Forsyth Central High School
Why is STEM important?“The Nation’s future depends on our ability to
educate today’s students in science, technology,engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Despitethe fact that many U.S. students excel in STEM,
U.S. students as a whole perform poorly oninternational comparisons of mathematical and
scientific proficiency”.
~ “Prepare and Inspire: K-12 Education in Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math (STEM) for America’s Future”, a report
by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and
Technology (PCAST), published September 2010
Why is STEM important?It is essential that the U.S. maintain its position as the
world’s leading innovator. Innovation leads to new products and processes that
sustain our industrial base; innovation depends on a solid knowledge base in math, science and engineering.
All jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math and science. The most recent ten year employment projections by the U.S. Labor Department show that of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation to successfully compete for a job. (2004, Bureau of Labor and Statistics)
Undergraduate Degree Requirements: BiotechnologyPre-Medicine, Pre-Vet, Pre-Pharmacy,
Molecular Biology, and biological science majorsGeneral Chemistry with lab: 2 semestersOrganic Chemistry with lab: 2 semestersGeneral Physics with lab: 2 semesters General Biology with lab: 2 semestersEnglish: 2 semestersCalculus: 1 semester
Based on degree requirements posted by: Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Auburn, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Clemson, NC State, University of Illinois Urbana, University of Alabama, and University of Michigan.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements: Engineering
Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, Computer, Aerospace, Material Science and CivilCalculus I/II/IIIGeneral Chemistry with lab: 1-2 semestersIntroductory Physics with lab: 1-2 semestersRequired two additional science elective with
lab: Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science
Based on degree requirements posted by: Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Auburn, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Clemson, NC State, University of Illinois Urbana, University of Alabama, and University of Michigan.
Scientists and Engineers work in many of the same fields and industries but have different roles.
IS STEM FOR ME?
Criteria will include but not limited to
Scores on the 7th grade math and science CRCT’s at the Exceeds level.
Student is currently enrolled in Accelerated Math I in 8th grade or will be advancing to Accelerated Math I in 9th grade.
Above standard success in 8th grade Physical Science.
Classroom performance is routinely superior as compared to classmates.
Student displays independent initiative and is motivated by academic challenges.
Student performs well and is committed to strong study habits.
Student possesses above average learning maturity.
Forsyth Central High School STEM Academy
Purpose:
FCHS STEM Academy is focused on making connections between
rigorous academic core and innovative
career-technical course offerings to engage students in relevant, real-world
studies.
Graduation RequirementsCourses Units Required
Language Arts 4Mathematics 4Science 4Social Studies 3Health/Personal Fitness 1Career Tech and/or Modern Language and/or Fine Arts
3
Additional Elective 4Total Units(Minimum)
23
STEM Graduate Science/Biotech FocusCompletion of Biotech Pathway
Scientific Research I (9th graders taken with Biology Honors)
Intro to Healthcare & Biotechnology (2 units, 1 period per day)
Application of BiotechnologyMaintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0Completion of 2 Foreign Language CoursesParticipation in co-curricular activities such
as Science Fair
STEM Graduate Science/Biotech Focus continuedScience Courses
Required: Biology HonorsChemistry HonorsAP Biology
Choice of at least one of the following:AP Chemistry**AP Physics B**AP Physics C**Scientific Research IIIScientific Research IV
Math Courses—one of the followingPath I
Accelerated Math IAccelerated Math IIAccelerated Math IIIAP Calculus AB/BC or
AP Calculus ABPath II
Accelerated Math IIAccelerated Math IIIAP Calculus AB/BC, Fourth Math Option
including ACCEL Math**Strongly Recommended
STEM in FCS?BEST
Siemens We can Save the World Challenge
GSEF
SCIENCE/BIOTECHFOCUS
SAMPLE SCHEDULES
9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
1 Biology Honors AP Biology AP Chemistry** or Elective
Scientific Research or Elective
2
Health/Personal Fitness or Elective (Health/Personal Fitness will have to be completed before graduation)
Chemistry Honors AP Physics B** or Elective
AP Physics C** or Elective or AP Foreign Language
3 Accelerated Math I Accelerated Math II Accelerated Math III AP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods)
4Foreign Language II Foreign Language III or
ElectiveForeign Language IV or AP Statistics or Elective
AP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods)
59th Lit Honors or9th Lit
10th Lit Honors or10th Lit
AP Language orAmerican Lit
