Senior Capstone Experience
Student Handbook
Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology
Table of Contents
Introduction & Background Information
3
Guiding Principles, Common Requirements, & Structures
4
Capstone Requirements
6
Portfolio Notebook Requirements
8
Making the Most of an Off-Campus Experience
9
A Comparison of JFE & SCE Experiences
11
Senior Capstone Proposal Coversheet
12
SCE Liability Form
13
SCE Permission Form
14
SCE Agreement Form
15
Student Competitions & Resources
17
2
GSMST Senior Capstone Experience
Introduction
The Senior Capstone Experience (SCE) is the culminating experience for GSMST
students and provides an opportunity to bring reflection, focus, and conclusion to the dynamic
high school experience. It is an opportunity for students to integrate the many facets of their
high school course work, projects, research, internships, and areas of career and college
interest. The experience is a symbolic conclusion of the acquisition of knowledge and skills
that has preceded the capstone experience.
The SCE provides students with further experiences in hands-on use of technology,
opportunities to work on the leading edge of research, applied science, mathematics and
computing, practice in teamwork and collaboration, and immersion in “real world” inquiry,
problem-solving, and reasoning. The goals for students may be a continuation of work begun
in the Junior Fellowship Experience (JFE) or a divergent experience from the student’s JFE and
includes opportunities to further develop leadership skills and to gain new insights into the
student’s chosen field of interest. The experience may include field experience in a mentoring
organization, school based support for field work, and the student’s development of a
project/portfolio/product in order to provide each student with an authentic real world
experience to increase their interest in and aptitude for potential career paths.
A Senior Capstone is a culminating experience that derives from previous work in a
field. Merriam-Webster defines “capstone” as the high point: crowning achievement. The
college capstone emerged in the mid 1980’s following the release of A Nation at Risk as a
means for deeper investigations and moving instruction away from rote learning. Capstone
projects are common in engineering fields, sociology, and education. A common goal of many
capstones is the integration of coursework and application of knowledge in a real world
context.
The Senior Capstone Experience at GSMST is an in-depth exploration of the student’s
chosen field of interest which results in a research paper, a project/portfolio/product, and a
presentation. This experience encourages students to use a variety of skills in the areas of
writing, speaking, research, and documentation. Upon completion of the Senior Capstone
Experience, students have learned more about their area of interest, their community, and,
most importantly, about themselves.
The GSMST Senior Capstone Experience will provide an opportunity for scholarly
reflection on a field of interest, further exploration of that interest, and utilize that experience
to consider future career goals. The SCE will be divided into 3 phases: reflection of interest
and opportunities from PAST experiences; involvement in research, project development, and
exploration of the identified field of interest in the PRESENT experience; and an opportunity to
reflect on those experiences and set goals for further development and FUTURE opportunities.
The SCE is a meaningful avenue that encourages students to apply skills and theories
acquired over the GSMST experience to integrate and synthesize what they have learned in
their field of interest.
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Guiding Principles
1. The capstone experience should be appropriate to the field of interest and include a
project/portfolio/product as a result of the experience.
2. The capstone course should prepare seniors for the expectations and standards of
college and the future professional workplace.
3. The capstone should be the culmination of the inquiry-based learning of earlier course
work, broadening, deepening, and integrating the total experience of the field of interest.
4. The capstone may develop from a previous research experience or internship.
5. The capstone should be a rigorous experience. It should be conceived in a way that
challenges the student to think deeply and critically beyond what he/she already knows
and is able to do. The topic must be big enough for the student to consider multiple
perspectives but not so big that it will lead only to superficial understanding.
Common Requirements
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Mentor – Students are required to have a mentor for their SCE. The mentor must be an
expert in the field and may be the same person as their SCE faculty advisor. It is the
student’s responsibility to acquire a mentor. Students are required to submit
information regarding the contact information and experience of the Mentor and, if
participating in an off-campus internship, the location of the work site prior to
beginning the experience.
Formal Research Paper – Research papers will detail the formal research students have
pursued in preparing to complete their project/portfolio/product. The research papers
will be completed as part of the Senior Language Arts curriculum.
Deliverable Development – The production phase of the SCE requires students to apply
