What is STEM?

The Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, STEM, is designed for students interested in the field of Engineering.

Everything in society is linked to Engineering.  Engineers design, plan, and supervise projects such as construction of roads and bridges, automobiles and airplanes, cell phones and computers, automated systems, such as robots—just to name a few.  Engineers are innovators that continually strive to improve the quality of life of all people. 

Academy Overview:

Comprehensive four-year plan that begins in the ninth grade and prepares students for an associate degree, a baccalaureate degree, or other types of advanced training 

Academy Details:

The program offers a developmental four-year sequence of courses which, when combined with college-preparatory mathematics and science courses, introduces students to the disciplines of engineering and engineering technology, with the appropriate scope and rigor prior to entering college.  The curriculum will be delivered in a comprehensive project-based approach, when appropriate, that allows students to investigate and experience applications in practical problem-solving.  The project based learning format will be a springboard to college readiness and longevity. 

All academic disciplines are fully integrated into the STEM Academy.  The students will be consistently challenged through cross-curricular projects with real-world applications.  This exciting process involves knowledge across all subjects, including non-science fields.  Students will discover the complexity of different disciplines and the interconnected nature of all content areas. 

What is Project Based Learning?

Project Based Learning, PBL, is an instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that engage student interest and motivation.  Activities are designed to answer a question or solve a problem that reflects the types of learning and work that goes on in the real world outside of the classroom.  

Project Based Learning is synonymous with learning in-depth, also referred to as “The Deep Dive”.  A well-designed project provokes students to encounter (and struggle with) the central concepts and principles of a discipline. 

Project Based Learning balances the acquisition of 21st century skills with content. These skills include communication and presentation skills, organization and time management, research and inquiry, self-assessment and reflection, and group participation and leadership skills.

Project Based Learning is generally done by groups of students working together to reach a common goal. Performance is assessed on an individual basis and group basis, taking into account the quality of the product produced the depth of content understanding demonstrated, and the contributions made to the ongoing process of project realization.

Finally, Project Based Learning allows students to reflect upon their own ideas and opinions, exercise voice and choice, and make decisions that affect project outcomes and the learning process in general. 

Traditional School Setting vs. STEM Academy

Lectures vs. Workshops

Textbook Centered vs. Project Centered

Classroom Rules vs. Student Norms

Teacher Teaches vs. Teacher Facilitates 

Teacher Voice vs. Student Voice

Academic Learning vs. Authentic Learning

Out with the Old, In with the New:

The traditional classroom setting has been thrown out the window.  The STEM Academy is a new way of “doing school”.  Replacing traditional classroom rules with student decided norms allows for student freedoms that are not normally part of a classroom environment.  The classroom extends outside of four walls to include a commons area, field trips, guest speakers, and other meaningful student opportunities.  A student in the STEM Academy will truly know what the world will be like at a collegiate and business level.