STEM Academy St. Mary’s County Public Schools Presented by: Jason Hayes Supervisor of Secondary Science & STEM jwhayes@smcps.org

The STEM Academy The 21st Century workforce requires workers who are proficient in

technology and can systematically solve problems and develop unique solutions in a collaborative manner. To prepare students for the 21st Century workforce, the STEM Academy was developed.

The STEM Academy offers a rigorous and unique program of study

emphasizing the core areas of mathematics and science with an infusion of technology and engineering practices.

STEM Vision

Rigor Extensive laboratory experiences using the most contemporary

technologies for scientific inquiry, mathematical calculation, and engineering design and problem-solving techniques. Exposure to numerous and diverse technological applications. These

include, but not limited to: computers, simulation software, digital imaging, data acquisition, sensors, probeware, diagnostic, 3D printers, and other peripheral devices.

Relevance Curricula that integrates analytical reading and technical writing skill

development, with intensive communication assignments designed to refine verbal and visual communication abilities.

STEM Vision Understanding An emphasis on critical and creative thinking in all academic coursework

with an interdisciplinary approach to curriculum, stressing complete understanding of systems.

Application Culminating projects done cooperatively and individually to demonstrate

and apply learned concepts and skills. Participation in nationally recognized academic and engineering

competitions, as well as local and regional science/engineering fairs. Highly focused academic and career counseling to help facilitate

transition to higher education and STEM careers. An environment of intellectual and technical exchange with local

business and industry mentors to promote awareness and interest in diverse careers in science and engineering.

Technology

STEM students have access to more and different technologies than other students.

Gel Electrophoresis

3D Printer

Technology of some kind for every student

Teamwork and Collaboration STEM students are encouraged to

work as a team to solve problems and develop solutions using the STEM Standards of Practice and Engineering Design principles.

Engineering/Team Building Activities

Survivability Challenge

STEM Experiences

One of the keystone successes of the STEM Academy has been the strong partnership with Patuxent River Naval Air Station. STEM students work with Pax River engineers, scientists, and physicists to apply the knowledge and skills they learn in their STEM classes.

Lexington Park Elementary School Grades 4-5, ages 9-10 (48 fourth grade students and 48 fifth grade

students) Comprehensive coursework focused upon the interdisciplinary

connections between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The fifth grade year concludes with students participating in a

Capstone Project.

Spring Ridge Middle School Grades 6-8, ages 12-14 (48 sixth/seventh/eighth grade students) Tailored mathematics, science, and technology courses The courses are designed to deepen understanding of STEM learning

by exposing students to the most current trends in technology, engineering, and science. Students participate in more experiences at Pax River NAS. Eighth grade concludes with a yearlong Capstone project.

Space Camp STEM 6 students get to spend a week at Space Camp in

Huntsville, Alabama

Great Mills High School Grades 9-12, ages 14-18 (45-48 grade 9-12 students) Coursework is very rigorous and is centered around further honing STEM

skills, as well as career exploration in numerous science and engineering pathways. The curricula includes dedicated research classes founded upon the

application of mastered material, integrated contemporary technologies, and extensive problem-solving experience.

Great Mills High School Each STEM student must complete a summer internship experience as

part of their STEM coursework the Summer after their Junior year. A minimum of 100 hours is required for the internship. Internships are tailored to the students’ interests and/or career choices.

Engineering students can complete their internships at Pax River NAS. Students interested in the medical field partner with MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. The Senior year culminates with a Capstone presentation, where STEM

12 students share their internship experiences to a panel of peers, STEM teachers/staff, and representatives from Pax River, SMCPS, etc.

Summer 2014 Pax River

Supercomputer Internship

STEM-For-All Increase student achievement in science and mathematics to support STEM literate graduates who are prepared for post-secondary education programs and competencies reflective of the STEM fields. Support Strategy 1: Implement inquiry based research projects grades 3-12

that require students to use technology in the STEM for All courses. Support Strategy 2: Implement interactive tablets for inquiry based research

projects in STEM for All courses. Support Strategy 3: Provide professional development for staff to learn how to

infuse inquiry bases research projects using technology into their STEM for All instruction.

STEM Academy Events

Spring Ridge Brain Battles Competition: December 1-3 Great Mills Science Fair: December 10-12 STEM Expo: TBD SMCPS Science and Engineering Fair: February 6-7 Great Mills STEM 12 Capstone Presentations: March 2-6 STEM Showcase: April 16 Spring Ridge STEM 8 Capstone Presentations: June 2-3 Lexington Park STEM 5 Capstone Presentations: TBD

SMCPS STEM Academy

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Questions or Further Information? Contact: Jason Hayes, Supervisor of Secondary Science & STEM (301)475-5511, ext. 32116 jwhayes@smcps.org Jennifer Consalvo, Supervisor of Elementary Science and STEM; STEM-For-All Coordinator (301)475-5511, ext. 32138 jaconsalvo@smcps.org SMCPS Science Website: https://sites.google.com/a/smcps.org/st-mary-s-county-public-schools-science/ SMCPS Elementary Science and STEM Website: https://sites.google.com/a/smcps.org/elementary-sciencestem/home

Thank You!