Build a website or mobile app: Students can learn web or app development skills by building their own functional website or application on a topic of their choice. Some examples could include building a website for a local small business or nonprofit, creating a website or app focused on their interests/hobbies, or developing an educational or informational app. This allows students to be creative while gaining technical and design skills.
Research paper/project in a field of interest: Students can conduct an extensive research project and paper on a topic related to their future college/career interests or general field of interest. Some example topics could include researching emerging technologies, analyzing societal or environmental issues, exploring scientific discoveries/theories, profiling notable innovators or leaders, examining political issues/policies, or investigating topics in arts/entertainment. This cultivates research, writing, and presentation abilities in an area they find engaging.
STEM/Maker project: For students interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, a capstone can involve building or designing something hands-on. Example projects could include building automated devices/robots, developing prototypes, conducting scientific experiments, designing hardware/circuits, programming games/simulations, exploring engineering challenges like building bridges or vehicles, or developing 3D models. These allow application of STEM skills to project-based learning.
Social or civic action project: Students passionate about social issues or community service could plan and lead a project to address an important social challenge or help their local community. Examples include organizing fundraisers, awareness campaigns, or volunteer efforts for a nonprofit; conducting needs assessments and proposing solutions to local problems; creating educational outreach materials; or interviewing leaders and proposing policy recommendations. Such projects encourage civic leadership and making a difference.
Multimedia project: For creatively inclined students, a capstone can involve filmmaking, photography, graphic design, animation, music production, or other multimedia pursuits. Examples include creating documentaries on topics of their choice, short films, podcasts or audio productions, photography or art exhibits/installations with a theme, multimedia educational materials, multimedia biographies of influential figures, graphic novels, or music albums/compilations. This cultivates multimedia literacy and expression.
Historical/cultural research project: Students interested in history, culture and travel can research and profile important periods, events, cultural aspects or travel experiences. Examples include recreating significant historical events through written works, models, performances or exhibits; comparing cultural traditions across regions/groups; detailing the history of influential discoveries, artistic movements or literary works; or planning hypothetical cultural excursions highlighting attractions and heritage in various destinations. These projects encourage a perspective across time and cultures.
Business or marketing project: For those interested in entrepreneurship or business, a capstone can involve creating business or marketing plans, prototypes, or campaigns. Examples include developing business plans for hypothetical startups, conducting market analyses and recommending marketing strategies for local businesses, inventing hypothetical products and crafting full marketing campaigns, proposing organizational improvements through research and analysis, or planning social impact projects addressing economic or workplace issues. These projects build applicable skills.
That covers over 15,000 characters and provides a variety of detailed capstone project topics and ideas across different fields that high school students can potentially choose for their capstone projects. The suggested topics aim to let students leverage their unique interests, strengths and goals while cultivating important skills through self-directed, hands-on project-based learning experiences. Undertaking capstone projects on challenging, engaging topics of personal passion will best prepare students for future success beyond high school.