Explicit capstone instruction
A strong capstone begins with a system, not a gadget. Define what is inside the system boundary, what crosses it, and which outcome matters.
The problem statement should identify a measurable performance target and the constraints that limit acceptable solutions.
Select a physics domain—mechanics, energy, waves, fluids, circuits, sensing, or a combination—that can support a predictive model.
Vocabulary: system boundary; capstone; criterion; constraint; performance metric.
Worked example
A cooling design might define the system as device+heat sink, constrain mass below 200 g, and target maximum temperature below a stated threshold.
Guided question
Rewrite a broad problem into one measurable goal, two constraints, and two criteria.
Independent work
- Write the system boundary.
- Define one quantitative target.
- List criteria and constraints.
- Choose the physics model family that should predict performance.
Misconception check
A capstone is not stronger merely because it uses many physics topics; relevance matters.
Formative check
What should be fixed before selecting a prototype?
Reveal response
The problem, system boundary, criteria, and constraints.
Mentor evidence conference
Ask Archaemenes to challenge system boundaries, predictions, uncertainty, and whether revisions follow the evidence.
Teacher guidance
Foundation: Use a capstone brief template.
Core: Define measurable goals and model choice.
Extended: Analyze stakeholder assumptions and competing objectives.