senior capstone research paper

Research Paper

You will write a research paper of eight to ten pages (a minimum of 2,000 words, not including  the References page), in APA style throughout (12 point font with 1-inch margins),  on your topic of study. The paper should be an analytic and conclusive research study , rather than a “report.” In other words, you will need to answer an “important question”  through your research and experience.   

Your resources will include at least eight academic sources and one interview . You must use APA style, current edition, for your format and citations.  For APA formatting information, visit: Purdue Online Writing Lab .  Be sure to write the paper in third person and to include a thesis statement in the introduction and conclusion. You must include a cover page,  a References page, and use one inch margins. 

The Annotated Bibliography , Outline, and Interview must all be completed as described below, and to the satisfaction of your Senior Advisor, prior to starting your paper. 

Annotated Bibliography - The Annotated Bibliography should provide a very brief summary of the major focus and points of each of the required 8 sources (or more), and should include a brief description of how you plan to use information from that source in your paper. 

Outline - You need to complete a detailed outline of your research paper, using correct outline format.

Interview- You will need to interview an expert in your field and to write a journal about the interview.   While this may be your PLE mentor, it is worth noting that it may be even more valuable for your learning and research to speak with a different expert than your mentor.   You will need to refer to and complete the Expert Interview Checklist prior to and during the interview.

F IRST VERSION RESEARCH PAPER - Your first version of the paper will be completed in class over a series of days.  This is the rubric against which it will be evaluated. Your Senior Advisor will provide further information and dates.

FINAL RESEARCH PAPER - This counts as a mid-term exam grade .  Check the Senior Capstone research paper rubric for help in editing your paper after your teacher has given feedback.  

Be extremely careful to document all information and to cite your sources correctly.  Students are required to submit their papers through turnitin.com , under the guidelines described by your senior advisor.  Students are encouraged submit their papers frequently, prior to the due date, to ensure proper citations. Remember that failure to cite sources constitutes plagiarism, and is considered cheating. The penalty for plagiarism or any other honor violation is a zero for the entire research paper . 

You can see four examples of excellent BRVGS Senior Papers by clicking on the following links:

BRVGS Senior Anchor Paper 1

BRVGS Senior Anchor Paper 2

BRVGS Senior Anchor Paper 3

BRVGS Senior Anchor Paper 4

How to Publish Your Senior Honors Thesis or Research Capstone Project: A Step-by-Step Guide

To publish your Senior Honors Thesis or Research Capstone Project is a pivotal moment for you as an undergrad. This comprehensive publication guide will walk you through each step, providing clear instructions and valuable tips for publishing research. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident in your ability to publish your research, thesis, or capstone project effectively.

Step 1: Manuscript Preparation

Start by preparing your manuscript. Ensure your research is thoroughly documented and well-organized. Follow these guidelines:

• Maintain clarity and coherence in your writing : Simplify complex concepts and avoid jargon. Use active voice and clear, concise sentences to explain your methodology and findings.
• Use a structured format : Begin with a compelling abstract that summarizes your study. Follow with an introduction that outlines your research question, methods that detail your experimental procedures, results that present your data, a discussion that interprets the findings, a conclusion that highlights the significance, and references to all cited works.
• Adhere to the specific guidelines provided by your target academic journal : Check the journal’s author guidelines for formatting requirements, word limits, and submission procedures. For example, if the journal requires a particular citation style, ensure all references are formatted accordingly.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Academic Journal

Selecting the right journal is crucial for the success of your submission. Consider the following:

• Scope and focus of the journal : Match your research topic with journals that have published similar studies. For instance, if your research is in molecular biology, look for journals that specialize in biological sciences.
• Impact factor and reputation : Opt for journals with a higher impact factor in your field. This often indicates wider readership and greater influence.
• Audience and readership : Identify journals that are read by the researchers and professionals you want to reach. Use tools like Journal Finder to align your manuscript with the best possible journals. This ensures your work reaches the right audience and has the intended impact.

Step 3: Thesis or Research Paper Submission

Once your manuscript is ready and you’ve chosen a journal, it’s time for the thesis or research paper submission. Here’s how to proceed:

• Follow the journal’s submission guidelines meticulously : Double-check the requirements for figures, tables, and supplementary materials. For instance, ensure all images are in the correct resolution and format.
• Prepare a strong cover letter : Highlight the significance of your research by briefly summarizing the main findings and their implications. Address the editor personally and explain why your study fits well with the journal’s scope.
• Double-check all documents for compliance with the journal’s requirements : Verify that all sections are complete and correctly formatted. For example, ensure the references are cited correctly in the text and listed properly at the end.

