Topic 9 - Research how China and Russia will be the new 21st century cold war for the USA.

Topic 10 - A pre-approved 21st century issue proposed by the group different from any above.

Research, Presentation, and Reading Rubric

Main Page – 10% (Google Sites Website or initial slides)

_____/2 - Groups must have a main page with student profile of each team member (college/career)

_____/2 - Groups will be 2-3 members and main page must look professional

_____/4 - Picture, Name, Class Period, Future college, bio statement (career)

_____/2 - Intended Career Pursuits (can be multiple)

Composition Book Reflections – 20% (finishing the chapter work for Alas, Babylon)

_____/5 – Chapter 8 work

_____/5 – Chapter 9 work

_____/5 – Chapter 11 work

_____/5 – Chapter 13 work

ChatGPT – 15% (Frontline, Time Magazine, NPR, Newsweek must be at least 2 referenced sources)

_____/5 – Must copy and paste GhatGPT instructions in a document and post in project

_____/5 – Included BOLDED notes in document explaining how team will use the information

_____/5 - Proof of NPR, Newsweek, Time, or Frontline)

Research Page(s) – 35%

Research Topic: 21st Century Dilemma

_____/2 - Chart and Graph (at least one of each). Include bulleted explanations.

_____/2 - 2-3 pictures with captions relating to the topic

_____/1 - 1 slide stating research and/or defining terms (audience need clear idea of project)

_____/10 - 10-15 bullet points about the topic – spread throughout charts, graphs, and pictures

_____/10 - Depth to which research addresses the prompt

_____/5 - Contact via email a professional/expert in the field

_____/2 - Embed a YouTube video (show 1 minute or less)

_____/3 - Find and use a documentary (at least 30 minutes) (YouTube videos a last resort)

Presentation – 10%

_____/2 – Exhibits knowledge of research topic/info

_____/3 – Presentation of  topical information

_____/2 – Focus upon topic and/or relationship to novel when pertinent (5-10 minutes in length)

_____/3 – Clearly prepared and in command

• Maintained eye contact, limited vocalized pause, enunciates well

Bibliography Page – 10%

_____/2 points for first two sources

_____/2 points for second two sources

_____/2 points for third two sources

_____/3 Parenthetical Citations in project

_____/1 Links attached

_____/ 100 – All total

X 5

_____/ 500 – Total Grade

Students reported to be contributing little or nothing to the cause by their peers will be removed from the group and forced to work on their own.

The senior capstone is your ENTIRE 4th quarter grade

21st Century Capstone Project

Senior Capstone Goal: All seniors will work in groups of 2 or 3 to research a given 21st Century dilemma the Millennials will have to face or be destroyed and die a miserable and sudden death. Okay, that might be hyperbole. Well, actually it is hyperbole. In truth, the 21st Century will face many challenges; each group will research the current issues, build a Google Slides presentation, or Google Sites webpage, Prezi, or PowerPoint, then present this to the class. A YouTube video presentation will be acceptable also. For better slides in Google Slides utilize the site Slide Carnival for more aesthetically pleasing templates. 

2023 Starting Line-Up

Make Room, Make Room – Harry Harrison, 2-3 students per group (Can flip with Farmer).

Topic 1 – Planetary Population Density, History of Planetary Population, Problems with water rations, Population Explosion as in cities (Mexico City, Karachi, Bombay), as well as humanity on a whole.

Topic 2 – Global depletion of finite resources (oil, coal, gas) vs. future of green energy (bio, solar, wind, geothermal, etc.). Effects of global warming due to burning fossil fuels, carbon sequestering. 

Farmer in the Sky – Robert A. Heinlein, 2-3 students per group (Can flip with Make Room)

Topic 1 – Feeding the world now and in the future, (hydroponics, food preservation, etc.) and 21st century farming breakthroughs in progress and needed to feed the world. How much more needed?

Topic 2 – History of the Green Revolution and farming advancements in the 19th & 20th century (both in technology and output).  Thomas Malthus.  The need for another green revolution.  

Time for the Stars – Robert A. Heinlein, 2-3 students per group.

Topic 1 – Interstellar travel and interplanetary colonization, possibilities, theories, plans, problems. Also, explore moon and Mars base options.

Topic 2 – NASA’s plan for robotic exploration of space-next 50 years, current missions, knowledge gained last 20 years through probes, telescopes, space station, and shuttles.

