Eighth Grade Research Project:

“Choose Your STEAM Career and Design A Product”

Overview
The Eighth Grade Capstone Project provides students with the opportunity to apply, broaden their
knowledge, and skills in an area of personal interest in a STEAM career while incorporating
entrepreneurship to develop their own product design. Throughout their eighth-grade year, under the
guidance of their science teacher, the eighth-grade students will complete an educational experience
determined to be worthy in scope and content of STEAM. This project requires students to demonstrate
STEAM Academic Expectations. While these skills are being taught throughout the course of the year,
students are able to identify real-world problems and solutions with Project-Based Learning (PBL),
inquiry and research-based activities.

Immersion in an area of interest to:

• Think beyond the conventional academic experience. Students may explore an academic interest,

social service, a possible career, and develop a product.

• Develop an independent learning technique, application of knowledge outside the classroom,

development of self-direction, self-reliance, and confidence

• Increase personal and intellectual growth, decision making, and independent research skills as a

transition to the worlds of college and work

• Make connections in the community through networking and developing critical communication

skills

• Understand the basic program requirements that will include adequate research in the area of study in
(STEAM) and product design, work with mentors with related careers outside the school, and
advance in journaling. Organization of the eighth research project paper, portfolio, and a final
presentation. Each student gives an oral presentation to an audience that may include mentors,
community members, parents, teachers, and other students. Students will receive a grade based on
their paper, completed portfolio, product design, and presentation. John P. Powell faculty and the
English teacher will determine the final grade.

Six major components to complete the yearly project: proposal, fieldwork, paper, digital portfolio,
presentation and research journal.

Proposal/Letter of Intent – The proposal is the foundation of the Eighth Project experience. Explore
possibilities and develop essential questions that can be turned into a project proposal. After approval for
the project, students will create a formal Letter of Intent. The proposal and letter must outline how they
will be challenging their current knowledge and how they plan to conduct their fieldwork in (STEAM).
Fieldwork in (STEAM) – Students must complete a minimum of 60 hours of fieldwork with an expert in
the chosen field of study. To accomplish this, a student must secure a community mentor who has a
proven record of success in this field. Reflective journals must be kept on the field work experience. An
average of 1 page per fieldwork hour is expected in journals (for a minimum of 10 pages of fieldwork
journals).

Eighth Grade Capstone Project Components

Research Paper –Students will need to choose a paper topic that will help them learn more about their
chosen field. The project paper will be supported in the ELA classes. The Eighth Project paper is 1 or 2
pages that can consist entirely of research or a mix of research on your developed product. The paper
must be in the form of an argument of how your product will benefit others.

Portfolio – A large portion of the Eighth Grade Capstone Project will be done inside of school, requiring
students to keep accurate records and journals. Their experiences will result in many artifacts they can
showcase to other students, faculty, parents and the community. The portfolio includes the components
that are compiled from the project throughout the year. Items such as pictures, tables, charts, and graphs,
drawings and other items should be saved and incorporated into the portfolio. The portfolios will be used
for the Eighth Grade Capstone Project presentations and for school/community exhibitions.

Presentation – The Eighth Grade Capstone Project presentation is a culminating experience to showcase
students’ accomplishments. They will make a 5-minute presentation to the class and a panel of judges,
during which visuals will be used to explain a portion of what was learned through their Eighth Grade
Capstone Project experience.

Product Project Design – See below:

1. Decide on a sub-division name and create a logo. (www.canva.com)

2. Analyze the teen market through research, interviews and questionnaires. (Produce a product of your
choice).

3. Identify which new product or service to launch first.

4. Compose a product press release for the product in e-mail format to be delivered electronically.

5. Create an advertising flyer and/or brochure for the product.

6. Establish a pricing plan for the product.

7. Take pictures of the product that you create.

8. Team members will also assume all of the roles and responsibilities listed below as they develop their

marketing plan and strategy:

Project Manager: Oversees the entire development of the marketing plan and strategy

Marketing Specialist: Develops components of the advertising campaign

Chief Financial Officer: Makes financial decisions (such as pricing) for the marketing plan

Marketing Analyst: Creates methods to measure the market, such as interview questionnaires
9. Develop a persuasive presentation to the company’s board of directors that summarizes the team's
marketing plan. Each individual team should use the Presentation Guidelines and Checklist for their
project's presentation to structure their work.