Step 4: Navigating the Peer Review Process

After submission, your manuscript will undergo peer review. This is a critical part of the academic publishing process:

• Be prepared for constructive criticism : Approach reviewer feedback with an open mind. For example, if reviewers suggest additional experiments or analyses, consider how these could strengthen your study.
• Address reviewers’ comments thoroughly and professionally : Provide detailed responses to each comment. If a reviewer points out a flaw in your methodology, explain how you have corrected it or why it does not affect your results.
• Make necessary revisions to enhance the quality of your manuscript : Implement changes that improve clarity, accuracy, and completeness. For instance, add additional data or clarifications where needed.

Step 5: Revising and Resubmitting

Responding to reviewer feedback is a chance to improve your work:

• Implement all suggested changes carefully : Address each point raised by the reviewers. If a reviewer requests a specific analysis, perform it and include the results in the revised manuscript.
• Provide a detailed response to each reviewer comment : Write a response letter explaining how you addressed each suggestion. For instance, if a reviewer asked for more detailed methodology, describe where you added this information.
• Resubmit your revised manuscript along with a cover letter explaining the changes made : Clearly outline the major revisions and how they improve the manuscript. For example, if you conducted additional experiments, explain how these bolster your findings.

Empower Your Thesis Publication Journey

Being able to publish your research is a rewarding experience that validates your hard work and contributes to the broader scientific community. By following this step-by-step research publication guide, you can navigate the complexities of academic journal submission with confidence. Remember, each step is an opportunity to refine your work and ensure it reaches the right audience.

If you’re eager to enhance your research journey and make an impact with your publications, we encourage you to explore our resources and expert-led courses. Our Senior Honors Thesis Digital Badge Program includes detailed modules on How to Publish Your Research, Thesis, or Capstone, How to Develop Your Slide Deck and Defend Your Senior Honors Thesis or Research Capstone Project , and more. You can also check out our weekly blog, The Thursday Thinker , as it features insightful pieces on major aspects of navigating academic publishing as an early-career scholar.

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Global Studies Senior Capstone Project

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• Society and Culture
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• Global Science and Environment
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Creating a Search Strategy

For advice on developing a search strategy to find research materials relevant to your topic, watch this recent video covering the "shotgun," "snowball," and "building blocks" approaches to searching provided by Professor Heather Howard with Purdue's Parrish Library

Citation Management Tools

Incorporating a citation manager into your workflow early in your career can help you keep your research organized and save time.

• Note: Opening a Zotero account enables you to sync your library across devices, this does include PDFs and other file formats "linked" to your Zotero citations. Free cloud storage is limited to 300MB, but Zotero users can purchase additional storage for a yearly fee .
• Opening an account also enables you to share project folders between multiple Zotero account holders.

Purdue Libraries  Citation Management Software LibGuide  may be helpful in exploring other citation management options.

Purdue Online Writing Lab

• Purdue Online Writing Lab Site Map Provides a bird's-eye view of contents of the OWL's website, which provides helpful writing advice on topics such as voice, grammar, citation formatting, and abstract writing. Annotated Bibliographies - Especially helpful for creating annotated bibliographies as a tool that can help you organize and keep track of your research.

Citation Style Guides

Note-Taking Tools

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• URL: https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/Global_Studies_Senior_Capstone

A Comprehensive Guide on High School Senior Capstone Projects (With Examples)

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

As you near the end of your high school journey, it's time to explore the world of senior capstone projects.

If you're a high school student, especially in your senior year, you're likely gearing up for the culmination of your academic journey: the senior capstone project. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about capstone projects, complete with examples to spark your inspiration and help you succeed. Whether you're just starting to explore project ideas or fine-tuning your plans, you've come to the right place!

What Is a Capstone Project?

A capstone project is like the grand finale of your academic or personal journey. It's a focused effort that you tackle within a set timeframe, bringing together everything you've learned or accomplished. Unlike a passion project , which you can work on whenever you feel like it, a capstone project has a clear deadline.

For instance, let’s say you're a culinary arts student nearing graduation. Your passion lies in sustainable cooking practices, and for your capstone project, you decide to create a cookbook featuring locally sourced, eco-friendly recipes. 

Your cookbook project demands months of research, recipe development, testing, and layout design. It's a big commitment that demonstrates your expertise in culinary arts and your dedication to sustainable food practices.

Similarly, in school, a capstone project could take various forms, such as conducting research on a scientific topic, developing a business plan, or creating a multimedia presentation. These projects all reflect your broader interests and passions, demonstrating your skills and knowledge in a specific area.

Overall, your capstone project in high school is a major milestone, allowing you to demonstrate your expertise, creativity, and dedication. It's a chance to bring everything you've learned together and show what you're capable of achieving.

Different Between Capstone and Passion Project

Capstone projects are typically a mandatory part of a school or college program. They're serious business involving thorough research, problem-solving, and often collaboration with teachers or experts. The goal is to demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter and readiness to tackle real-world challenges.

