Why Final Projects Matter
-And How they Help Students Shine
Final projects aren’t just a grade. They’re proof of growth.
They show what a student has learned, what they care about, and how they bring their ideas to life. At SciComm Summer Camp, we believe the capstone project is where confidence clicks. It’s the moment when students realize: I made that. I explained that. I finished something that matters.
The Power of a Capstone
A strong final project does more than wrap up a course—it brings together every skill a student has been building:
Writing and structuring a story
Interviewing and sourcing information
Editing audio and managing timelines
Giving and receiving feedback
More importantly, it creates something they can actually share. Students leave camp with a polished piece of content—like a podcast episode, science explainer, or interview series—that shows off their thinking, creativity, and voice.
Something to Show
We design final projects at SciComm Summer Camp to be portfolio-ready. That means students walk away with something they can include when applying to:
Internships
College programs
STEM competitions
Media/communications opportunities
Or just to proudly show off their skills
They can upload their project to Google Drive, publish it to a private podcast feed, or include it on a student website or application form. Every project reflects personal interest, effort, and growth.
What Students Will Create
Each camper will complete a final project that brings together everything they've learned. Depending on their interests, it might be:
A podcast episode exploring a science topic they're passionate about
A scripted explainer designed for a general audience
A mock interview that demonstrates question design and editing skills
An audio story connecting science to a real-world issue
They’ll have the freedom to choose their topic and format. By the end of camp, they’ll have a polished piece of work they can include in a portfolio, college application, or internship submission.
Why We Require a Final Project
At SciComm Summer Camp, the final project isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Why? Because:
It gives students a sense of ownership
It ties together what they've learned in a way that’s personal and powerful
It gives them a finished product they can use in the real world
Plus, students receive feedback from peers and instructors during the process—so they’re not doing it alone.
Ready to help your student build something they’re proud of?
➡️ Enroll your student in SciComm Summer Camp
📅 Session 1 runs June 17 – July 12, 2025; Session 2 runs July 22 - August 16, 2025
🎓 Scholarships available!
Zakiya Whatley, PhD
🧬 Cell biology, Microbiology, & Molecular Genetics
🎙️ Listen on: Science Magazine Podcast, Dope Labs, Breakthrough
💡 Passionate about teaching, translating, and making science engaging for all audiences
Zakiya brings a unique mix of scientific expertise and media storytelling to help students speak, write, and create with confidence.
