Kindergarten – Grade 2
Guided wonder questions, simple investigations and show-and-explain sharing.
Core Academics
Research, Innovation & Project-Based Learning
Grade bands served: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Project-Based Learning is both a method and a taught subject at Stars Ablaze. Learners are explicitly taught how to frame a question, review what is already known, plan and manage a project, gather and verify evidence, prototype and test, and present results honestly — including what failed. Each school level ends with a signature project, and Grade 12 culminates in a FutureTech Capstone that must solve a real problem for a real user and be defended before a panel.
Why this subject matters
Employers and universities value demonstrated work. A learner with a portfolio of completed, documented projects can prove capability rather than claim it.
Overall learning goals
- • Frame researchable questions.
- • Plan and manage a project to completion.
- • Gather, verify and cite evidence.
- • Prototype, test and iterate.
- • Present and defend results publicly.
Core competencies & skills
- • Research method
- • Project management
- • Source verification and citation
- • Prototyping
- • Presentation and defence
Scope by grade band
Grades 3–5
Short research projects with sources, group planning, and presentation to the class or parents.
Grades 6–8
Structured research with citation, team project management, interdisciplinary projects and public exhibition.
Grades 9–12
Formal research methods, literature review, independent projects and the Grade 12 FutureTech Capstone with panel defence.
Typical learning activities
- • Project planning and milestone tracking
- • Research skills workshops
- • Peer critique sessions
- • Prototype testing with users
- • Exhibition and defence
Project examples
- • Level exhibition projects at Grades 2, 5 and 8
- • Interdisciplinary community-problem project
- • Independent research paper
- • Grade 12 FutureTech Capstone with a real user and panel defence
Assessment methods
- • Milestone reviews
- • Research and citation quality
- • Prototype performance
- • Capstone panel defence rubric
Real-world & career connections
- • Research roles
- • Product and project management
- • Innovation and R&D
- • Any role requiring self-directed delivery
FutureTech & AI integration
AI may support literature review, planning and feedback; every capstone must include a documented log of AI use and source verification.
Expected learner outcomes
- • Graduates complete and defend a substantial independent project.
- • Graduates manage work to deadline with documentation.
Prerequisites
The Grade 12 Capstone requires completion of Grade 11 research methods coursework.
Where it appears by grade
Related subjects
English Language Arts & Literacy
Reading, writing, speaking and listening from phonics to college-level analysis.
Mathematics
Number sense to algebra, geometry, statistics and pre-calculus pathways.
Science
Inquiry, laboratory work and the Biology–Chemistry–Physics sequence.
Social Studies & Geography
Communities, geography, world history and economics in context.