On the other hand, passion projects are all about following your interests and doing something you love. You could focus on writing a novel, starting a community project, or diving into a hobby—passion projects are driven by personal motivation rather than academic requirements. They're more flexible and allow you to explore your passions on your own terms.

So, while both capstone and passion projects are valuable ways to dive deep into a topic you're passionate about, capstone projects are more structured and tied to academic goals, while passion projects offer more freedom and personal expression.

How to Find Ideas for Capstone Project

Looking for capstone project ideas? Let's take a look at some effective strategies to spark inspiration and find the perfect project for you.

Follow Your Interests

Think about what excites you the most. Do you love helping the environment or dreaming up better ways to teach? Pick a topic that really speaks to you. When you're passionate about what you're working on, you'll stay motivated and focused from start to finish.

Use What You've Learned

Consider the subjects you've learned in school. Think about how you can use that knowledge to solve real-life issues. For example, if you've studied marketing, you could create a marketing plan for a nearby business. Or, if you're good at finance, you could analyze a company's finances and propose ways to make them better.

Don't hesitate to reach out to your professors, advisors, or mentors for guidance. They've been through similar experiences and can offer valuable insights and suggestions. They might even be able to connect you with industry contacts or organizations that could provide support or resources for your project. Their feedback can help you refine your ideas and ensure you're on the right track.

Check Feasibility

As you narrow down your options, it's crucial to assess the feasibility of each potential project idea. Consider factors such as the availability of resources, the complexity of the task, and your own time constraints. 

While you want to choose a project that's challenging and meaningful, it's also essential to be realistic about what you can accomplish within the given timeframe. Setting achievable goals will increase your chances of success and prevent unnecessary stress along the way.

Identify Current Issues

Keep up to date with the latest news and trends in your field of study or topics that interest you. Identify important issues or new challenges that you could focus on for your capstone project. By addressing relevant and current topics, you can actively contribute to important discussions and possibly have a bigger impact with your project.

Consider Community Needs

Consider the issues that matter most to your local community or a specific group of people. Is there a problem or something missing that you could help with through your project? By talking to people in your community through volunteer work or doing surveys, you can find project ideas that match real needs and make a positive impact.

Broaden Your Horizons

Think outside the box! Don't stick to just one subject for your capstone project. Instead, think about how you can mix ideas from different areas. By combining different perspectives, you can come up with creative and innovative solutions that you might not have thought of otherwise. This can make your project stand out and bring new insights to your work.

Look for Inspiration from Previous Projects

When searching for ideas for your capstone project, take a look at projects completed by students who came before you. Looking at successful past projects can give you helpful ideas about topics, methods, and how big your project should be. 

Remember, it's important not to copy someone else's work exactly, but you can use it to inspire your own unique ideas and ways of doing things.

Think About Long-Term Goals

Think about how your capstone project can help you achieve your long-term goals, both in school and beyond. Are there particular skills you want to improve or experiences you want to have during the project? By making sure your project connects to your bigger plans, you can make it even more meaningful and helpful for your future journey.

Stay Flexible and Open-Minded

Stay open to exploring new directions and adjusting your project as you learn and receive feedback. Sometimes, the best projects come from unexpected changes or improvements along the way. Stay flexible and welcome the chance to learn and develop throughout your capstone project. 

By blending your interests, what you've learned in school, and advice from mentors, you can create a capstone project that shows off your abilities and makes a difference in your field or community.

Tips on How to Execute Capstone Project

Ready to tackle your capstone project head-on? Here are some practical tips to guide you through the execution process smoothly.

Junior Fall

Brainstorm Ideas : This is your chance to explore a wide range of topics and ideas that pique your interest. Consider what issues or subjects you're passionate about, what challenges you want to address, or what questions you want to explore further. Keep an open mind and jot down any potential project ideas that come to mind, even if they seem unconventional at first.

Set Goals : Once you've generated some project ideas, it's time to clarify your objectives. Think about what you want to accomplish with your capstone project and break it down into smaller, actionable goals. Consider both short-term goals, such as completing research or gathering resources, and long-term goals, such as presenting your findings or implementing a solution.

Junior Spring

Recruit and Fundraise : Depending on the scope of your project, you may need additional support from teammates or financial resources. Reach out to classmates, friends, or faculty members who share your interests and might be interested in collaborating on the project. Additionally, explore fundraising opportunities to secure funding for project-related expenses, such as materials, equipment, or travel.

Hit Milestones : As you begin working on your project, set specific milestones to track your progress and stay on schedule. These milestones could include completing research, conducting experiments or surveys, drafting project proposals or reports, or presenting preliminary findings to peers or advisors. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your approach as needed to ensure you're meeting your goals.

Rising Senior Summer

Stay Busy : Although summer break is a time for relaxation, don't let your momentum wane. Dedicate consistent time each week to work on your capstone project, whether it's conducting research, analyzing data, drafting project documents, or refining your presentation skills. Establish a schedule and stick to it to maintain progress and prevent last-minute rushes.