the knowledge gained to a project, portfolio, or product. Visual evidence of the process
(i.e. scrapbook, logbook, presentation with photos, video, audio interviews, etc.) is
required.
Presentation – Students will: 1) present to a panel comprised of faculty, community,
and peers, 2) summarize their research paper, 3) demonstrate how they applied this to
an actual deliverable (project/portfolio/product), 4) present their visual evidence, and 5)
demonstrate mastery of their topic as they respond to a question and answer period.
SCE Portfolio Notebook – Students will maintain documentation of experiences in a
portfolio notebook.
Vision
The SCE is an opportunity for the student to: 1) gain an in-depth understanding about
a field of their interest, 2) perform appropriate research or participate in task/project
development, 3) investigate professional sources of information within the community, and 4)
present highlights of the experience to a panel. Students are required to develop a Project
Proposal in conjunction with their mentor and supervising teacher and are encouraged to
refine their work to submit to district and/or national competitions.
Structure for Off-Campus Internships
Within their SCE, students can choose to participate in an off-campus internship at a
company or university. Students participating in internships for their SCE will spend between
5 – 10 contact hours per week for approximately 24 weeks within a mentoring organization.
Students will be required to enroll in an SCE Research & Design course and meet regularly
4
with their GSMST faculty advisor. It is important students seek appropriate supervision for
their project, maintain proper safety protocols, and seek applicable required approvals such as
through the School Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Structure for Independent Projects
Students who choose to do an independent project for their SCE will select an area or
topic of interest in which to complete a project and/or perform in-depth, original research.
Students will be required to enroll in an SCE Research & Design course and meet regularly
with their GSMST faculty advisor. Prior to beginning research students should arrange to
work with an in-field practitioner who will serve as a mentor and to supervise their projects.
Mentors/mentoring organizations must be approved by student’s faculty advisor as a part of
the Project Proposal process. It is important students seek appropriate supervision for their
projects and follow all guidelines outlined by the Intel/Georgia Science and Engineering Fair,
maintain proper safety protocols, and seek required approvals, such as through the School
Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Structure for a Curricular Portfolio
Students may choose to take electives within the same field of interest and complete an
in-depth portfolio that demonstrates the knowledge gained through the selected electives.
Students will be required to enroll in an SCE Research & Design course and meet regularly
with their GSMST faculty advisor. In addition, the Curricular SCE may include enrolling in
joint enrollment or online courses at a university. As part of the Curricular SCE, students
should arrange to work with an in-field practitioner who will serve as a mentor and to
supervise their portfolios. Mentors/mentoring organizations must be approved by student’s
faculty advisor as a part of the Project Proposal process. If students choose to pursue a
project, it is important students seek appropriate supervision, maintain proper safety
protocols, and seek applicable required approvals such as through the School Institutional
Review Board (IRB).
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Capstone Requirements
I. Reflecting on Past Experiences – develop a portfolio notebook; reflect on previous
courses and experiences that have led them to their identified field of interest.
II. Seizing Opportunities in the Present – includes the development of a capstone
proposal, formal research paper done in the senior language arts class, development of
a deliverable, and presenting to a panel of experts. The portfolio notebook should
maintain a record of the experience.
III. Looking to the Future – journal response considering how their work at GSMST will
translate to future experiences.
REFLECTING ON PAST EXPERIENCES
Portfolio Notebook & Journal
Students will develop a portfolio notebook and reflect on previous
courses and experiences that have led them to their identified field of
interest. During this phase of portfolio development, students will
create the following:
Resume: Update their resume to include: areas of interest, courses
taken, experiences at GSMST, universities and/or corporations, clubs
and competitions, and Junior Fellowship Experience (JFE).
Pre-SCE Journal Entry: Reflect on the following questions and construct
a journal entry that describes how these experiences have lead to your
field of interest:
 How did your selected area of interest develop? What impact did
your courses at GSMST, your JFE internship, collaboration with
outside contacts, and other experiences have in the development of
this area of interest?
Resources: Start and maintain a list of contacts, career opportunities,
university programs, prior experiences, and web resources throughout
your SCE.
6
Nature & Structure of the SCE
SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES
IN THE PRESENT
The SCE Journey:

Capstone Proposal – 1-2 page proposal outlining plans and
logistics.
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Formal Research Paper – all SCE require a research paper that
will be graded as an assignment in the Senior Language Arts
class.
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Deliverable Development – this may include a prototype/model,
submission to a competition, independent research project,
curricular exploration, etc. The production phase of the SCE
requires students to apply the knowledge gained to a
project/portfolio/product. Visual evidence of the process (i.e.
scrapbook, presentation with photos, video, audio interviews,
etc.) is required. Include pictures and artifacts of your
experience throughout the year. Each student will select a
mentor with enough knowledge and experience relevant to
his/her individual topic to guide him/her through the creation of
the deliverable.

Presentation to a Panel of Experts – students will: 1) present to a
panel comprised of faculty, community, and peers, 2) summarize
their research paper, 3) demonstrate how they applied this to an
actual deliverable (project/portfolio/product), 4) present their
visual evidence, and 5) demonstrate mastery of their topic as they
respond to a question and answer period.

Maintaining a Record of the Experience – a portfolio notebook will
include components such as an hours log, record of mentor
meetings, pictures, interviews, contacts inside and outside of the
SCE, and evidence of completion of the 3 phases of the
experience.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Portfolio Notebook & Journal
Post-SCE Journal Entry: Reflect on the following questions and
construct a journal entry in your portfolio notebook:
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Where do you see yourself headed now that this experience is
coming to a close? Did the SCE enhance your interest or have you
adapted your original area of interest? Why or why not?
Discuss the relevance of your SCE related to the greater national
STEM initiative. How do you see your field of interest contributing
to and/or benefiting from STEM?
What career or research areas are of most interest to you? How
will you pursue your interests in the future?
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SCE Portfolio Notebook
Documentation of your senior capstone work over the course of the year must be organized in
a 3-ring binder. This organizational system is assessed at each conference with your SCE
faculty advisor. The final notebook will be turned in as 50% of your spring semester
comprehensive final exam grade.
The following items or categories are expected to be represented, although there may be
additional materials in your notebook as appropriate to your particular SCE. Please refer to
your SCE Handbook for specific details on each item. For items with multiple drafts, please
include all drafts with the most recent revision on top.
Notebooks should be in this order:
Section I – REFLECTING ON PAST EXPERIENCES:
1. Resume
2. Pre-SCE Journal Entry
3. Resources List
Section II – SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PRESENT:
4. SCE Proposal
5. Formal Research Paper
6. Mentor Evaluations
7. Mentor Meeting Notes
8. Faculty Advisor Conference Rubrics/Feedback
9. Deliverable (Project/Portfolio/Product)
Section III – LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
10. Post-SCE Journal Entry
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Making the Most of Your Off-Campus Capstone Experience
Prior to the Experience

Orient to the work environment. Review the organization’s website, request an
annual report, division report, or materials about the research or project you are
working with; develop an overview of the context in which the work or research will
occur. Seek out information.

Orient to the logistics. Explore and understand the expectations of the fellowship.
Find out who your mentor will be and who will assist you if the Mentor is not there.
Make sure you understand company or university workplace regulations in advance.

Identify personal objectives for the fellowship experience. What do you want to
learn? How can this experience help in reaching your short term/long term goals?
How can you make the most of the experience?

Sign required agreement forms.
The first week

Get to know your Mentor - Some Mentors are goal oriented (they want you to
accomplish a task); some Mentors are experience oriented (they emphasize exposure to
the work or research experience; the product matters less); some Mentors are a
combination. In all cases, work to shape their expectations into a meaningful project
with meaningful results. Inquire about their experiences that led them to their career
choice.

Keep a notebook and pen handy at all times. Write down all procedures, whether
lab, computer, or general workplace procedures. Keep these notes for reference and as
a guide. You will be entering a new environment and it is perfectly natural to be
confused by all the changes you may experience.
During the Experience

Work diligently during hours on the worksite. Avoid making personal calls and texts
during work hours; use the organization’s computer for work related business only.
Remember you are representing the Gwinnett School of Science, Mathematics &
Technology as well as the Gwinnett County Public Schools.

