NSU University School VIEWPOINT Spring 2019

UPPER SCHOOL 13 EMPOWER STUDENTS When students reach grade 12 at USchool, they are given the opportunity to pursue a passion or broaden a curiosity of their choosing through the Shark Capstone Experience. The Shark Capstone Experience is the culmination of their college- preparatory experience, enabling seniors to dedicate a year to exploring a topic of their choice. Each student plans, implements, documents, evaluates, and presents on a project of their own design. They learn not only about their chosen topic, but also how to solve real-life problems and recover from setbacks. The capstone concludes with formal presentations in which students share the processes and outcomes of their projects. “The Shark Capstone Experience offers seniors a way to synthesize the personalized learning and extracurricular activities that have shaped their lives at USchool. This yearlong culmination of their school experience shows them how their learning is relevant and allows them to share it at the grassroots level. Perhaps most important, it gives thema taste of their future potential,” said Jaimie Crawford, M.Ed., director of Student Academic Services. The range of subjects and disciplines our students have selected is as diverse as their interests, talents, and imaginations. Here is a peek at some of this year’s Shark Capstone Experience projects. to Dive Deep into Passion Projects Nicolas Barron wants to bring the game of chess to underserved communities by collaborating with a local charity and using his expertise to teach the game. “Chess is a game that can be enjoyed for an entire lifetime,” Nick said. “It teaches fundamental social lessons, like patience, respectful interaction with others in a competitive environment, self-restraint, and more.” Nick is a veteran player, having participated in more than 75 competitive tournaments across the country during the last eight years. Through his capstone collaborationwith the charity, he plans to donate chess boards and pieces. “This opportunity allows me to share a game I hold very dear to my heart,” he said. Benjamin Crawford aims to produce a detailed, persuasive, and well-researched paper about the ongoing Florida housing crisis, detailing its root causes, impact on the population, and possible solutions. The issue of class injustice is dear to Ben’s heart, and levels of inequality approaching those reached during the Gilded Age have spurred him to educate others on working-class economic hostilities. Ben is most disturbed by and focused on the commodification of the home. While his immediate goal is writing and presenting his capstone paper, he would like to use its publication to increase public awareness of the ongoing affordable housing crisis, informing those directly impacted by it and those who can afford to take housing for granted. Shark Capstone Experiences