Topic 3 -  History of NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo Programs

Topic 4 -  History of the Space Shuttle and Sky Lab

Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card, 2-3 students per group (can flip with Forever War).

Topic 1 – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from WWI, WWII, Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan; cures

Topic 2 – Training and usage of U.S. Special Forces (i.e. Navy seals and Rangers)

(With both topics explore not only the process, but the cost in money and personnel)

Topic 3 – Technical “break-thru” on the horizon – Cyber Wars of the future.  High tech computer warfare.  Study up on “Stuxnet” and other global cyber-viruses and the dangers it poses to humanity.

Flowers for Algernon – Daniel Keyes, 2-3 students per group

Topic 1 – Medical “break-thrus” on the horizon; cures currently being sought for major diseases, possible ramifications upon population if cured.

Topic 2 – Technical “break-thrus" that have occurred in the last 30 years – Research medical advancements in the past quarter century that have extended the expected life expectancy of the millennial generation.  Many have occurred due to the mapping of the human genome.  

Book of LOFI – Corey L Simmins 2-3 students per group (can flip with Ameritopia 2075)

Topic 1 – Study the history of penal colonies in the world. Focus on French and English. Study pros and cons, successes and failures.

Topic 2 – Research America's incarceration rate in the 20th and 21st centuries. Present issues concerning incarceration rates along with capital punishment. Compare and contrast the USA with other first world nations.

Topic 3 – Research from Make Room, Make Room can be done

Topic 4 – Research the changing demographics in America concerning the 21st century. Offer data on past demographics, current and predicted numbers at 2100.

Topic 5 – Research America’s current immigration policy along with its national debate. Discuss proposed solutions from a variety of groups.

The Running Man – Stephen King 2-3 students per group

Topic 1 – Research global warming and climate change along with the causes linked to industrialization. Give a brief synopsis of the industrial past along with predicted models of the future.

Topic 2 – Research the financial possibilities of universal health care in the United States. Research should be neutral, not biased.

The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood 2-3 students per group

Topic 1 – Research the 20th and 21st Century sex slave trade currently taking place on a global scale.

Topic 2 – Research the subjugation of women in countries such as Yemen and Saudi Arabia and Taliban held Afghanistan

Ready Player One - Ernest Cline   2-3 students per group

Topic 1 - A two-prong research: first, the history of home based video games, and two, the potential future of virtual reality gaming.

Topic 2 - Research the damaging effects of video gaming and screen time of the developmental brains of children and teens.  Link research to ADHD, violence, and depression.  

Topic 3 – Research the recent developments in Artificial Intelligence. Provide a 20th century historical overview, current technologies, and 21st century predictions..

2001 A Space Odyssey – Arthur C Clark 2-3 students per group (can flip with The Martian)

Topic 1 – Research the current possibilities for a manned mission to Mars. Give a brief history of man’s current travels to the Red Planet..

Topic 2 – Research the recent developments in Artificial Intelligence. Provide a 20th century historical overview, current technologies, and 21st century predictions.

Topic 3 -  History of NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo Programs

Topic 4 -  History of the Space Shuttle and Sky Lab

The Bench 

Alas, Babylon - Pat Frank   2-3 students per group (Can flip with The Road or The Postman)

Topic 1 – Study and research the future of nuclear power, energy, and destruction predicted for the 21st century.

Topic 2 - Research the threat of nuclear proliferation in the 21st century.  Focus upon rogue states with nuclear weapons:  Iran, China, North Korea, Pakistan, India.  Also, highlight the amount of weapons in the world.

Topic 3 - Research Nagasaki and Hiroshima long term effects and compare to modern nuclear capabilities.  

Dracula – Bram Stoker, 2-3 students per group.

Topic 1 – Advancement of medicine and the effects (direct or indirect) upon population. Investigate and report on Joseph Lister, Albert Sabin, Alexander Fleming, Florence Nightingale, Madame Curie,  Clara Barton, and Thomas Malthus. How their creations, inventions, and advancements saved lives that otherwise would have died?

Topic 2 – study 1919 flu pandemic and 2-3 potential modern pandemic threats; study the CDC (Center for Disease Control)

Around the World in 80 Days – Jules Verne, 2-3 students per group

Topic 1 – Study Britain’s Rail and Shipping system of Victorian era, see India’s rail system and England’s-focus on engineering, Suez Canal, history of steam engine, etc.