10. Everyone should have an individual or team marketing plan. Your marketing plan will be
evaluated according to a rubric that will be provided at the start of the project.

Capstone Project Completion

Students must complete and successfully pass ALL required components of the Project. They cannot
move onto the next phase of the project until the prior component is handed in and earns a passing grade.
For example, students cannot hand in their portfolios unless the paper receives a passing grade. Students
will receive a final grade which is the average of the research paper grade, the portfolio grade, product
design, and the presentation grade.

Missed Deadlines Students who miss deadlines noted in the timeline may be subject to late penalties,
losing privileges including (but not limited to) loss of graded points. Missing critical due dates for
paperwork, research paper and portfolio may result in after school sessions and/or prevent a student from
receiving the highest grade possible.

Eighth Grade Capstone Project Committee Approval

Approval of students’ project is indicated by a signature on the EJPPMS Proposal Form.

Parent/Guardian Approval

Parents/ Guardians are required to sign off on the Eighth Grade Capstone Project Proposal, the Parent
Acknowledgement form.

Students with Disabilities

Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans may require accommodations and/or
modifications to complete the Eighth Grade Capstone Project. These students will be supervised by the
science and special education teacher who will be responsible for their special education plan.

Eighth Grade Capstone Project Support

ELA Teacher

The ELA teacher is available for support with all of the 6 project components.

Parent/Guardian

Parents/Guardians are highly encouraged to be involved in the Eighth Grade Capstone Project experience
by reading all correspondences, project outline, and communicating via email or phone call and final
presentations. We also encourage parents/guardians to look at the journals, portfolios, and papers as
students develop their project.
Community/Business Mentor

The community or business mentor will serve as an expert in the field the student has chosen to explore.
The mentor will provide access to fieldwork, workplace materials, and other useful contacts to offer each
student a rich and rewarding experience. (Teachers/Educators are not able to serve as your community
mentor unless they choose to. However, it is advised that you use someone in the community, at a
college or university, or at the mentor’s place of business).

Due Date EGCP

February 13, 2024 Choose a STEAM Career
Initial Project Proposal Student & Parent Acknowledgement
Form Parent must sign off on project proposal
Submit on Schoology and Keep a copy for your portfolio

February 21, 2024 Initial Letter of Intent

Submit on Schoology and keep a copy for your portfolio
See the ELA teacher for corrections
Community Mentor Paperwork
Submit to STEAM teacher and upload in Schoology, and
upload in portfolio
February 26, 2024 Final Proposal Parent must sign off on project proposal
Submit on Schoology and keep a copy for your portfolio

February 26 – March 18, Develop Your Product Protype

2024 Research Paper Draft
Submit on Schoology and keep a copy for your portfolio
April 4, 2024 Final Research Paper
Submit on Schoology and keep a copy for your portfolio

April 19, 2024 Digital Portfolio

Attach link via PowerPoint presentation
April 22, 2024 Project Fieldwork Time Log
Submit on Schoology and keep a copy for your portfolio
May 1, 2024 Final Presentation and Journal Submission Submit on
Schoology and keep a copy for your portfolio

May 6-8, 2024 Class Presentation

 Eighth Grade Capstone Project Topic Selection
The selection of a project topic is the most important phase of the Eighth Grade Capstone Project
experience. The topic chosen will affect all components of the Eighth Project experience. The
topic selected can be a hobby (product development), career path in (STEAM), or community
service. The chosen topic must be of enough magnitude that it requires at least (15-20) hours of
independent work. Students must choose a project that is a stretch for them. For instance, an
eighth grader who has taken dance lessons for several years could not, as a project, choose
“dance” if that student had already mastered the art. Such a student would need to stretch a little
further, perhaps choreograph or teach dance to youth.

