Capstone Project Narrative
Introduction:
My central question is essentially, “what is the source of creativity?” Creativity is one of humankind’s most defining characteristics, and I want to explore the science of creativity, the origin of it, and how it is essential to human existence. How do our brains enable us to approach issues creatively, and how has this been crucial to societal advancement? I believe studying the brain can help us understand where creativity comes from and make meaningful discoveries about the human mind. I also hope to examine the question, “what makes some people more creative than others?” I find it fascinating how creativity seems to be both something we are born with, yet it is so heavily shaped by our experiences and the contexts in which our lives are embedded. I plan to research both the neuroscience behind creativity, as well as the cultural and technological advancements creativity has achieved.
Subject Matter Experts:
Internal subject matter experts: I am interested in talking to DW and Mr. Clark about my topic. I think Mr. Clark can give me insight into the science behind creativity, how it works in the brain, and how it has been crucial for the survival of species. I think DW would be a great resource because he is generally extremely knowledgeable about how humans think and behave, and his perspective would help me understand my question on a deeper level. I would want to talk to him to understand how cultures have evolved due to creativity, and how creativity is based on the particular contexts in which our lives are embedded.
External subject matter experts: I plan to use the research of neurologists who studied where creativity comes from in the brain. I also think it would be useful to research anthropologists who have studied the evolution of human creativity. I also think it would be useful to look at the work of psychologists who have studied this.
Timeline:
-February 5-7 - Work on Process Reflection 1
-May 15-18 - Finish Senior Symposium Process Reflection 4
Initial Thoughts:
My central question is essentially, “what is the source of creativity?” Creativity is one of humankind’s most defining characteristics, and I want to explore the science of creativity, the origin of it, and how it is essential to human existence. How do our brains enable us to approach issues creatively, and how has this been crucial to societal advancement? I believe studying the brain can help us understand where creativity comes from and make meaningful discoveries about the human mind. I also hope to examine the question, “what makes some people more creative than others?” I find it fascinating how creativity seems to be both something we are born with, yet it is so heavily shaped by our experiences and the contexts in which our lives are embedded. I plan to research both the neuroscience behind creativity, as well as the cultural and technological advancements creativity has achieved.
Subject Matter Experts:
Internal subject matter experts: I am interested in talking to DW and Mr. Clark about my topic. I think Mr. Clark can give me insight into the science behind creativity, how it works in the brain, and how it has been crucial for the survival of species. I think DW would be a great resource because he is generally extremely knowledgeable about how humans think and behave, and his perspective would help me understand my question on a deeper level. I would want to talk to him to understand how cultures have evolved due to creativity, and how creativity is based on the particular contexts in which our lives are embedded.
External subject matter experts: I plan to use the research of neurologists who studied where creativity comes from in the brain. I also think it would be useful to research anthropologists who have studied the evolution of human creativity. I also think it would be useful to look at the work of psychologists who have studied this.
Timeline:
-February 5-7 - Work on Process Reflection 1
- Have this on portfolio website by February 7th
- Include annotated bibliography
- Detailed explanations of conversations with internal subject matter experts
- Detailed explanations of conversations with external subject matter experts
- Finish these by March 12
- March 12-March 19 - Finish Process Reflection 2
- Have this finished and in my portfolio website by MARCH 19th
- Have this finished and in my portfolio website by MARCH 19th
- Due APRIL 2
- Due APRIL 9
- Due APRIL 16
- Due APRIL 23
- Due MAY 4
- Due MAY 11
-May 15-18 - Finish Senior Symposium Process Reflection 4
- Due MAY 18
- Neuroscientists
- To learn about creativity and the mind, how do our brains enable creativity
- To learn about creativity and the mind, how do our brains enable creativity
- Psychologists
- Why are we creative in different ways? What do our manifestations of creativity reveal about character?
- Why are we creative in different ways? What do our manifestations of creativity reveal about character?
- Anthropologists
- To look at the evolution of humanity through creativity. How has creativity lead to the development of our species?
- To look at the evolution of humanity through creativity. How has creativity lead to the development of our species?
Initial Thoughts:
- I am really excited to dive into this project and learn as much as I can from it. I am also apprehensive because my topic is pretty open-ended and can be taken in many different ways, but I think it will naturally become more clear.
- I am looking forward to this exploration because my topic genuinely interests me. I think creativity is one of humankind’s most important and defining traits, and it shapes and is shaped by everything we do. Creativity has allowed humans to accomplish incredible things, and I don’t think we realize quite how important this trait is in our lives and development as a species. I am excited to gain new insight into the source of creativity and how it has evolved over time.