Capstone Project — Student Planning Guide
Used in: Weeks 15–18 (Value Creation Project)
This guide walks you through every step of planning your capstone project. Complete each section in order as you move through Weeks 15–18.
Week 15: Finding a Problem
Step 1 — Observe and List
Look around your school, home, or neighborhood. What problems or needs do you notice?
| # | Problem or Need I Noticed | Who Has This Problem? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
| 5 |
Step 2 — Pick Your Top Problem
From the list above, choose the one problem you are most interested in solving.
The problem I want to solve: ______________________________________________________
Why this problem matters: ______________________________________________________
Who would benefit from a solution? ______________________________________________________
Week 16: Designing a Solution
Step 3 — Brainstorm Solutions
Think of at least three different ways to solve your chosen problem.
| Solution Idea | What I Like About It | What Might Be Hard |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | ||
| 2. | ||
| 3. |
Step 4 — Choose Your Best Solution
The solution I will build: ______________________________________________________
Why I chose this one: ______________________________________________________
Step 5 — Describe Your Product or Service
Answer these questions about your solution:
- What is it? ______________________________________________________
- How does it work? ______________________________________________________
- Who is it for? ______________________________________________________
- What value does it create? (How does it help people?) ______________________________________________________
- Is it a product, a service, or both? ______________________________________________________
Step 6 — Draw or Sketch Your Idea
Use the space below (or a separate sheet) to draw what your solution looks like. Label the important parts.
(Sketch space — use a blank sheet of paper if printing)
Week 17: Resources and Costs
Step 7 — List What You Need
What resources (materials, time, help) do you need to make your solution?
| Resource | Why You Need It | Estimated Cost | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| $ | |||
| $ | |||
| $ | |||
| $ | |||
| $ |
Step 8 — Create a Budget
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Materials | $ |
| Time (hours × value per hour) | $ |
| Help from others | $ |
| Other costs | $ |
| Total Cost | $ |
Step 9 — Set a Price (If Applicable)
If you were going to sell your product or service:
- How much would you charge? $__________
- Why this price? ______________________________________________________
- How many would you need to sell to cover your costs? __________
Step 10 — Identify Tradeoffs
Every project involves tradeoffs. Identify at least two.
| Tradeoff | What You Chose | What You Gave Up (Opportunity Cost) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | ||
| 2. |
Week 18: Sharing Value
Step 11 — Prepare Your Presentation
Your presentation should cover:
- ☐ The problem you identified
- ☐ Your solution (product or service)
- ☐ Who it helps and how
- ☐ What resources you needed
- ☐ Your budget and pricing
- ☐ Tradeoffs you made
- ☐ What you learned from the process
Step 12 — Practice Your Pitch
Write a short pitch (3–5 sentences) that explains your project:
Step 13 — Self-Assessment
Before presenting, honestly rate yourself:
| Skill | Getting Started | On Track | Shining |
|---|---|---|---|
| I can explain the problem I chose | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| I can describe my solution clearly | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| I created a realistic budget | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| I can explain my tradeoffs | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| I used vocabulary from our lessons | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| I am ready to present to the group | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Step 14 — Reflection (After Presenting)
Answer these questions after your presentation:
- What went well in your presentation?
- What would you do differently next time?
- What is the most important thing you learned during this project?
- How has your thinking about money and value changed since Week 1?
Key Vocabulary to Use
Try to include these terms from our curriculum in your project and presentation:
| Term | Where We Learned It |
|---|---|
| Value | Week 1 |
| Trade / Barter | Week 2 |
| Opportunity cost | Week 9 |
| Budget | Week 10 |
| Needs vs. Wants | Week 4 |
| Interest | Week 13 |
| Risk | Week 11 |
| Inflation | Week 14 |
Facilitator Notes
- This guide is designed to be worked through across Weeks 15–18, one section per week.
- Encourage learners to keep this guide in a folder or binder as their project develops.
- The self-assessment in Step 13 mirrors the capstone rubric — use it as a pre-assessment conversation tool.
- Learners who finish early can help peers as "project consultants."