Lesson 14.1: Capstone Project Planning
Duration: 50 minutes Format: Project Planning + Goal Setting Unit: Final Projects and Assessment (Week 14-16)
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Choose and plan a comprehensive capstone project
- Set realistic goals and timelines for project completion
- Apply design thinking to project planning
- Demonstrate understanding of learned programming concepts
Lesson Structure
Project Option Exploration (15 minutes)
- Review four capstone project options with examples
- Understand requirements and expectations for each project type
- Consider personal interests, skills, and time constraints
- Ask clarifying questions about project requirements
Project Selection and Initial Planning (20 minutes)
- Students choose their capstone project type
- Begin detailed planning using design thinking process
- Create project timelines and milestone goals
- Identify resources and support needed for success
Peer Planning Partnerships (12 minutes)
- Partner with classmate for mutual support and feedback
- Share project plans and get initial input
- Establish check-in schedule for ongoing support
- Practice giving and receiving constructive feedback
Planning Presentation and Commitment (3 minutes)
- Brief sharing of project choices and initial plans
- Teacher feedback and planning support
- Commitment to project goals and timeline
Materials Needed
- Capstone project option descriptions and examples
- Project planning templates and worksheets
- Timeline and milestone planning materials
- Peer partnership agreement forms
- Planning presentation guidelines
Assessment
Formative
- Quality and thoroughness of project planning
- Realistic goal-setting and timeline creation
- Understanding of project requirements and expectations
- Commitment and enthusiasm for chosen project
Project Management Skills
- Goal setting and timeline creation
- Resource identification and planning
- Risk assessment and contingency planning
- Progress monitoring and adjustment strategies
Self-Directed Learning
- Choice and ownership in learning
- Self-assessment and reflection skills
- Persistence and problem-solving
- Responsibility for learning outcomes
Capstone Project Options
1. Interactive Storybook
Multi-scene story with user choices, character development, and narrative branching. Students create engaging digital stories that respond to user input.
2. Educational Game
Design a game that teaches a concept to younger students. Focus on clear learning objectives, appropriate challenge level, and engaging gameplay.
3. Digital Art Exhibition
Create programmed artwork with interactive elements and explanations. Combine artistic expression with programming skills.
4. Community Problem Solver
Address a real school or community issue through programming. Apply design thinking to create solutions that help others.
Extension Support
- Advanced feature challenges for experienced programmers
- Simplified versions for students needing additional support
- Cross-curricular integration opportunities
- Presentation and sharing preparation
Vocabulary Reinforced
- Capstone project
- Project planning
- Timeline
- Milestone
- Design thinking