Adhere to sponsoring organization’s established customs and policies. There is a
reason for policies established within an organization, short cuts and new systems
should not be used without the prior approval of your Mentor.
9
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Confidentiality in all jobs is a must. Your sponsoring organization takes
confidentiality very seriously and may require you to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Prior to taking photographs or using any forms, reports, etc. as samples for your
portfolio, you must obtain permission in advance from the sponsoring organization. As
a general rule, never discuss business details with friends, relatives or other
acquaintances.
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Learn about--and comply with--sponsor’s rules and regulations regarding safety,
security, etc.
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Be loyal to your sponsoring organization. Speak well of the company to everyone
and keep company problems and troubles within the company.
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Use proper care with sponsoring organization’s equipment and supplies. You
should have a good operational knowledge of all equipment to be used –ask instructions
if necessary. Avoid wasting materials or using office supplies for personal use without
prior approval.
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Maintain regular attendance. You must notify your employer if you must be absent.
Do it personally and not at the last minute. Go to work every day unless there is a
completing reason you cannot go.
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Learn about your sponsoring organization: its goals; its structure; how your assignment
fits into the "larger picture;" ask questions; talk with employees about their work; etc.
Learn about the specific skills needed by employees in various positions. Seek
information about career options.
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Be conscientious and professional in completing tasks and in interactions with other
employees. Be respectful of members of the sponsoring organization. Address your
employees by their last names even if everyone else uses first names, until told to do
otherwise.
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Set a regular meeting time with your Mentor to discuss issues contained in your
work assignment. Work and communicate with others in the Mentor's group. Find
about STEM opportunities within the sponsoring organization.
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Share with your Mentor your goals and interests. Be open to new ideas and
opportunities.
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Take advantage of opportunities to discover how science, mathematics and
technology are utilized in the work or research environment.
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Let the GSMST Senior Capstone Experience Coordinator or your GSMST Faculty
advisor know immediately if there is a problem or concern.
Remember to:
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Use common sense
Be flexible
Be self-directed
Show initiative
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Comparison of the Junior Fellowship & Senior Capstone Experiences
Independent
project or off
campus
internship
Experiential
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Senior Capstone Experience Proposal Coversheet
Mentee: ___________________________________
Faculty Advisor: ___________________________________
Mentor: ___________________________________
Organization: ______________________________________
DIRECTIONS: Create a 1 – 2 page, typed Capstone Proposal outlining the plans for your experience. Include the information below.

Capstone Overview: Thoroughly describe what will comprise your capstone. Be sure to include:
o Off-campus internship information, if applicable.
o What you will produce as a result of your capstone (your deliverable – project/portfolio/product).