Topic 2 – History of American technology- timeline and explanation of birth of computer to PC to Internet to smart phone. How did we technologically “arrive” in the 21st Century?

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -  Douglas Adams  2-3 students per group

Topic 1 - Research the destructive nature of man's global expansion on native species, indigenous people, and ecosystems.  Focus on items such as: coral reef destruction, tribal people in Amazon, destruction of ecosystems in Africa, Indonesia, India, or South America

Ameritopia 2075 – Corey L Simmins 2-3 students per group

Topic 1 – Research the changing demographics in America concerning the 21st century. Offer data on past demographics, current and predicted numbers at 2100.

Topic 2 – Research America’s current immigration policy along with its national debate. Discuss proposed solutions from a variety of groups.

The Road - Cormac McCarthy  2-3 students per group

Topic 1 - Research the threat of nuclear proliferation in the 21st century.  Focus upon rogue states with nuclear weapons:  Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, India.  Also, highlight the amount of weapons in the world.

The Martian - Andy Weir  2-3 students per group

Topic 1 -  History of NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo Programs

Topic 2 -  History of the Space Shuttle and Sky Lab

The Forever War - Joe Haldeman  2-3 students per group

Topic 1 - 

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea - Jules Verne  2-3 students per group

Topic 1 - 

The Postman - David Brin  2-3 students per group

Topic 1 - 

Research, Presentation, and Reading Rubric

Main Page – 5% (Google Sights Website or initial slides)

_____/1 - Groups must have a main page with student profile of each team member (college/career)

_____/1 - Groups will be 2-3 members and main page must look professional

_____/2 - Picture, Name, Class Period, Future college, bio statement (career)

_____/1 - Intended Career Pursuits (can be multiple)

Composition Book Reflections – 30%  (If you don't read a book, a 70% is your maximum grade)

_____/10 – Outline each chapter or section of novel (vocabulary acquisition can be displayed here also)

_____/10 – Depth of reflections concerning plot and theme

_____/10 – Brief bullet points on character development

Diigo – 10% (Frontline, Time Magazine, NPR, Newsweek must be at least 2 referenced sources)

_____/2 – 12 sources posted 5-8= (1) 4-10= (2) 11-12

_____/3 – engaging evidence of synthesis by members (posting facts in comment box)

_____/2 – clear evidence of each members participation

_____/3 -- clear evidence of tagging

Research Page(s) – 35%

Research Topic: 21st Century Dilemma

_____/2 - Chart and Graph (at least one of each). Include bulleted explanations.

_____/2 - 2-3 pictures with captions relating to the topic

_____/1 - 1 slide stating research and/or defining terms (audience need clear idea of project)

_____/10 - 10-15 bullet points about the topic – spread throughout charts, graphs, and pictures

_____/10 - Depth to which research addresses the prompt

_____/5 - Contact via email a professional/expert in the field

_____/2 - Embed a YouTube video (show 1 minute or less)

_____/3 - Find and use a documentary (at least 30 minutes) (YouTube videos a last resort)

Presentation – 10%

_____/2 – Exhibits knowledge of research topic/info

_____/3 – Presentation of  topical information

_____/2 – Focus upon topic and/or relationship to novel when pertinent (5-10 minutes in length)

_____/3 – Clearly prepared and in command

• Maintained eye contact, limited vocalized pause, enunciates well

Bibliography Page – 10%

_____/2 points for first four sources

_____/2 points for second four sources

_____/2 points for third four sources

_____/3 Parenthetical Citations in project

_____/1 Links attached

_____/ 100 – All total

X 5

_____/ 500 – Total Grade

Students reported to be contributing little or nothing to the cause by their peers will be removed from the group and forced to work on their own.

The senior capstone is your ENTIRE 4th quarter grade

Checklist for Senior Capstone.

Constructivism…learning by doing. Teacher is “guide on the side.” 

Socioculturalism…learning with others. Lessons:

1. Create Diigo.com

2. Lesson on search engines and Boolean operators

   1. Yahoo

   2. Google

   3. Ask

   4. Bing

   5. Dogpile

   6. Boolean Search

i. Use math symbols to assist search 

ii. Plus sign (+) [ “killer bee” + nest + appearance]

iii. Minus sign (-) [ Hawaii + climate –resort]

1. Define essential questions and nature of RE-search

2. Second Block English must start a Wiki then invite teammates

   1. Get emails from Wiki