Pathways at STEM
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- High School Pathways
Magnet Pathways at STEM
Explore the limitless possibilities of STEM education through our diverse high school pathways. We challenge students to dive into the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with learning experiences, advanced courses, and industry partnerships. Our high school pathways are designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to excel in higher education and beyond.
Advanced Science Pathway
The Advanced Science Pathway nurtures passions within STEM fields through a structured high school journey. The immersive pathway begins by establishing core competencies through specialized STEM coursework which is followed by exploring advanced concepts in chosen concentrations. Throughout the pathway, collaborative research, mentorships, & extracurriculars expand practical abilities.
Specialized courses offer challenges & engage students while preparing them for competitive STEM programs. AP Physics 2 examines thermodynamics, optics & electronics through a physics lens. Organic Chemistry builds mastery of carbon compounds — their structure, reactivity, & analysis. AP classes in Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science offer a college-level education of these integral sciences. With a curriculum centered on building advanced technical strengths, the pathway prepares students to excel in STEM environments.
Building into a senior capstone by applying accumulated knowledge to address real-world problems, the Advanced Science Pathway prepares students for higher STEM education & careers. Having gained technical expertise, networks, & confidence, graduates utilize the skills to take on these continually evolving fields, leading to success within the professional STEM landscape.
Biomedical Science Pathway
The Biomedical Science Pathway offers students 4 years of science-focused academics tailored towards healthcare & medical technology. Coursework builds strong biology & chemistry comprehension before exploring genetics, physiology, & medical ethics. Real-world skill development further prepares students through engaging use of technologies like Anatomage tables.
Courses like Biotechnology, Anatomy, & Physiology prep students in biology & human health. By exploring cell structures, proteins, immunology responses & physiological systems through labs & critical analysis, students gain understanding of the processes sustaining human life. Our Medical Microbiology course furthers expertise by examining microbial impacts on the body & associated immune defense mechanics, while Pathophysiology builds advanced skills in identifying & addressing deviations from normal function & reinforcing competencies in laboratory diagnostic procedures.
Additionally, available mentorships, shadowing, & networking events organized through STEM Academy connects students to biomedical professionals.
Programming & Software Development Pathway
The Programming & Software Development Pathway ensures academic & professional success by providing a structured progression from novice programmers to skilled software developers. By setting students up to excel in college programs, secure internships, & excel in job opportunities, the pathway allows them to confidently contribute to the world of technology & innovation.
The curriculum for Programming & Software Development comprises of a series of structured courses that equip students with necessary knowledge and successful skills. The pathway begins with Principles of Computer Science, which introduces students to foundational concepts of computer science using Python. This course invokes creativity & innovation while providing students with a strong base in computer science. This is followed by Computer Science I, where they dive deeper into programming with Python, exploring more complex structures & algorithms while preparing to earn an industry certification. The program further advances with Computer Science II & III, which equips students with the skills required for college-level computer science courses. Emphasizing object-oriented programming & problem-solving with Java, these courses prepare students to earn a Java industry-based certification. This pathway's curriculum provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for both college programs & successful careers in the software development field.
Our Programming & Software Development Pathway leads to the Python Certified Entry-Level Programmer (PCEP) certification, covering basic Python programming concepts & syntax, including variables, data types, operators, control structures, functions, & modules. Achieving the PCEP certification is a valuable credential for individuals pursuing careers in software development, data science, & other fields that involve Python programming.
This pathway also leads to the Information Technology Specialist Java certification, the world’s leading IT certification. Recognized by industries globally as the professional standard for basic Java competency, this certification can lead to enhanced employability, making our students a more attractive candidate in the competitive job market & potentially opening doors to career advancement.
The Engineering Pathway is magnet education catering to the diverse interests of students, providing a clear & structured trajectory towards success. Students are first introduced to the fundamental principles of engineering through interactive projects & immersive coursework in AutoCAD. This early exposure helps ignite their passion for the field & creates a strong foundation. This is followed by courses that cover the topics of mechanics, electronics, & materials science.
As upperclassmen, students specialize in specific engineering disciplines, such as civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering, aligning their education with their personal interests & career goals. They also work in the 3D modeling environment, SolidWorks. Students also partake in project-based learning experiences & internships with local engineering firms, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a career setting. Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue higher education in engineering or directly enter the workforce, equipped with the skills & experience to succeed in both academic & professional endeavors.
Structured to the industries of architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, the AutoCAD certification is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the necessary proficiency & expertise requirements. AutoCAD increases job opportunities & career advancements in fields that rely on AutoCAD for design & drafting.
Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) certification holds significant value for professionals in engineering & related fields due to its validation of proficiency in the widely utilized SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software. This certification signals a high level of expertise in parametric 3D modeling & enhances career opportunities by making individuals more appealing to employers in aerospace, automotive, & manufacturing. The CSWA provides a competitive edge in the job market, setting certified individuals apart as skilled contributors.
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Manufacturing & Machinery Mechanics Pathway
Throughout the pathway, students acquire technical mathematics & basic engineering principles while also developing essential problem-solving & teamwork skills. The curriculum is structured to integrate real-world challenges while introducing them to the specialized topics of machinery dynamics, materials science, computer-aided design (CAD), & robotics to develop their skills in troubleshooting & maintenance of manufacturing equipment.
Starting with the Principles of Applied Engineering course, students gain exposure to diverse STEM fields & develop crucial engineering skills. The curriculum progresses into Robotics I, where students explore artificial intelligence & programming, creating prototypes using industry-standard software like SolidWorks. Building on this, the Robotics II class includes the First Robotics Competition, providing an experience with extensive after-school sessions & competitions that also earns math credit.
As seniors, students enroll in our Entrepreneurship course that covers sales, marketing, legal considerations, & finance. It allows students to develop their ideas into solutions for legitimate problems & guides them through the process of forming & launching their own companies. This instills technical expertise but also develops an entrepreneurial mindset, preparing STEM graduates for success in the dynamic field of manufacturing & machinery mechanics.
FRC RoboticsAdvanced Mathematics Pathway
The Advanced Mathematics Pathway boasts a curriculum that guides students through an understanding of algebra, geometry, & calculus, laying the groundwork for more advanced studies. This pathway begins with AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC, exploring the topics of limits, continuity, & rates of growth. This course lays the foundation for college-level calculus but also assists in students preparing for the College Board AP Exam.
Students also explore AP Statistics, a non-calculus-based course introducing them to data management, interpretation, & analysis. By incorporating collaborative problem-solving & realistic applications, this course also prepares students for the College Board AP Exam in Statistics. Our Engineering Mathematics course furthers the curriculum, offering experiences in solving engineering problems to ensure that students are mastering advanced mathematical concepts.
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