Statement of Interest: Discuss why you are undertaking this capstone project and why it is worthwhile.
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Logistics: Address the logistics of your proposed capstone. Be sure to include:
o How you are going to accomplish your capstone.
o Information about your mentor and how your mentor will be involved.
o Deadlines for different stages of the project.
o Address IRB and/or safety concerns, if applicable.
_________________________________
Signature of Mentee
_________________________________
Signature of Faculty Advisor
_________________________________
Signature of Mentor
________________________________
Signature of Parent
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Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology Senior Capstone Consent Form
STUDENT INFORMATION:
Name____________________________ Address ____________________________ City _________________ Zip Code _______________
Home Phone ___________________ Parent/Student Cell Phone ___________________________ E-mail ____________________________
Student I.D. Number __________________
Please initial each request to indicate your consent:
_______Senior Capstone Experience: I understand that my child named above is enrolled in the Senior Capstone Experience program at
GSMST and my child will be dismissed from school at the end of his/her regularly scheduled on campus classes. I assume full responsibility
for my child after dismissal from school, including days when my child is not required to be on site for the capstone experience.
______Transportation Consent: (School provided transportation is not available to internship sites.)
I hereby give my son/daughter/ward permission to drive to their designated internship site. I expressly release the Senior Capstone
Experience program work site, local school and the Gwinnett County Public Schools and any agents of the sponsoring organization or the
school system from liability that may result from my son/daughter/ward’s use of his/her individual transportation. My child is covered by
automobile insurance as follows:
Provider: __________________________ Name of Insured: _____________________ Policy Number: ____________
______Field Trips/Class Projects: Permission is granted my son/daughter/ward to participate in field trips and class projects during the
session(s) he/she is on site at the school or at the internship experience. Transportation may be provided by the school system or capstone
sponsor. In addition, another form requiring signature may be required by the school designating the destination and purpose of the field
trip along with the departure date and return information.
______Photo/Media Release: I hereby give consent to all photographs, audio recordings, and/or video recordings taken of me or my minor
child by Gwinnett County Public Schools or their designee including the capstone sponsor. I understand that any photographs, audio
recordings, and/or video recordings become the property of the local school/district/designee and may be used by the school, district or
others with the consent, for educational, instructional, or promotional purposed determined by the district in broadcast and media formats
now existing to be created in the future.
______Student Record Release: I authorize by Gwinnett County Public Schools to release my son/daughter/ward’s academic and
attendance record to any potential capstone sponsor and agree the by Gwinnett County Public Schools and its agents will be absolved of any
responsibility in connection with such release. This authorization can be cancelled at any time by written notice to the Internship
Coordinator.
______Background Check: If required, I authorize prospective capstone experience sponsoring organizations to conduct a background
check including criminal history, employment history and education history as a condition of my son’s, daughter’s or ward’s employment.
Health Medical:
______Treatment Consent: I hereby authorize the school, Internship Coordinator or capstone site mentor to secure emergency medical
treatment. I assume all financial responsibility.
______Insurance: Health Insurance Company_________________ Student is_____ or is not____ covered by medical insurance. (If not,
parent/guardian signature indicates that accident insurance will be purchased through the school insurance program. Contact GSMST.)
______Some sponsors require prospective student-mentees to participate in drug screening procedures. In such cases, this procedure
becomes a condition of participation. I hereby consent to drug screen of my child or ward as a condition of employment and subsequent
drug screens as dictated by the company’s drug policy.
______Some sponsors may require a physical examination and/or tetanus or tuberculosis vaccination. I consent to a company required
physical examination or company required vaccinations as a condition of my son’s, daughter’s or ward’s employment.
HAVING READ WITH UNDERSTANDING THE ABOVE, I HEREBY GIVE MY CONSENT TO THE ENROLLMENT OF MY
SON/DAUGHTER/WARD IN A SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE PROGRAM.
Name of Mother/Legal Guardian_________________________________________
Daytime Telephone__________________
Name of Father/ Legal Guardian_________________________________________
Daytime Telephone__________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE_______________________________________________ DATE_________________
Student’s Signature______________________________________________________________ DATE_________________
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Permission to Participate in GSMST Senior Capstone Experience Program
The Senior Capstone Experience (SCE) program is offered to seniors who are part of the Gwinnett School of Mathematics,
Science and Technology in the Gwinnett County Public Schools. This program enables qualified students to study, research,
and apply the knowledge and skills obtained through the school’s rigorous curriculum. SCE students will be able to work
closely with professionals in a field relating to the students’ chosen areas of interest. Much of the program will involve the