Stay Connected : While you may be physically distanced from campus during the summer months, stay connected with your advisors, mentors, or project collaborators through email, phone calls, or virtual meetings. Keep them updated on your progress, seek their input or feedback when needed, and leverage their expertise to overcome any challenges you encounter.

Senior Fall

Keep Pushing : As the new school year begins, ramp up your efforts and focus on achieving your project goals. Set new objectives for the upcoming semester and prioritize tasks that will bring you closer to project completion. If your project involves organizing events, conducting experiments, or presenting findings, plan and execute these activities with diligence and attention to detail.

Senior Spring

Plan Ahead : As you approach the final months of your capstone project, take time to reflect on your accomplishments and consider the next steps. Evaluate the impact of your project, gather feedback from stakeholders or participants, and identify any areas for improvement or follow-up activities. Prepare for project completion by documenting your findings, finalizing project deliverables, and communicating your results to relevant audiences.

By following these guidelines and staying committed to your goals, you'll be well-equipped to execute your capstone project successfully and make meaningful contributions to your field of study or community.

Common Mistakes

Let's take a look at nine common mistakes students make in their capstone projects, along with tips on how to sidestep them.

Choosing a Topic That’s Too Broad

Your topic should be relevant to your field of study, but many students make the mistake of selecting broad topics that lack focus. To avoid this, consult with professors or career advisors to narrow down your focus and ensure your topic is both relevant and manageable.

Choosing a Topic You Don’t Really Care About

Passion is key to success. If you're not genuinely interested in your topic, your motivation and enthusiasm will dwindle over time. Select a topic that excites you and aligns with your interests to stay engaged throughout the project.

Not Doing Your Research Properly

Research is the backbone of your project. Skipping this step or relying on inaccurate information can derail your project. Take the time to conduct thorough research, cite credible sources, and ensure the accuracy of your findings.

Not Writing Your Paper in the Correct Format

A well-structured paper is essential for clarity and coherence. Follow a standard format, including sections such as introduction, literature review, methods, results, and conclusion, to ensure your paper is organized and easy to follow.

Not Taking Advantage of All the Resources Available

Don't overlook the resources at your disposal, whether it's the library, the internet, peers, professors , or academic advisors. Utilize these resources for research, guidance, feedback, and support throughout your project.

Not Proofreading Thoroughly Enough

Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies can undermine the credibility of your project. Take the time to proofread your work multiple times, or enlist the help of a peer or professional proofreader to ensure your paper is error-free.

Forgetting to Reference Your Sources

Proper citation is essential to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original sources of information. Ensure you cite all sources accurately and consistently throughout your paper, following the required citation style guidelines.

Poor Presentation

Your presentation is the final show of your hard work. Neglecting to prepare adequately or rushing through your presentation can detract from the quality of your project. Practice your presentation, create engaging visuals, and rehearse your delivery to captivate your audience.

Waiting Until the Last Minute to Start Writing Your Paper

Procrastination is a common pitfall that can lead to rushed and subpar work. Start early, create a timeline, and break down your project into manageable tasks to avoid last-minute stress and ensure a polished final product.

By steering clear of these common mistakes and approaching your capstone project with diligence and dedication, you'll set yourself up for success and leave a lasting impression with your academic masterpiece.

Ideas and Examples of Capstone Projects

Need some capstone project ideas for high school? Let’s take a look at some high school capstone project examples. 

• Study green marketing strategies that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Engineering

• Develop a system to detect red traffic lights using image processing for safer roads.
• Create a solar panel system with adjustable angles to maximize energy capture.
• Analyze how social media can be used to effectively engage and retain customers through content marketing strategies.
• Design educational programs for nurses on asthma care and point-of-care testing protocols for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Computer Science

• Develop a smartphone interface for managing medical records to improve accessibility and patient engagement.
• Design a web-based survey system for collecting feedback and analysis in academic or business settings.
• Evaluate the impact of project management practices on the success of political campaigns.
• Assess how technology influences accounting practices and the effectiveness of accounting software in improving financial reporting.
• Explore the benefits of virtual classrooms and digital engagement strategies for remote learning.

Information Technology

• Investigate cybersecurity issues and propose solutions to protect against threats like intrusion and data breaches.
• Create object recognition systems using machine learning for security surveillance and image analysis.

Looking to gain clarity on your senior capstone project? Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you through the process.

1. How Does a Capstone Project Differ from Other High School Projects?

A high school capstone project typically involves more in-depth research and interdisciplinary exploration compared to other projects.

2. How Do I Choose a Topic for My High School Capstone Project?

To choose a topic for your high school capstone project, consider your interests, skills, and academic goals, and seek advice from teachers or mentors.

