Exploring Your Palette

Overview: The Bonner Capstone Project, otherwise known as a community-driven variation of AAC&U’s (the Association of American Colleges and Universities) “Signature Work,” is a culminating educational activity in which students integrate and apply their learning to a significant community-engaged project with meaning to the student and to society (AACU, 2015). Though students will typically not complete a Bonner Capstone until their third or fourth year, preparation for this project begins as soon as students begin their service and academic journey. This session will introduce participants to the concept of a capstone. It will engage them in beginning to identify their passions and interests, using the metaphor of a “Capstone Palette” to recognize its components. This session is designed to help first year students understand the dimensions of a Bonner Capstone that they will complete in their third and/or fourth year – and find ways to engage with the campus and community in a way that will forge connections for their future capacity building project.

Key Words: Communication, reflection, organization, planning, networking

Exploring Your Palette: An Introduction to the Bonner Capstone

BWBRS Description:

Bonner Capstone Series

This is part one (of 8) of a series for Bonner Scholars and Leaders to build an integrative community engaged signature capstone. In this workshop, participants identify their own passions and interests, or “capstone palette.” They explore the concept of a “sweet spot” and how they might integrate various interests with service.

Bonner Capstone #1 Session (Capstone Palette) page !1

First Year

8 Themes: First Year - Semester 1

Bonner Developmental Connections: This workshop is designed to introduce first-year students or

students new to the Bonner Program to the capstone expectation. It is not expected that they will do such a project until the junior or senior year. It is most relevant for a first-year class meeting during the fall semester or during fall Bonner orientation.

Bonner/VALUE Rubric Outcomes: This workshop will help students grapple with a sense of Civic

Identity and Civic Agency, because the capstone project rests of a framework where students connect their academic and personal interests with their service and engagement. Additionally, it will support emerging levels of Integrative Learning, supporting students to make connections across their college experiences.

Focus or Goals of this Guide:

· Participants will gain an understanding about the capstone project and the process toward designing and completing a culminating integrative project

· Participants will learn what a “sweet spot” is and have the opportunity to begin envisioning how they can integrate service, interests, academic learning, and more

· Participants will leave motivated to begin exploring themselves, their campus, and their community through a post-workshop exercise

Materials:

· Integrations Worksheet (enough copies for all participants) · Capstone Palette Worksheet (enough copies for all participants) · Capstone Exploration scavenger hunt (enough copies for all participants) · Writing utensils/markers · Computer and projector

How to Prepare:

Create Your Capstone Palette (Session #1) page !2

As a facilitator, make sure to familiarize yourself with the slides and the worksheets. The most significant facilitator-driven activity is the “Introduction to the Bonner Capstone,” which involves presenting several slides (that are included with this presentation). This is the section that requires the most preparation. Be sure to print out enough copies of worksheets for each participant. Last, have an idea of when the next session of the Bonner Capstone Workshop Series will take place, because that will determine a deadline for the post-session scavenger hunt activity.

Brief Outline:

This session begins with an introductory exercise to the Bonner Capstone, which introduces the concept of integration, as well as a brief overview of the Capstone project itself. Then, participants will engage in crafting a “Capstone Palette” – an initial brainstorm of their passions and interests – which can eventually help them to forge connect their Bonner service with their identity and academic learning, as well as engage in a significant project with a partner. This session ends with a post-workshop assigning to complete a scavenger hunt, which will get students to explore their campus and community.

The outline has the following parts:

1) Finding Ways to Integrate suggested time 15 minutes 2) Introduction to the Bonner Capstone suggested time 15 minutes 3) Create Your “Capstone Palette” suggested time 20 minutes 4) Capstone Exploration: Scavenger Hunt suggested time 5 minutes 5) Closing suggested time 5 minutes

Your Plan

Part 1) Integrations Suggested time: 15 minutes

Welcome everyone to the workshop and begin with introductions of everyone in the room. You may consider incorporating in an additional prompt to loosen up the room. For example, everyone in the room could take turns sharing their name, home town, and a song that represents them.


