Arvada High School – CAPSTONE: STEM - Innovation Lab

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

The STEM Capstone is a student driven culminating project in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics pathway. Students will work with professional STEM mentors as they define and navigate an investigation or design solution related to a STEM discipline of their choosing. Through the STEM Capstone students will demonstrate mastery in the following STEM skills (as defined by the Jeffco STEM Capstone Rubric): asking questions and defining problems, applying scientific and mathematical models to explain complex ideas, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations or designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, collaboration and leading by influence, and self-direction and personal responsibility. Students will demonstrate mastery through a portfolio of work linking their capstone project to the defined STEM skills and a public presentation of their solution and/or findings. The STEM Capstone is a required component of the STEM Endorsed Diploma.  Students completing this year-long elective class will utilize the technologies and resources of the Creative Learning Systems STEM Lab to design and implement specific, relevant, and personalized Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) projects.  Students will identify specific STEM related problems, design proposals and project plans to address these problems, test and analyze and revise potential solutions, and present results to a variety of audiences.  Students will be required to collaborate with their peers and document their project planning, results, and self assessments through a digital portfolio.  The STEM Lab offers a variety of technologies including drones,Lego Mindstorm Robots, 3D printers, Arduino, Vernier sensors, Snap circuits and more. \\_\\_\\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_