3. Are High School Capstone Projects Required for Graduation?

High school capstone projects are not always required for graduation and can vary depending on the school or program.

4. Can High School Capstone Projects Be Related to Extracurricular Activities?

Yes, high school capstone projects can be related to extracurricular activities and allow students to integrate their interests and experiences into their academic projects.

Final Thoughts

In short, high school senior capstone projects are your chance to shine. By picking the right topic, steering clear of common pitfalls, and tapping into available resources, you can leave a lasting mark. Whether it's in marketing, engineering, education, or any other field, capstone projects let you show off your skills and get ready for what's next.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, senior capstone project - what to expect.

Hey everyone! I've heard people mention that they're working on their 'senior capstone projects,' and I'm curious about what that entails. What exactly is a capstone project, and what should I expect when my time comes to do one?

Hello! A senior capstone project is a culminating and interdisciplinary assignment typically required in your final year of high school or college. It is designed to showcase the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout your education. Capstone projects can take various forms, like a research paper, an in-depth study, an original art piece, or even the implementation of a solution to a real-world issue.

When it's time for you to work on your capstone project, here's what you can expect:

1) Topic selection: You'll begin by choosing a topic that aligns with your major or an area of interest. It's essential to pick something you're passionate about and can sustain your enthusiasm throughout the duration of the project.

2) Proposal: After selecting a topic, you'll need to prepare a proposal outlining the scope of your project, its objectives, and the methods you'll use to achieve them.

3) Research and planning: Once your proposal is approved, you'll spend a significant amount of time researching and gathering information related to your topic. You'll also create a detailed plan outlining the steps you'll take to complete your project.

4) Execution: This is the phase where you actually create or implement your capstone project. Depending on the nature of your project, this could mean writing a research paper, developing a website or app, or creating an engaging art piece.

5) Presentation: After completing your project, you'll present your work to a panel of teachers, mentors, or other relevant professionals. This can take the form of an oral presentation, a written report, or a showcase of the finished product. You'll also need to be prepared to answer questions and discuss your findings in detail.

6) Evaluation and grading: Your capstone project will be evaluated based on various parameters, such as the quality of your research, the execution of your project, and how effectively you present your work. The grade you receive will likely have a significant impact on your final academic performance.

Throughout the process, it's normal to expect some challenges, such as time management or unforeseen issues with your project. However, with dedication and perseverance, you can successfully complete your capstone project and gain invaluable skills in problem-solving, project management, and communication to help you as you move forward in your academic or professional life.

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How to Write a Capstone Project Like an Expert

This piece of content has been developed by IvyPanda's editorial team .

No AI was involved in the creation process; only qualified experts contributed.

The information, facts, and sources presented in the text have been carefully checked and verified.

You are free to use it with proper referencing.

This guide describes all the steps needed to create a capstone project, including choosing a topic, structuring the paper, and writing in a scholarly manner.

A capstone project is a research assignment that many students must complete as part of their undergraduate or master’s degree. It differs from other types of final papers such as a thesis or dissertation because it has a practical nature. Capstone projects call for a student to review a certain problem, often specific to the writer’s interests or experience, and conduct research to evaluate or resolve the detected issues. The goal of such assignments is to involve students in their future professional sphere (Weaver 2). Moreover, capstone projects assess how students use critical thinking skills and the knowledge they have acquired during a course.

Choosing a Topic

It is clear that your selection must be connected to your sphere of education. For example, if you are a medical student, your capstone project will likely be focused on health-care interventions. For future biologists and chemists, chosen topics will reflect their field of expertise. Nevertheless, these assignments can be made more personal as follows:

• Search for a topic that interests you. Selecting a theme that does not spark your interest can negatively affect your attention and the quality of your writing. You may neither be able to concentrate on your paper nor conduct in-depth research. Think about your experience, both educational and professional. Has there been a problem or issue that you noticed and wanted to solve? This capstone project may be your chance to do that.
• Consider the format of the assignment. What does your instructor ask you to include in the project? Anticipate the composition of the future paper and the various components it should contain. Do you have to conduct research, and do the results have to be measurable? Adjust your topic to reflect the instructions. Since in most cases students have to confirm the topic with their advisors before writing, you will be able to get some help if you are struggling to find suitable subject matter.
• Take into account the project’s length. Depending on the number of requested pages, you may need to broaden or narrow your topic. Try to estimate how much space each part of the project will take up, and choose a research area that has enough information.
• Research existing literature on the topic. If your topic is too narrow or too recent, you may not find enough academic literature to support your research. In contrast, if the topic is too broad, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of available information.