Slide 1

Now would be a good time to briefly go over Slides 2-3, which go over the workshop goals and agenda for the workshop. Slide 2

Slide 3

The next few slides use fun ideas to introduce the concept of integration. Pass out the worksheets. This activity asks participants to find the integration of three pre-determined components. In other words, participants are tasked with coming up with an answer that fulfills all three characteristics listed in the Venn diagrams.

The next slide includes an example of how to complete an integration, which you can walk through with the audience.


• Welcome participants • Use icebreaker to loosen up the room

• Review workshop goals

• Review workshop agenda

Slide 4

This is intended to be a fun activity that gets participants talking and animated. Give participants the option to work in pairs or small groups. They will have about 10 minutes to come up with as many “integrations” as possible for each Venn Diagram.

Below, you will find the three Venn Diagram prompts on the Integrations worksheet. There are also potential answers listed underneath, in case participants need an example or can’t think of an answer.

Integration 1 List TV Shows that satisfy the following criteria: comedy genre, feature a family, and include more than 4 seasons Examples: Modern Family, the Brady Bunch, Shameless, the Simpsons

Integration 2 List Animals that satisfy the following criteria: lives in the rainforest, mammals, herbivores Examples: gorillas, sloths, otters

Integration 3 List foods that are baked, contain chocolate, and sweet Examples: chocolate chip cookies, blondies, banana chocolate chip muffins

Other Integrations… Feel free to make up your own

After ten minutes of discussion, have different pairs or groups share out the answers they brainstormed for each integration.

To transition into the next segment of the workshop, read the following script:


• List Musical Artists that satisfy the following criteria: female, pop genre, under 30 years old

This exercise was intended to help us practice the skill of integration, finding multiple examples of things that lie at the intersection of different components. This concept of integration, which can also be called a “sweet spot,”serves as the foundation of Capstone Projects. As we now begin to talk about what a Bonner Capstone looks like, continue to think about how the concept and skill of integration relates.

Part 2) Introduction to the Bonner Capstone Suggested time: 15 minutes

This next segment is focused on introducing the Bonner Capstone project in a way that is inspiring and related to the concept of integration. Begin with Slide 5, which shows a blank Venn diagram. This should be familiar to the participants, since they have just completed several exercises with this exact diagram. Slide 5

Slide 6: The next slide labels the Venn Diagram with the three components that make up the Bonner Capstone “Sweet Spot:” Identity, Education (Academic and Co-Curricular Learning), and Community. Slide 6


• Explain how Venn Diagrams can be used to show differences and integrations between various subjects

• Review “Sweet Spot:” Identity, Education, and Community

• This diagram seeks to visually represent the definition of a Bonner Capstone Project, as the integration of these three components.

Slide 7-9: Each of these components also includes keywords to help participants better understand what it encapsulates. Take some time to go over each Sweet Spot element. Slide 7

Slide 8

Slide 8

Slide 9

By the end of these slides, it is the hope that participants understand this central idea: the Bonner Capstone is an integrative project that combines these three experiences.

Slide 10: With this foundation, we can now begin to clarify, “What does a Bonner Capstone Project look like?” First, you can frame it in AAC&U’s (the Association of


• Tell participants that the identity section can include vocation, background, and personal values

• Ask, “What are some ways you all identify yourself?”

• Invite a few participants to respond

• Tell participants that the education section can include your academic major, issues area interests, and interdisciplinary interests

• Ask, “What are some of your academic interests?”


• Tell participants that the service section can include your primary service site and service leadership

• Ask, “What kind of service do you all do?”


American Colleges and Universities) definition of “Signature Work”: culminating educational activity in which students integrate and apply their learning to a significant project with meaning to the student and to society (AAC&U, 2015). Slide 10

Slide 11: Then, you can build upon that by describing the three elements that make up a distinctive Bonner Capstone, which also connect to the three elements of the “sweet spot” diagram. Slide 11

Slides 12-15:

The final Bonner Capstone project can be in a variety of forms, created by individuals or teams. Capstone products could include a research paper, a website, a video, a handbook, or a social action campaign, among others. These slides show examples of a few capstone examples from across the Bonner Network.