Students will submit the proposal to the committee for approval. The committee will review the
project proposals, approve them or make suggestions so the student can revise them and
resubmit for final approval. If a student opts to change his/her project, he/she must submit a
NEW project proposal and get approval.
 Eighth Grade Capstone Project Proposal
Please complete this form. Attach a typed title and answer for the Background & Rationale,
Fieldwork & Community/Business Mentor.

Due Date: February 26, 2024

Name____________________________________________________________

Parent E-mail_____________________________________________________

Student E-mail ____________________________________________________

TITLE: Your title should provide a solid definition of the work you plan to do.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: Why do you want to do this project? What experience do
you currently have in this area? How will this be a STRETCH for you? What are some questions
you have about your topic that you would like to answer while at your fieldwork?

FIELDWORK & COMMUNITY/BUSINESS MENTOR: What type of fieldwork (STEAM)

might you do to learn more about your chosen topic?

PRODUCT DESIGN: What interest you to develop your product? How can it be used to benefit
others?

At what stage are you in securing a community/business mentor? (Please list who the mentor is
(if you know) and whether you have made any contact with him/her).

Community/Business Mentor Name: ______________________________________________

Community/Business Mentor paperwork must be completed and submitted by February 21,

2024.

Student: _____________________________________________ Date__________

Parent(s): _____________________________________________ Date__________

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Project Advisors:

Approved
Not Approved

Signature: ____________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________
 Eighth Grade Capstone Project Letter of Intent
After approval to work on the Eighth Grade Capstone Project, students will write a Letter of
Intent that outlines the project and explains how the Eighth Project experience aligns with
STEAM Academic Expectations. The Letter of Intent should be written according to the
following format:

1. Letters must be typed and single-spaced using a legible 10-12-point font

2. Follow Block Style Letter format-see directions at the end of this handbook

3. Letters must be addressed to the Eighth Project Advisors and signed

4. Each paragraph of the letter must address the following questions answering each question
specifically and with as much detail and explanation as possible. The Letter of Intent should
answer the following questions in detail:

Paragraph 1:

What is the topic or area of study on which you will focus your Eighth Project? Why did you
choose this topic area of study? What previous knowledge or experience do you have in this
area?

Paragraph 2:

How does this project represent a “learning stretch” for you as an individual? How might this
project challenge you?

Paragraph 3:

What will you do for your fieldwork? Who might be a potential community member to serve as
your mentor and what is his/her experience or expertise in your chosen field?

Describe your fieldwork in as much detail as possible, discussing your plans for the project and
the involvement of your mentor.

Paragraph 4:

How will you meet and demonstrate all 5 of the STEAM Academic Expectations through the
successful completion of your project? Explain in detail how the work you will do for your
project will satisfy each of the five expectations.
 Directions for a properly Formatted Block Style Letter

*Space down 4 from the top

*If using school letterhead, you do not need to space down 4, just begin typing
*Set line spacing to single space and spacing before and after is at zero ***use
the paragraph symbol (¶) to see your spacing better. This symbol will not show
when printing.

321 Sender Street

Sender City, SS 54321

Current Date

Recipient’s Name
Recipients Title 123
Recipient Street Recipient
City, RS 12345

Dear Recipient:

Here are some directions for a block style letter. Use a block style when you want to write a formal letter.
The entire letter is aligned to the left, without any indentations. If you are not using a letterhead, be sure
that your top margin is to 2” (or space down 4). All other margins are set to 1”. If you are using
school letterhead, just begin your letter after the letterhead.