Capstone projects usually follow a specific structure:

• Abstract. Although it is located at the beginning of the written project, the abstract should be written last. It is a summary of the entire study; you can approach it as soon as you are sure that every other part is complete. Do not confuse the abstract with the introduction of the paper—abstracts contain enough information to interest the reader in the entire project. Thus, they must capture the essence and relay main concepts, hypotheses, research methods, and findings.
• Introduction. In this section, you will acquaint your readers with the topic you have selected. Sometimes, an introduction is split into multiple smaller categories such as “Purpose of the Paper” or “Research Questions,” but they can be located in this part since they present the topic. Here, you should introduce the issue and connect it to your sphere of academic knowledge or course. In addition, you may discuss why this research problem is significant. Next, list the formulated research questions or hypotheses that will guide the investigation. State the objectives that you wish to achieve with the help of this project. Finally, if it is required, include a thesis that succinctly describes the aims and beliefs of the capstone project.
• Literature Review. A review of the existing literature is a vital component of any research endeavor. Here, you will search for academic and other reliable sources that are connected to your topic. These articles, books, trials, and studies will be used as a foundation for the research. Sources can contain pertinent findings, discuss well-examined methodologies, present new ideas, and confirm or refute earlier findings. Document the results of your search and analyze them; look for gaps in knowledge. What themes are not explored well or missing altogether? What should or can be researched in more detail? You can attempt to fill in these gaps with your findings.
• First, describe your research design; it can be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed (a combination of the two). Each type also has many subcategories. Choose one, and explain why it works the best for your topic.
• Next, state your independent and dependent variables if needed for your selected design. Independent variables are what you choose to investigate (for example, different training programs for employees). Dependent variables are affected by independent ones (for example, employee performance after training).
• Describe the sample for your project. Who are the participants, and how many of them are involved? What are the inclusion and exclusion criteria for research?
• List the materials and tools you used in conducting research. Here, you can introduce questionnaires, online tests, and other media created for this project.
• Write about the process of conducting research, discussing all the major elements of the procedure. What were the participants asked to perform? How were the results collected?
• Discuss how you analyzed the results, listing measurements, tests, and calculations. Explain why you chose each method, and support your selections with previous research.
• Results. This is a significant part of the project, where you show the results of the conducted research. Refrain from making any assumptions or conclusions here—state the results without interpretation. You can use graphs, tables, and images to illustrate findings. Remember to present data that will answer all the research questions and hypotheses you introduced earlier. Check the findings’ validity and significance if required by the chosen research style.
• Discussion. Here, you should analyze the revealed results—be critical and attentive. Try to find patterns or show correlations in the findings. Talk about the context. What does previous academic literature tell you about this study? Does it contradict or align with your findings? Think about the importance and implications of your results. Does this study add something new to the sphere of knowledge? Do not forget to consider the limitations of your project—what could make the research more reliable? Finally, introduce some questions for future research and encourage additional investigation.
• Conclusion. Some papers include a conclusion in addition to the discussion. Restate all major information from the study here, presenting it concisely. Do not propose any new ideas or data in this part. The function of a conclusion is to wrap up the project and talk about all important judgments.

Writing Process

In addition to adhering to the structure described above, you should also remember to pay attention to your writing process. Do not be afraid of making drafts before writing the final version; they will help you structure your arguments and findings. After completing the paper, be sure to proofread it as mistakes and inconsistencies can make the written project difficult to read, confusing, or even incorrect. If you think you need someone else’s opinion, ask for it—turn to your instructor, writing center, or other knowledgeable persons that will help you revise the text if necessary. Check all tables and graphs, and make sure that a reader can understand them as well as you do.

Capstone projects give students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice. They are designed around a narrow topic that investigates a real problem, using a specific structure that is followed in the majority of cases: an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion are essential elements of every capstone project. These assignments use a scholarly voice and require in-depth knowledge of previous scholarly literature. Like all academic papers, they need to be substantiated with evidence and be clear and unbiased. Lastly, proofreading is an important part of scholarly writing as well. This paper shows the writer’s level of preparedness after completing a course. Follow the provided guidelines and remember to be attentive—these rules should help you complete a high-quality capstone project.

Weaver, K. F., et al. “The Benefits of Peer Review and a Multisemester Capstone Writing Series on Inquiry and Analysis Skills in an Undergraduate Thesis.” CBE—Life Sciences Education, vol. 15, no. ar51, 2016, 1-9.

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Senior Honors Diploma Project: Capstone Project

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The OTHS Senior Capstone is the culminating piece to earning your Honors, Humanities or STEM Diploma. The requirements for completing your Capstone Project include:

• A student-selected topic
• Not written in first person
• A written proposal
• An end product (visual part of your presentation)
• A 15 minute oral presentation to a group the Diplomas of Extra Distinction Program arranges
• A formal 8-10 page research paper in APA or MLA format
• A bibliography of your research sources (must use more than 5 sources and sources must be scholarly)
• An exhibition of research at the Senior Capstone Exhibition Night is required
• A written self-evaluation of the process

Types of Capstone Projects

Analysis projects

This type of project requires substantial background research that will form a foundation for a unique interpretation or analysis of your topic. You may conduct a survey and analyze the responses, design and complete an experiment, or analyze two sides to an issue in a pro and con debate. A traditional science fair project is an example of an analysis project, but an analysis project could also involve research on a local issue of community concern.