• Highlight the key phrases of the definition of “Signature Work,” such as: culminating, educational, integrate and apply, and meaning to student & society.

• Read the three elements of a Bonner Capstone Project

Slide 12

Slide 13

Slide 14

Slide 15


• Read capstone examples

• Review student example



Slide 16: Last, you’ll want to share a broad overview of how participants complete a Bonner Capstone. In other words, you’ll want to share the infrastructure in place to help support students in this process over the next four years, as well as how it connects to their Bonner and undergraduate journey. Slide 16

Slide 17: This slide shows the Bonner developmental model, which you can briefly review. Then, you can connect the developmental model to the Bonner Capstone development, demonstrating that they align. Below is one way that you can describe the Bonner developmental experience:

• Explore and find issues and causes in which they can make a difference while also learning, often trying out a number of service sites

• Gain Experience, taking on leadership and increasing responsibilities through a regular direct service position and later through advanced roles

• Become an Example, by serving as a Site Leader and engaging in projects that build the capacity of an organization or community

• Developing Expertise, by integrating their academic and experiential learning through a significant culminating project or Bonner Capstone.

Slide 17


• Consider reading this script: One way to understand your Bonner Capstone experience is to think about it as your “service major.” Just as you have an academic major that you complete during your undergraduate studies, you are also building toward a culminating “service or Bonner major.”

• Review Bonner developmental model

Slide 18: This slide briefly demonstrates the steps toward the Bonner Capstone, roughly split by class year.

• First year: Begin exploring and discovering your personal passions and academic interests; build your campus and community network

• Second year: Develop leadership and capacity building skills; determine the underlying purpose for your Bonner Capstone

• Third year: Narrow down your Capstone idea and secure the necessary resources to make it realistic

• Fourth year: Complete your Capstone and translate your experience into tangible products and post-graduate outcomes

Slide 18

Part 3) Explore Your “Capstone Palette” Suggested time: 20 minutes

This next segment of the session is characterized by participants meeting the goal listed under “First Year”: Explore and discover your personal passions and academic interests. They will do this by creating a “Capstone Palette,” with each student brainstorming their current ideas, interests, experiences, and passions. The idea of the “Palette” comes from the metaphor of a painter’s color palette. Just as a painter’s palette serves as the foundation for his or her final painting, this Capstone palette serves as a foundation for their future Capstone projects.

With this idea in mind, pass out the “Capstone Palette” worksheets and have markers out for participants to use. They will have about ten minutes (though more if needed) to complete the palette, answering the following questions along the way:

• What are some issues that you care about enough to take action? • What organizations are you interested in serving with? Where have you served

before? • What do you hope to study or declare a major in? What fields interest you?


• Highlight that we are currently in this first Capstone stage

• Leave time for some Q&A from the audience. Given that this is typically participants’ first exposure to the Bonner Capstone, there will probably be some questions.

• Who are people who have significantly impacted your life? Who are some of your mentors? Who is someone that inspires you?

• What are some experiences that have shaped your life? • What are some careers that are interesting to you? • What problems or challenges have you encountered while serving at a site?

What questions have come up while you have been engaging in service?

After about ten minutes, have participants pair up to share their palette with one another. If needed, a prompt can be: share a few phrases or words that stand out to you on your palette.

To conclude this segment and transition into the next, read or modify the following script:

Though your Bonner Capstone is still a few years away, this Bonner Capstone Palette is the foundation of your future project. You can continue adding to it throughout the course of the year and your Bonner journey, but ultimately, your Bonner Capstone will be based off of your interests, experiences, and passions - all of the things on your palette now.


Part 4) Capstone Exploration: A Campus and Community Scavenger Hunt Suggested time: 5 minutes

Now that participants have started the beginning brainstorm of their Capstone, now is the time to encourage them and give them opportunities to build out their Capstone network.

A successful Bonner Capstone relies on the involvement and expertise of many other campus and community stakeholders. This post-session Scavenger Hunt is meant to be a fun way for participants to begin making those connections and exploring their campus and community.