Just below the return address, type the current date, without abbreviations, and quadruple space
to the inside address. The inside address will not be needed for your Letter of Intent, but will be
needed for your Thank You Letter. Next, double space to the start of the body of the letter.
Paragraphs are singled spaced, never indented, and should have one blank line between them.

Finally, after the last paragraph, double space to the complimentary close. Use an appropriate
complimentary close such as “Thank you,” “Sincerely,” or “Very Truly Yours.” Leave a
quadruple space between the complimentary close and your typed name so that you may sign the
letter in blue or black ink. Always be sure to proofread and spell check your letter before printing
or emailing.

Sincerely

Sender’s Name
 Eighth Grade Capstone Journal Requirements
Student Eighth Grade Capstone Project journals are an important component of the Eighth Grade
Capstone Project experience. All fieldwork hours will be documented through this written form. In
addition to fieldwork journals, scope journals will be created to explore related topics. Although three
scope journals are required, students may choose to write up to two additional selections.

Required Eighth Grade Capstone Project Scope Journals

1. Required: In order to become familiar with the safety procedures at the location of your fieldwork, your
mentor should explain the precautions, procedures, and emergency plans at the place of your fieldwork.
After these lessons, please write a journal in which you give a detailed explanation of the safety
measures you learned.

2. Required: Topic of choice

3. Required: After you have finished your field work hours please look back and write in your journal
which you describe your overall experience. What were some of the best parts of your fieldwork in
(STEAM), the worst parts, and what would you change if you had to do it all over again? You should
also look back at your letter of intent and review the paragraph on the 5 STEAM Academic
Expectations. How well did you meet these expectations and in what ways did you EFFECTIVELY
accomplish them?

Eighth Grade Project Research Paper Research Paper Expectations

Through the English classes students will be assigned an Eighth Grade Capstone Project research paper.
As they work on their project and complete fieldwork, they will need to choose a paper topic that will
help them learn more about the chosen field. The Eighth Grade Capstone Project paper will consist of 1-2
pages that can consist entirely of research or a mix of research and fieldwork in (STEAM). The paper
must be in the form of an argument. Students will demonstrate how to write, read, problem solve,
develop, and critically think effectively.

Academic Integrity Documentation of all sources is important to avoid plagiarism, which is the stealing
of another's ideas, words, writing, or academic work, and implying that it is original. Both quoting and
paraphrasing information from an outside source, including any technology, without crediting that source
is a form of plagiarism. Students who are found cheating or plagiarizing will be subject to the following
actions:

First offense:

• Academic penalty up to and including zero.

• Parent contacted Administration notified (by teachers completing a discipline

form).

Subsequent offenses:

• Academic penalty up to and including a zero.

• Parent contacted.

• Disciplinary action by administration which may include office detention or

 • suspension

From the Eighth Grade Capstone Project Letter of Intent to the final draft of the paper, the portfolio is a
window through which another person can view any accomplishments over the last year. Students will
demonstrate how to write, problem solve, and critically think effectively.

Eighth Grade Capstone Project Portfolio

The Eight Grade Capstone Project portfolio records the history of the Eighth Capstone Project journey.
From the Letter of Intent to the final draft of the paper, the portfolio is a window through which another
person can view any accomplishments. Students will demonstrate how to write, problem solve, and
critically think effectively.

Eighth Grade Capstone Project Presentation

The final phase of the Eighth Grade Capstone Project is the oral presentation to a panel of judges during
which visuals will be used to explain a portion of what was learned through their Eighth Grade Capstone
Project experience.

The Eighth Grade Capstone Project presentation must:

• Range between 5-8 minutes in length

• Have a recognizable introduction and conclusion.

• Describe the learning stretch.

• Include an effective and appropriate audio/visual aid (student choice). PowerPoint is an

organizational tool, but it does not constitute as a visual aid.

