Capstone Projects

Middle School

Creating Changemakers of Tomorrow

Each year in Middle School, students work towards an interdisciplinary culminating project which is showcased to families near the end of the school year. These projects are rooted in social entrepreneurship, giving students the opportunity to brainstorm solutions to real-life issues facing our community.

6th Grade

DIVE

Designing Innovations for Vulnerable Environments

In 6th grade, the capstone project, DIVE, (Designing Innovations for Vulnerable Environments) connects science, coding, robotics, woodworking, website development, writing, and research skills.

The goal of this project is to enable students to develop a deeper understanding of the environmental issues facing us at a local and global level, and to provide our students with a sense of agency and hope when considering the future world they will inherit.

This topic is obviously both pressing and overwhelming, and our aim is to empower students to think globally and locally, in a manner that suits them and is, of course, sustainable in all senses of the word.

The result is that students will create a greenspace design project. Working in groups, students will design a space of their choice, designed to fit a specific community need. Students will apply their knowledge of climate change and their understanding of possible solutions with creativity and tech skills, integrating CoSpaces and website design to complete their projects. These projects are showcased to families at the end of the school year, and set students up for the subsequent two years of socially conscious entrepreneurial projects.

7th Grade

SPLASH

Solving Problems for Los Angeles Society and Health

In 7th grade, SPLASH, or Solving Problems for Los Angeles’ Society and Health, gives students a chance to research and pitch creative solutions to societal issues.

the initial phase of our comprehensive two-year capstone program at WNS. As the precursor to our 8th-grade SWIM program, SPLASH sets the foundation for students to dive deep into societal, health, and environmental issues. Throughout the year, 7th graders will explore these pillars, researching and identifying pressing challenges within our community.

Students will craft unique automata that visually represent the essence of their SPLASH project theme. This hands-on activity merges art with mechanics, bringing their ideas to life in motion. Using Adobe Premier Rush, students will dive into the world of video filming and editing. They’ll learn the intricacies of storytelling, capturing their journey and insights on camera. Final works will be combined and exhibited on campus.

By the end of SPLASH, students will have crafted a project proposal, laying the groundwork for their SWIM projects in 8th grade.

This journey from SPLASH to SWIM is a transformative experience, where students not only learn about the world around them but also discover ways they can make a meaningful impact.

8th Grade

SWIM

Solutionary Work In Motion

SWIM, or Solutionary Work In Motion, sees students take their ideas even further, partnering with local organizations, and bringing their ideas to life in documented way.

Last year, as part of the SPLASH program, students delved deep into societal, health, and environmental issues affecting Los Angeles. They researched, collaborated, and crafted compelling project proposals, presented in the form of video pitches.

These pitches, showcased at the Loyola Marymount University theater, were more than just presentations; they were promises of commitment to the community.

Now, in 8th grade, students embark on the SWIM journey, taking those proposals and turning them into actionable projects. Their commitment and passion shine through as they not only identify problems but also actively work towards solutions. The transition from SPLASH to SWIM is transformative, where ideas evolve into meaningful actions. As they collaborate with local organizations, engage in hands-on work, and navigate the challenges of real-world projects, our students are not just learning; they are making a tangible difference in the community.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS:

Westside Neighborhood School admits students of any race, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.