Exhibition Projects

This type of project allows you to create and present an original composition for public appreciation. With an exhibition project you have the opportunity to apply skills in an area that is of intense personal interest to you, such as art, music, architecture or graphic design for example. Examples of exhibition projects include a dance performance, a reading of original poetry, an art exhibit, a photography exhibit, or a show of fashion designs. The end product of an exhibition project is the original work you produce.

Demonstration Projects 

This type of project encourages you to create, repair, or restore. You will demonstrate the use of the appropriate tools or equipment, discuss or illustrate techniques, and present a finished product. Demonstration projects include restoring a classic car or building a greenhouse. The end product is the item you created, repaired, or restored.

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Senior capstone project — the ultimate guide to succeed with this task

High school students deal with various papers all the time. Your teachers ask you to write essays on different topics, conduct research and describe your findings in lab reports, prepare speeches and presentations, and so on. All these papers bring you grades, but they also help you to develop some skills: writing, critical thinking, analytical thinking, working in groups, communication, etc. They teach you to deal with situations when you need to find a solution.

To be honest, a lot of students find such assignments pretty challenging. You need a lot of time to come up with a decent paper that will earn you some brownie points. And things get even more complicated when it comes to a senior capstone project. Fortunately, you’re not alone as long as we are here to help you.

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What is a senior capstone project?

Studying at school, you have many assignments to complete, but most of them are just basic. Of course, they can boost your grades, but you can also skip some tasks or provide a regular result. So, what is a senior capstone project? Why is it so important?

The bottom line is that this paper serves as a summary of your experience. You’re working on this project in the last year of high school, or it can also be a part of your college course. This paper bridges theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which means you need to apply the insights gained from your lessons to real-world issues. When it goes about universities and MBA programs, students even work with real companies to identify their challenges and overcome them. But when you’re in high school, you don’t have solid professional knowledge, which means your task should be related to your current experience.

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Senior Capstone Project Examples

Senior Capstone Project Topics

Simply put, a senior capstone definition is defined by particular professors and teachers. When your mentor assigns you this task, explore his or her requirements to understand what expectations you should follow. You can’t start working on your paper without complete instructions and a detailed guide.

Why are capstone projects that important?

If you find your task difficult, boring, useless, etc., it is important to change your focus, find motivation. Capstone projects come with various benefits for high school students.

For example:

• This task highlights your educational accomplishment. If you’re an ambitious student and you want to show off the skills you’ve built during your studies, this platform can be a perfect platform.
• It can help you with your college application. Obviously, colleges are interested in well-rounded students who are ready to go the extra mile. Working on your CP, you can stand out among other students and display your knowledge and skills to admission committees. Prove that you’re prepared for the challenges of higher education.
• When it comes to college, it is not enough to create an amazing application. You need to be confident, to know your strengths and weaknesses, to understand what fields you like and what your direction is for further development. Capstone projects help you to build a sense of preparedness for future demands.
• Finally, such a project can be very interesting. Depending on the senior capstone project topics, you can immerse yourself in a field of interest. It is like your first startup, where you take control over all the aspects and do your best to provide a brilliant result.

So, it is absolutely clear that senior capstone project high school is not just a regular task that is used to make you busy and exhausted. If you approach it responsibly, you can get a lot of benefits that will change your life.

How to write a senior capstone paper to come up with an A-level project?

You should understand that this project is pretty complex, which means it includes many stages. That’s why so many students experience difficulties — they lack patience and consistency. You can write an essay for a couple of hours, but you definitely need at least several weeks to come up with an A-level capstone project.

If your deadline is looming, you doubt your writing skills, and you have other priorities, etc., you can order this paper online. Our expert capstone writers can help you with this task, and they will follow your requirements to guarantee the best results.

Of course, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be engaged in the process. That’s why we want to provide you with a detailed guide on how to write a senior capstone paper!

How to generate senior capstone project ideas?

The thing you should start with is your topic. If you know that your professor will assign you a capstone project in several months, you can start thinking about topics in advance. Brainstorm, take notes, write down all the ideas. When learning new material, analyze it to understand what you find really interesting. You can also discuss senior capstone project ideas with other students or your mentor.