Use this segment of the workshop to introduce the “Capstone Exploration Scavenger Hunt” and its purpose. Additionally, this is the appropriate time to also set a deadline for the completion of this exercise. It is recommended that students have about a month between this session and Session 2 (Primary Colors: Building the Foundation for the Bonner Capstone) to complete this scavenger hunt.

For reference, below are some questions that students will explore in the “Capstone Exploration Scavenger Hunt” after the session:

• Find 3 courses that are interesting to you (both inside and outside of prospective major)

• Identify and meet with 3 faculty members who are teaching or doing work that interests you

• Identify and interview 3 staff whose work or organization you’re interested in • Explore 3 community partners whose work aligns with your service interests • Identify 3 issue areas that you’re interested in learning more about or

pursuing

Part 5) Closing Suggested time: 5 minutes

To wrap up, thank everyone for their time. Additionally, congratulate them! They have just completed the first step in their Bonner Capstone.

Leave time for any questions or concerns.


Credits:

Developed in 2018 by Samantha Ha, Bonner Foundation Program Associate and Bonner alumna from Ursinus College.

Information for this trainer guide was drawn from the following authors and sources:

· Frameworks · Articles · Handouts · Videos

Followed by Handouts:

The handouts for this training are as follows:

• Integrations (page 14) • The Capstone Palette (page 15-16) • Capstone Exploration: A Campus and Community Scavenger Hunt (page 17-18)



IntegrationsCreate Your Capstone Palette:

An Introduction to the Bonner CapstoneFor each integration below, brainstorm as many answers as possible that meet all three

criteria and fall under the broader answer category (i.e., TV Shows, Animals, or Food Items). Write those answers in the box to the right.

inte

grat

ion

1in

tegr

atio

n 2

inte

grat

ion

3

TV Shows:

Animals:

Foods:

Comedy genre

Feature a family

More than 4 seasons

Live in the rainforest

Mammal Herbivore

Baked

Contains chocolate

Sweet


Capstone Palette


What are som

e issues that you really care about? W

hat are issues that agitate you to

action?

What organizations are you

interested in serving with?

Where have you served

before?

What do you hope to study or declare a m

ajor in? What

topics interest you?

Who are people w

ho have significantly im

pacted your life? W

ho are some of your

mentors? W

ho is someone

that inspires you?

What are som

e experiences, w

hether positive or negative, that have shaped your life?

What are som

e careers that are interesting to you?

What problem

s or challenges have you encountered w

hile serving at a site? W

hat questions have com

e up while

you have been engaging in service?

Craft your Cap

ston

e P

alette by

writing a w

ord, phrase, or sym

bol to represent your answer

to the following questions. Feel

free to use different colors to design your Palette.


Capstone ExplorationA Campus and Community Scavenger Hunt

Identify and interview THREE faculty members who are doing work that interests you.

How-To Tips • Look up your college

faculty directory. • Browse through

faculty members’ research interests and courses they teach.

• Email them to ask if you can schedule an informal interview.

Faculty Member Intersecting Research, Courses, or Interests

Identify and interview THREE staff members whose work, department, or organization interests you.

How-To Tips • Browse through your

college website. • Identify a few

departments or organizations that pique your interest.

• Reach out to staff members in that dept/org

Staff Member Intersecting Work, Activities, or Interests


Explore and serve with TWO community partners whose mission or work aligns with your service interests. Serve with ONE community partner where you will be doing work completely different than what you’ve previously done.

1.

2.

3.

How-To Tips • Look at the list of

established partners, and research their organization in greater detail.

• Ensure that you clarify expectations with your partner, since you are exploring.

Find THREE courses that are interesting to you (explore both within and beyond your prospective major):

1.

2.

3.

How-To Tip Look up your college course catalogue and browse through the courses in multiple

disciplines.

Issue Area Research

Identify and do preliminary research for THREE issue areas that you’re interested in:

How-To Tips • Think about

something that agitates you to action.

• Explore the underlying issue area that is involved.

Documents

Exploring Your Palette