Conversational AI, is it good or bad?

A functional greenhouse, a cookbook for college students, a device to help track albuterol levels, a specialized marine product to clean the oceans, a product for skiers and more.

These were just a handful of the innovative and creative solutions to real-world problems created by the 8th grade class at All Saints Catholic School. At the start of their final school year, all 8th grade students were required to develop a Capstone project. The Capstone Engineering Design Project (CEDP) is an individual student selected, research-based solution to an identified real-world problem. 

On May 6, 7 and 8 each member of the Class of 2024 showcased their individual engineering design project history by presenting their results to teachers from high schools, ASCS alumni, Diocese of Bridgeport representatives and professionals from the area. The  top students in each of the two section blocks will earn awards. The Capstone presentation showcased the student’s abilities in reading, writing, public speaking, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, planning, collaboration and implementation, self-discipline, problem solving, and organizational skills.                       

For the last 3 years, All Saints 8th grade students have been learning and applying the engineering design process sometimes referred to as STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics). Students have explored topics/issues which have expanded their intellectual curiosity beyond the classroom walls and given them experience in learning critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication, both written (journal) plus oral (presentations) in addition to a new nonfiction method of gathering research evidence through close reading.  The Capstone Project provides students with opportunities to hone the skills and methods necessary for research projects of a larger scope in high school and, later, in college. It allows students to tap into their talents and interests as a means of expression as well as a demonstration of academic achievement.    

Some students shared their skepticism and fear at the beginning of the process, and realized their growth by the end of the process.

One student shared this thought: 

"My project impacted me in negative and positive ways. I was scared to present and could not calm my nerves. I knew I had to practice but it was a constant mental fight. I wanted to play games, not practice for my capstone. It was a week away! Big mistake. The more practice I had the better I felt. This heavily contributed to my growth as a person and a student. I now learned that practicing over and over again is the key to having a successful presentation. This project also prepared me for presentations in high school. I no longer have a daunting feeling whenever I have  to get up in front of people."   

The intent of the Capstone is to encourage and motivate the students to engage in a project that has direct applicability to pre-high school skill preparation and possible STEM career goals and aspirations. Most importantly, the Capstone should represent an area of STEM focus that they are passionate about and will have FUN doing.   

Upon reflection, 8th grader Joanna shared, "During capstone I gained a lot of skills as well as virtues that helped me along the way. Skills I gained were time management, critical thinking, and lots, lots of problem solving. The virtues that I used the most were patience, respect, responsibility, and honesty. All of these virtues helped me with controlling my time, speaking with my mentors, remembering that I’m the one who is in charge, and being right with myself and telling the truth."
 

Congratulations 8th graders! You conquered the Capstone! Onward to high school! 

Judges included:

Theresa Cetinski, Norwalk High School Science Department

John Cook, Mt. Carmel Middle School Science Teacher

Greg Stewart, Founder of Ingenuity Design and an ASCS parent.

Kaelyn Fogelson, Rising Senior at NHS and ASCS alumna.

Kiera Cunniffe, University of Wisconsin, Graduate from NHS and an ASCS alumna.

Harvey Mamrus, St. Joseph High School Science Department

Stephen Soto, Fairfield Preparatory School Science Department

Mary Ann Foncello, Science Department Chair, Immaculate High School

Patrice Kopas, Diocese of Bridgeport Schools’ Assistant Superintendent

Carol Lutz, Former Science teacher at Greenwich Catholic School

Kathy Almeida, Notre Dame High School Science Department

April Kelley, Lauralton Hall High School Science Department

Sarah Beck, Director of Personalized Learning - Diocese of Bridgeport

Lisa Ryan, Personalized Learning Coach - Diocese of Bridgeport

Fraser Randolph, Grants Committee member - Foundations In Education