Have you tried to search for good CAS project ideas but you can’t seem to find any? We’ve put together some suggestions you may find interesting enough for your CAS hours.
You can:
- Volunteer to help people.
- Teach people something.
- Shoot an educational video.
- Play an instrument.
- Engage in your favorite game.
By focusing on one or more of these ideas, you set yourself on an interesting journey that not only allows you to learn something new but complete your 150 CAS hours as well.
1. Volunteer to Help People
Do you have free time on the weekends and want to volunteer in your community? Helping out at a nearby NGO is a great way to add activity and service hours to your CAS reflection.
To be clear, IB doesn’t impose restrictions on the type of NGO you can join. Feel free to become a part of any organization that works for a good cause. You can volunteer at nursing homes, animal shelters, or charity organizations. Just determine how they could use your help and in what capacity, and you’re good to go.
Don’t volunteer just to fill your CAS hours. Instead, volunteer because you genuinely want to make a positive difference in the world and help those in need.
2. Teach People Something Helpful
Many people in your community would love to learn a new skill, so becoming a tutor can make a significant impact for both you and them.
You don’t need extensive experience to teach something you’re passionate about. All that’s required is your enthusiasm for the subject, some free time, and a willingness to help others without expecting anything in return.
There’s no limit to what you can teach, and your approach will depend on your strengths. For instance, you might teach coding, Spanish, or creative writing.
It’s best to teach a subject you are passionate about or one you wish to explore further as you transition from the IB program to college.
3. Shoot an Educational Video
You don’t need a journalism degree to create a video for your CAS. What you need is a compelling idea or topic that addresses an important issue you want to share with the world.
Therefore, your video should aim to spread valuable information or solve a problem. Consider focusing your video on topics such as waste management, the Covid-19 pandemic, plastic pollution, and sustainability and building a green, carbon-free world.
We recommend making an educational video because it encompasses all CAS components, allowing you to earn many hours. Here’s is a breakdown of what we mean by this:
- Creativity: You’ll earn points for writing the script and planning the video.
- Activity: Researching locations, setting up equipment, and filming will also earn you activity points.
- Service: Since your video will address the public on a significant issue without any compensation, you’ll earn service points.
On average, you might earn 3 hours for creativity, 2 hours for activity, and up to 5 hours for service, and these points can significantly help you complete your CAS hours quickly.
4. Play an Instrument
Learning to play a musical instrument is an excellent way to earn creativity points for your CAS hours.
IB doesn’t put any restriction on which instrument you can play. So pick whatever interests you the most. Ideally, the instrument should not require excessive learning hours, and it’s even better if you already have a basic understanding of an instrument.
You can accumulate at least 2 hours of creativity points each week to contribute to your CAS hours.
5. Engage in Your Favorite Game
Even if you don’t often find yourself on the field, dedicating some time to playing your favorite game can enhance your CAS reflection.
Just like with choosing an instrument to play, the IB program doesn’t restrict the type of sport you can engage to. You have the freedom to participate in any sport you enjoy.
- Review your schedule to find the best time to play your preferred sport.
- Ensure that the time you choose, whether in the morning or afternoon, doesn’t conflict with your classes.
Strive for at least 3 hours of physical activity per week, along with an hour of service weekly.
What is IB CAS?
CAS is a core component of the IB program. CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service.
- Creativity: Use your artistic skills to demonstrate your creative thinking by producing something that reflects your knowledge.
- Activity: Take part in an activity that demonstrates physical exertion.
- Service: Engage yourself to an activity that can help people in your community without expecting something in return.
Although IB refers to Creativity, Activity, and Service collectively, in particular because they’re extracurricular part of the program, the focus is always on each segment of the component.