Grade Five Capstone Project

Williamsport Elementary School for

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics

The Capstone Project: The Capstone is a research based long term

project in which students will investigate a self-selected question and use an
experimental design process to find the answer to the question. The topic of
the project must be related to at least one of the following fields: Science,
Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics.
The Purpose: The Capstone affords students the opportunity to engage in
higher level research and experimentation. It will prepare students with
skills they need in order to succeed in middle and high schools and in
college.
*It is the expectation that all fifth grade magnet students complete
all parts of the Capstone. Students not completing the Capstone
will be dismissed from the magnet program.
Procedures:
*Please note: Dates are subject to change.
Summer 2013
1. Students will generate ideas for the research topic. The topic should
be based on the question What is the effect ____________ has on
______________? (See Example Testable Question for an example).
Remember, the Capstone must be related to at least one of the
following fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or
Mathematics.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to select

topics in which you do not already
Relevancy:know
The topic
must be relevant
our world. Why is your
the answer.
Its theto
expectation
work important
in
todays
world?
that you do not select the normal
2. Create a listelementary
of topic ideas. Your
topic ideas should be written in the
topics.
form of the question as stated in Number 1.
3. Study the list of topic ideas. Narrow the list to two research topics.

4. Complete the Relevancy Sheet.

5. Select one topic. Conduct in depth research on this topic. Your goal is
to learn as much about this topic as possible before school begins.
On September 9, 2013, you must submit the following: Relevancy Sheet,
research notes
September 9, 2013 January 31, 2014
1. Students will consult with science educators about research and
experimentation ideas.
2. Students will form a hypothesis and collect materials.
3. Students will write procedures for the experiment.
4. Students will begin experimentation.
5. Students will observe results and form a conclusion.
*Some of the steps will be completed in school. Some of the steps will be
completed at home.
February 1, 2014 end of April 2014
1. Students will meet with science educators to conference on the
investigation.
2. Students will design, prepare, and practice for the presentation.
Students will present in front of a panel of judges. Judges will evaluate
the project based on content knowledge, use of the scientific method,
and presentation style. Students will earn a ranking of Superior (98%
or higher), Excellent (90% - 967%), Very Good (80% - 89%), and Fair
(70% - 79%).

Example Testable Question

What is the effect tornadoes have on the different
structural designs of buildings? How can architects use

information from this investigation to improve the

designs of buildings?
In this investigation, students would research different
architectural designs. They would build model structures
according to each design. Students would simulate a
tornado to determine which structures would withstand a
tornado.

What is the effect salinity has on the hatching of

brine shrimp eggs? How can scientists use this
information to improve aquatic environments of
brine shrimp?
In this investigation, students would research the effects
of salinity on brine shrimp. They would conduct a fair
investigation to determine how salinity affects the
hatching of brine shrimp.

Relevancy Sheet
Topic 1: What is the effect ____________________ has on
________________________?
General Concept: In 50 words or less, explain what this investigation is
about. Include why your work is important in todays world.

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Topic 2: What is the effect ____________________ has on
________________________?
General Concept: In 50 words or less, explain what this investigation is
about. Include why your work is important in todays world.
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