Safety boundary
Capstone work must use data, simulation, paper models, or teacher-approved low-risk materials only. Do not synthesize hazardous substances or improvise chemical processes.
Explicit capstone instruction
Different capstones may require stoichiometry, bonding, thermochemistry, equilibrium, acid/base, electrochemistry, materials, or lifecycle reasoning.
The model should match the target property and produce a testable prediction.
State assumptions and uncertainty before comparing candidates.
Vocabulary: model selection; prediction; assumption; mechanism; validation.
Worked example
If comparing battery chemistries, voltage and redox models address energy-per-charge while lifecycle data address material impacts.
Guided question
Which chemistry models best fit a reusable-container material comparison?
Independent work
- Select two or more chemistry models.
- Write one quantitative prediction.
- State assumptions.
- Define how evidence will test the model.
Misconception check
Using more chemistry topics is not better unless each one answers a real design question.
Formative check
What makes a model useful in the capstone?
Reveal response
It produces an evidence-linked prediction relevant to the criteria.
Mentor evidence conference
Ask Archaemenes to challenge criteria, chemistry models, evidence quality, tradeoffs, and uncertainty.
Teacher guidance
Foundation: Use a model-choice matrix.
Core: Connect models to criteria.
Extended: Compare alternative models and uncertainty.