In fact, the topic is very important because it defines the direction of your project. So, when you’re looking for the best idea, consider that it should be:

• Unique.  Just admit it. Some capstone project topics are pretty overdone. How will you stand out among your classmates if you choose a topic that has already been discovered? It is really necessary that you bring some fresh ideas to the table; there should be a new angle. Otherwise, you just copy someone else’s solutions.
• Captivating.  Of course, you need a topic that will be stimulating and engaging not only for you but for other students or even a wider audience. The issue has to be authentic so that people will be interested in your solutions, benefit from them. That’s why many students choose topics related to their local problems. They don’t save the world, but they certainly make the life of a specific community better.
• Not that easy.  If you choose a topic that is not challenging for you, you’ll don’t have a chance to overcome some issues and demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Besides, it will not be interesting for you, and you’ll lose motivation.
• Concentrated.  It is really necessary that you hone in on a clear topic that is not too broad. Ideas that are too general don’t let you come up with a good paper because you’ll write about everything and nothing at the same time. Ensure that your topic is narrowly defined.
• Realistic.  Of course, it is amazing if you’re ambitious and dream big. But remember that your time and resources are limited. If you select an unrealistic topic, you’ll not achieve the desired result.

Try to come up with a list of 5-10 topics and then conduct thorough research to identify the best idea.

Senior capstone project examples for your inspiration

It is a good choice to look for some inspiration online. Modern students are very lucky because they can share their experiences and learn from other people with ease. There are some examples in different fields that look pretty attractive:

• Business.  Learn the ropes of digital marketing and develop a marketing strategy for a small startup to attract more prospective customers and increase brand awareness.
• STEM:  develop a working application, focus on its concept and design.
• Art.  Research what you need to write and direct the film, and film your own movie about the problems of your community.
• Sports.  Dive deeper in training and nutrition theory and develop a plan for a sportsman.
• Social media.  Analyze the Instagram or Facebook algorithms, create a page and attract subscribers with your content. Prepare a presentation to share your insights and valuable recommendations.

There are many various topics online, and you can use them. However, it is extremely important that you bring something new to the table. You shouldn’t provide plagiarized content, and your view has to be unique. Work on your ideas, and your efforts will pay off.

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7 steps to write the incredible capstone project

We have mentioned that it is a complex project, so you should divide it into several milestones with their deadlines. Once you have a topic, you need to go through these 7 steps, and they will lead you to the desired result.

• It shouldn’t be too long; try to make it about 200 words.
• Introduce your topic and write why you want to write about it.
• Provide some background information about your experience and knowledge of this topic.
• Write about sources that you’re going to use as well as methods (case studies, interviews, lab research, etc.)
• Provide a detailed plan of your further actions along with the required tools.
• Set the goals that you wish to achieve.You can’t write a good paper without a good proposal, so focus on this task.
• Look through your textbooks to find recommended literature;
• Create a folder on your desktop and save all links and references;
• Structure information, especially if you’re going to use quotes and credit authors;
• Don’t forget about visual aids — you’ll need them for your presentation;
• Read critique literature to look at the problem from a different angle.It is very important that your information is well-structured so you don’t feel messy.
• Develop a structure Depending on specific requirements, the structure may vary. But it doesn’t mean that you can write a paper without any outline. In any case, you need the Introduction, Body, and Conclusion, even if these 3 parts will have other titles and will be divided into several smaller parts. You should know in advance what block you’ll have in your paper, and this will help you with the next step.
• Organize your time Now that you know your milestones, you can understand how much time you need for all of them. Set your own deadlines and ensure you add them to your calendar. Time management professionals recommend working on complex projects regularly. Even 30 minutes per day are more effective than 2 hours one time a week. Besides, self-organization is very good for your brain, and it knows when it should study and when it is time for a break so you’ll not struggle with procrastination. Work on senior capstone project ideas high school according to your schedule, and you’ll achieve the desired progress. However, if you understand that you can’t meet the deadline, you can hire a professional writer to help you.
• Write a project Follow your structure to write a good capstone project. Don’t worry about the first draft, and you can simply put all the words on the paper and then get back to them in order to get rid of weak ideas. That’s why it is important to start in advance — you need enough time to polish your writing and to ensure that you can share your messages appropriately.
• Proofread a capstone project When your paper is ready, take a pause and get back to proofread it. Get rid of typos and mistakes, check your structure, ensure that formatting is correct, etc.
• Prepare for a presentation Remember that you need to present your capstone project to an audience. Write a short and captivating speech with the main insights. You don’t need to repeat the content that you’ve written in your paper; try to initiate a discussion, give people some food for thought, and inspiring ideas.

We can help you with senior capstone project ideas high school

If high school senior capstone project examples don’t help, you find this task extremely different, and there are more important projects, etc., you can always ask for professional help.

Studying at high school, you face a lot of challenges, and it is really very stressful to stay focused and concentrated all the time. If you feel that you lack support, we’ll provide it, send us “ write my capstone project ” request. Our expert authors have written dozens of successful capstone projects, and they know how to make you happy with your paper. We always meet deadlines and follow your instructions, so make this decision, and you’ll not regret it!