Turner Today
Not Just a Project Anymore
By Gregory Rogers
In METSA, Seniors are required to Intern with a business, Submits a Senior Portfolio, and finish a Capstone project. Capstone Projects are intended to be intensive, active learning projects, requiring significant effort in the planning and implementation, as well as preparation of a substantial final written work product.
"It's a chance to give back to the community," said DeAunna McDonald, METSA Senior.
The Capstone projects are an opportunity for METSA Seniors to show off the Engineering Skills and Presentation Skills, but the project actually has to have purpose, it could be building a playground for a local daycare, or like McDonald's project and building an Aquaponics system (A miniature, self-sustaining, ecosystem) to inspire and educate the Biotechnology class.
"[The Project] required me to get out of my comfort zone. I had to approach clients and communicate with professionals often," DeAunna said.
The projects are 100% done by the students, the teachers are only spectators, they're there only to give tips and sign off approvals. The students have to approach the clients, gather the funds, design their project, redesign their project (if needed), then build the final project and present it to their review committee. The review committee will provide a comprehensive critique of the project, noting accomplishments and areas for improvement.
"Every single project is a challenge and keeps on pushing you to the next level. Project based learning has really opened my eyes and has prepared me for what is to come," said Valeria Torres, METSA Senior.
Capstone projects are essentially the extension of Project Based Learning. PBL is a learning style where students will take what they have learned and apply it to real world situations in the classroom, requiring them to think creatively and really consider the purpose of a subject.
"Pursuing your goals, it takes grit," DeAunna said.
The Capstone projects not only require creativity, they are to be treated like a business project as well. That means, drafting, re-drafting, finalizing, and having to restart if something goes wrong. The Capstone takes time management skills, persistence, and accountability.