students leaving the GSMST campus and working with mentors at the location of a participating partner’s firm, lab, or place of
business. These internships will be generally unpaid, although a partner may choose to compensate the student at their
discretion, with approval from the school. Students participating in the SCE program will receive academic grades and credits
related to their experiences and on-campus classes and activities. Students, parents, program personnel, and mentoring
organizations will adhere to guidelines outlined by the Georgia Department of Education in its Standards and Guidelines for
Work-Based Learning Programs in Georgia. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for arranging transportation for the
student to and from all off-campus activities related to this program. In addition, the State Department of Education requires
that students participating in this type of program be covered by accident insurance.
Permission
I hereby give consent for my son/daughter, ___________________________________________________, who is a student in
good-standing at the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology to participate in all Senior Capstone Experience
activities including, but not limited to, off-campus participation at a mentoring organization’s firm, lab, institution, or place of
business for the 20___ - 20___ school year. I assume responsibility for arranging for my son’s/daughter’s transportation to and
from all off-campus activities related to this program and acknowledge that the Gwinnett County Public Schools is neither
responsible for transportation nor liable for injuries that may arise out of, during, or in connection with the transportation.
I release and waive and further agree to indemnify, hold harmless, or reimburse the Gwinnett County Public Schools, the
Gwinnett County Board of Education, the Board’s individual members, agents, employees and representatives thereof from and
against any claim which I, any other parent or guardian, any sibling, the students, any other firm or corporation may have or
claim to have, known or unknown, directly or indirectly, for any losses, damages, or injuries arising out of, during, or in
connection with the student’s participation in or travel to or from the off-campus activities in the Senior Capstone Experience
Program.
_____________________________________________________________________
Signature of parent or legal guardian
Date
Insurance
Please check one of the following statements regarding insurance coverage for your son/daughter for the 20___ - 20___ school
year, then sign below.
_____ My son/daughter is adequately and currently covered by accident insurance that will cover injuries sustained while
participating in this program.
Company providing insurance: _________________________________________
Name of insured: ____________________________________________
Policy number: _______________________________________
_____ My son/daughter is covered by the school accident insurance plan which I purchased for the 20___-20___ school year.
___________________________________________________________________
Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian
______________
Date
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GSMST SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE AGREEMENT
Student Name: ________________________________________________________________
Sponsoring Organization: _______________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Work Site Supervisor: __________________________________________________________
Work Phone Number: ________________FAX: _____________ E-mail: ________________
The Student-Intern considers this capstone experience valuable to post-secondary and career objectives and
agrees:
1. To be regular in attendance both in school and at the internship site. To maintain a timely and accurate electronic
log of attendance within worksite.
2. To inform the mentor promptly if illness or other emergency prevents or delays attendance.
3. To perform work responsibilities and classroom responsibilities in an efficient manner.
4. To display honesty, punctuality, courtesy, a cooperative attitude, proper health and grooming habits, and a
willingness to learn.
5. To dress appropriately and behave maturely at the worksite.
6. To conform to all regulations of the sponsoring organization.
7. To maintain accurate records as required by the internship program and the school-based Internship coordinator.
8. To respect ethics and not reveal any confidential information. Failure to comply may result in the dismissal of
the student mentee from the internship experience.
9. To bring any special problems to the immediate attention of the GSMST Internship Coordinator and/or GSMST
faculty advisor—not with anyone else, other than your parent(s). This could include any unpleasant job
situations such as harassment.
10. To remain eligible for the internship program by maintaining all academic standards as outlined in the internship
program’s requirements.
11. To accept no wages or benefits from the mentoring firm unless the firm voluntarily provides such and GSMST
administration has given approval.
12. To provide transportation to and from work.
13. To refrain from socializing with or telephoning friends and family while at the worksite. Students are not to use
the work time to study (unless the mentor gives permission after work is complete), and may not use the
sponsoring organization’s computer for non-work related activity.
The Parents/Guardians of the student-intern, realizing the importance of the capstone program agree:
1. To assume responsibility for the conduct and safety of the student mentee from the time that he/she leaves
school until he/she reports to the internship site and from the time he/she leaves the internship site until he/she
arrives at the final destination.
2. To assure that the student has transportation to and from the internship site that allows the student to arrive
internship responsibilities when scheduled.
3. To assume responsibility for adequate insurance, including but not limited to, health and automobile coverage.
4. To bring any special problems to the immediate attention of the GSMST Internship Coordinator and/or GSMST