 Eighth Grade Capstone Project Fieldwork Time Log
Place this time log in your composition notebook and a copy must be uploaded in your digital portfolio

Student’s Name: ______________________________________________________________

Mentor’s Name: _______________________________________________________________

Mentor’s Occupation: __________________________________________________________

Date # of Hours Description of Fieldwork Mentor’s Initial

We started with

Total _______________

As a mentor, I assure the Eighth Grade Capstone Project Advisor that the student spent a minimum of 60
hours on the fieldwork.

Mentor’s Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________________________________

*Form should be downloaded.

 Evaluation from Mentor (Required)
Thank you for mentoring an Eighth Grader at John P. Powell Middle School. Please take a few moments
to evaluate your mentee.

Student’s Name_____________________________________
Evaluation Criteria Exemplary Proficient Unacceptable
DEMONSTRATION OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Did the student contact you in a timely manner? Did the
student communicate frequently, clearly, and
appropriately?
DEMONSTRATION OF RESPECT FOR YOU AND
THE PROJECT
Was the student punctual, courteous, and professional? Did the
student dress appropriately?
DEMONSTRATION OF ANALYSIS TO PROBLEMS
AND CHALLENGES
Did the student work to solve problems? Did the student
face challenges with an appropriate attitude?
DEMONSTRATION OF RESPONSIBILITY
THROUGH ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN THE
PROJECT
Did the student complete the activities you assigned or
provided? Did the student demonstrate interest and
passion?
DEMONSTRATION OF CURIOSITY AND/OR
CREATIVITY
Did the student ask appropriate and insightful questions? Did
the student suggest or offer new ideas?
Comments:

Mentor’s Signature: ____________________________________________________________________

Date : _______________________________________

Email: [email protected]
 Parent Acknowledgment & Permission Slip
As you know, your son/daughter will be engaged in the Eighth Grade Capstone Project as a final project
at the end of the school year. This project will provide many benefits to your son/daughter, both now and
in the future. It also will be a valuable tool in determining his/her mastery of our STEAM expectations in
the areas of Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.

I have read the Eighth Grade Capstone Project handbook, and I am aware of the expectations and that my
son/daughter must complete all phases of the project – proposal, project paper, fieldwork, portfolio, and
oral presentation in order to meet the requirements as outlined in this packet.

I/We fully understand that students and parents select the project, but this selection must be approved by
the STEAM teacher.

I/We further understand that the chosen community mentor cannot be a family member.

I/We understand that my son/daughter must complete a minimum of 60 hours of fieldwork (STEAM) with
a Community Mentor.

Student Name: ___________________________________________________________

Printed Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________________________

Parent Phone #: ___________________________Parent Email: ______________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________________________

Date: _____________________________
 Student Acknowledgement
I understand that I must conduct myself at all times as a student, to be considerate, cooperative and
congenial with all persons at all times. I must be aware that I represent myself, my parents, my school,
and the STEAM Academy program. I understand that I must dress appropriately for my Eighth Grade
Capstone Project presentation. I understand that I must conform to all school policies and regulations.

I also understand that I must assume the responsibilities of a regular employee and observe employment
regulations in regard to reporting to my field work. I understand that I must become aware of and strictly
abide by the safety rules and requirements in the workplace.

If I am not able to attend a scheduled fieldwork session because of illness or emergency, I understand that
I must call my community mentor. I understand that it is my responsibility to rearrange my schedule in
order to meet the required hours. If there are concerns about my community mentor, fieldwork, or project,
I will inform my teacher advisor and give all the details.

I understand that I must spend a minimum of 60 hours doing field work for my Eighth Grade Capstone
Project and that my community mentor must sign off on those hours.

I understand that my Community Mentor cannot be a family member. I understand that I am responsible
for all phases of the Eighth Grade Capstone Project program (proposal, letter of intent, research paper,
digital portfolio, and presentation), I have read the Eighth Grade Capstone Project Packet.

Print Student Name: ____________________________________________________________

Signature of Student: ______________________________ Date: ________________________