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CTE » Advanced STEM Applications

Advanced STEM Applications

About the Program of Study
STEM Education is a new program of study designed for students interested in the exciting careers available in the high-demand fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This program of study is uniquely structured to offer students an overview of STEM fields, occupations, and applications in the first year, followed by more specialized study of the scientific inquiry or engineering design process in subsequent years, culminating in a portfolio and internship experience. Upon completion of this POS, students will be prepared to pursue advanced study in the STEM field of their choice at a variety of postsecondary institutions.
Available Courses
STEM I: Foundations Honors is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This course covers basic skills required for STEM fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in both the engineering design and the scientific inquiry processes. Students conduct research to develop meaningful questions, define simple problem scenarios and scientific investigations, develop fundamental design solutions, conduct basic mathematical modeling and data analysis, and effectively communicate solutions and scientific explanations to others. Participation in local, regional, state, or national competitions provide enrichment for the honors level. Credits:  1.0 (Grade Level:  9-10 / Prerequisite:  None)
STEM II: Applications Honors is a project-based learning experience for students who wish to further explore the dynamic range of STEM fields. Building on the content and critical thinking frameworks of STEM I, this course asks students to apply the scientific inquiry and engineering design processes to projects selected by the instructor with the help of student input. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have a thorough understanding of how scientists and engineers research problems and methodically apply STEM knowledge and skills; and they will be able to present and defend a scientific explanation and/or an engineering design solution to comprehensive STEM-related scenarios. Participation in local, regional, state, or national competitions provide enrichment for the honors level. Credits:  1.0 (Grade Level:  10-11 / Prerequisite:  STEM I)
STEM III: STEM in Context Honors is an applied course in the STEM career cluster which allows students to work in groups to solve a problem or answer a scientific question drawn from real-world scenarios within their schools or communities. This course builds on STEM I and II by applying scientific and engineering knowledge and skills to a team project. Proficient students will be able to effectively use skills such as project management, team communication, leadership, and decision making. They will also be able to effectively transfer the teamwork skills from the classroom to a work setting. Participation in local, regional, state, or national competitions provide enrichment for the honors level. Credits:  1.0 (Grade Level:  11-12 / Prerequisite:  STEM II)
STEM IV: STEM Practicum Honors is a capstone course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous STEM Education courses within a professional, working environment. In addition to developing an understanding of the profession and ethical issues encountered by STEM professionals in the workplace, students learn to refine their skills in problem solving, research, communication, data analysis, teamwork, and project management. Instruction may be delivered through school laboratory training or through work-based learning arrangements such as internships, cooperative education, service learning, mentoring, and job shadowing. Credits:  1.0 (Grade Level:  12 / Prerequisite:  STEM III)