faculty advisor.
5. To share responsibility for the conduct of the student while training in the Senior Capstone Experience.
15
6. To understand that the student mentee must attend school and the internship experience regularly and may not
go to the internship experience without going to school as scheduled nor go to school without going to the
internship experience as scheduled unless previously discussed with the GSMST Internship Coordinator.
7. I have read the requirements for my son/daughter/ward’s participation in a Gwinnett County Public School
Work-based learning program. I understand the commitment to class and the internship experience, and I will
support him/her in that commitment. I understand that he/she must adhere to these guidelines and complete the
training outline in the documentation to remain in the program.
The Sponsoring Organization recognizing that an internship training plan is being followed and that close
supervision of the student-mentee will be needed, agrees:
1. To provide a variety of internship experiences for the student-mentee that will contribute to the attainment of
training objectives.
2. To adhere to policies and practices which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex
and handicap in recruitment, hiring, placement assignment to tasks, hours of internship experiences, and
responsibilities.
3. To assist in the student-mentee in the development of internship product/project.
4. To provide time for consultation with the GSMST Internship Coordinator and/or GSMST faculty advisor to
discuss any difficulties that may rise.
5. To provide instructional materials and occupational guidance for the student-mentee by providing an internship
mentor.
6. To assist in the evaluation of the student-mentee.
7. If the student is hired as an employee, to adhere to all Federal and State regulations including child labor laws,
minimum wage regulations, worker’s compensation insurance and work permits. Student unemployment
insurance is not mandatory for part-time students. To adhere to income tax and social security withholding
regulations. Students will receive a W-2 and NOT a 1099 for taxable earnings.
The Internship Coordinator representing the school will coordinate the internship training program toward a
satisfactory preparation of the student for his/her post-secondary and career objectives and agrees:
1. To arrange for the in-school related instruction, consultation, and advisory service for all parties concerned with
the Senior Capstone Experience program.
2. To make periodic visits to the internship site to observe the student, to consult with the mentor and to render any
needed assistance with the student-mentee. The Internship Coordinator has the authority to remove the student
from the internship.
3. To conduct regular evaluations of the student’s progress with the mentor and appropriate follow-up activities.
4. To keep accurate records pertinent to the student and school.
5. To act as a liaison between student-interns, parents/guardians, mentoring partners, and school officials in regard
to the internship program.
I have read and understand and agree to carry out the responsibilities delegated to me per the above.
___________________________________________
Student Signature
Date
_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
___________________________________________
Worksite Coordinator Signature
Date
_________________________________________
GSMST Internship Coordinator Signature
Date
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Competition Options & Resources for Senior Capstone
Competition
Students
Eligible:
AASU High School
Mathematics Tournament
American Regions Math
League
Website
http://www.math.armstrong.edu/tour
naments/
http://www.arml.com/index.php
BioGENEius Challenge
Grades 9 - 12
Envirothon Competition
Grades 9 - 12
FIRST Robotics
http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/oa
sp/ga_science_fair/pdfs/bio_app.pdf
http://www.georgiaenvirothon.org/
http://www.usfirst.org/
Georgia Junior Science and
Humanities Symposium
Grades 9 - 12
http://www.uga.edu/oasp/gjshs/gjsh
s.html
Georgia Science &
Engineering Fair
Grades 9 - 12
http://www.uga.edu/oasp/gsef/gsefre
vised2004.htm
High School Varsity Math
Challenge
Intel Science Talent Search
http://www.math.uga.edu/mathmeet.
html/
Seniors only
International Mathematics
Olympiad (IMO):
www.sciserv.org/sts
http://imo.math.ca/
International Science &
Engineering Fair
Grades 9 - 12
http://www.sciserv.org/isef/
JETS Engineering Design
Challenge
Grades 9 - 12
http://www.jets.org/programs/nedc/i
ndex.cfm
Junior Engineering
Technical Society (JETS)
Grades 9 - 12
http://www.jets.org/teams/index.cfm
Math Counts
http://mathcounts.org
http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/nsb
/index.html
National Science Bowl
NCSSSMST Student
Conference
Grades 9 - 12
www.ncsssmst.org
NCSSSMST Student
Research Symposium
Grades 10 - 11
www.ncsssmst.org
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Odyssey of the Mind
Grades 9 - 12
http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/
Science Olympiad
Grades 9 - 12
http://soinc.org/
Siemens Westinghouse
Competition in Math,
Science, & Technology
Individual
projects
submitted by
Seniors; Team
projects 9 - 12
students
http://www.siemensfoundation.org/competition/
The Dupont Challenge Essay Content
Grades 7 - 12
http://thechallenge.dupont.com/
Toshiba Exploravision
Grades 10 - 12
http://www.exploravision.org/
Young Epidemiology
Scholars (YES) Competition
Students with
research projects
in this field; Jrs
& Srs
http://www.collegeboard.com/yes/fs/
atc.html
Independent Project Resources:
http://www.societyforscience.org/Page.aspx?pid=312 - rules, forms wizards, PPT's that might
be useful to instructors and students when working with ISEF and independent projects
http://www.societyforscience.org/Page.aspx?pid=310 - completing a science fair project abstract, display, etc.
http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/ppd/courses/academic-special-programs/georgia-scienceand-engineering-fair - GSEF rules and regulations
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