AP Literature orACCEL ELA orSenior ELA
6AP Human Geography orWorld Geography orElective
AP World History or World History
AP US History orUS History
AP Gov’t/Econ orACCEL or Gov’t/Econ
7
Scientific Research I Intro to Healthcare & Biotechnology (2 units) or Elective
Intro to Healthcare & Biotechnology (2 units) or Applications of BiotechnologyBiotechnology Internship
Applications of BiotechnologyBiotechnology InternshipWork Based Learning
STEM—Science/Biotech Focus
** Strongly recommendedCourse offerings are subject to change based on state curriculum changes and staffingElective Requirements for STEM Biotechnology Completion
9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
1 Biology Honors AP Biology AP Chemistry** or Elective
Scientific Research or Elective
2
Health/Personal Fitness or Elective (Health/Personal Fitness will have to be completed before graduation)
Chemistry Honors AP Physics B** or Elective or Foreign Language IV
AP Physics C** or Elective or Advanced Science Option
3Accelerated Math II Accelerated Math III AP Calculus AB/BC (2
periods)ACCEL Math
4Foreign Language II Foreign Language III or
ElectiveAP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods)
Elective
59th Lit Honors or9th Lit
10th Lit Honors or10th Lit
AP Language or American Lit
AP Literature orACCEL ELA orSenior ELA
6AP Human Geography or World Geography or Elective
AP World History orWorld History
AP US History orUS History
AP Gov’t/Econ orACCEL or Gov’t/Econ
7
Scientific Research I AP Stat or Elective or Intro to Healthcare & Biotechnology (2 units)
Intro to Healthcare & Biotechnology (2 units) or Applications of BiotechnologyBiotechnology Internship
Applications of BiotechnologyBiotechnology InternshipWork Based Learning
STEM—Science/Biotech Focus
**Strongly RecommendedCourse offerings are subject to change based on state curriculum changes and staffingElective Requirements for STEM Biotechnology Completion
STEM Graduate Math/Engineering Focus
Completion of Engineering PathwayFoundations of EngineeringEngineering ConceptsEngineering Applications
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0Completion of 2 Foreign Language CoursesParticipation in co-curricular activities such
as Robotics and Math Team
STEM Graduate Math/Engineering Focus continuedScience Courses
Required: Biology HonorsChemistry HonorsAP Biology or AP
Chemistry** or AP Physics B** or AP Physics C **
Choice of at least one of the following:AP Chemistry**Physics**AP Physics B**AP Physics C**
Math Courses—one of the followingPath I
Accelerated Math IAccelerated Math IIAccelerated Math IIIAP Calculus AB/BC or
AP Calculus ABPath II
Accelerated Math IIAccelerated Math IIIAP Calculus AB/BC, Fourth Math Option
including ACCEL Math**Strongly Recommended
Math/EngineeringFOCUS
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
1 Biology Honors Chemistry Honors AP Chemistry** AP Physics B** or Science Option
2Accelerated Math IAccelerated Math II
Accelerated Math IIAccelerated Math III
Accelerated Math IIIAP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods)
AP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods) or AP Calculus ABACCEL Math
3
Health/Personal Fitness or Elective (Health/Personal Fitness will have to be completed before graduation)
AP Stat (with Accelerated Math III) orAP Biology** orElective
AP Stat (with Accelerated Math III) or AP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods)
AP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods)Elective
49th Lit Honors or9th Lit
10th Lit Honors or10th Lit
AP Language orAmerican Lit
AP Literature orACCEL ELA orSenior ELA
5AP Human Geography orWorld Geography orElective
AP World History or World History
AP US History orUS History
AP Gov’t/Econ orACCEL or Gov’t/Econ
6Foreign Language I or IIElective
Foreign Language II or IIIElective
Foreign Language III or IVElective
Foreign Language IV or AP Foreign Language or Elective
7Foundations of Engineering
Engineering Concepts Engineering ApplicationsWork Based Learning
Research Design and Project ManagementWork Based Learning
STEM—Math/Engineering Focus
**Strongly RecommendedCourse offerings are subject to change based on state curriculum changes and staffingElective Requirements for STEM Engineering Completion
Stem Graduate Biotech & Engineering FocusCompletion of Biotech Pathway
Scientific Research I (9th graders taken with Biology Honors)
Intro to Healthcare & Biotechnology (2 units, 1 period per day)
Application of BiotechnologyCompletion of Engineering Pathway
Foundations of EngineeringEngineering ConceptsEngineering Applications
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0Completion of 2 Foreign Language CoursesParticipation in co-curricular activities such as Science
Fair and Robotics or Math Team
Stem Completer—Biotech & Engineering FocusScience Courses
Required: Biology HonorsChemistry HonorsAP Biology**
Choice of at least one of the following:AP Chemistry**AP Physics B**AP Physics C**Scientific Research IIIScientific Research IV
Math Courses—one of the followingPath I
Accelerated Math IAccelerated Math IIAccelerated Math IIIAP Calculus AB/BC or
AP Calculus ABPath II
Accelerated Math IIAccelerated Math IIIAP Calculus AB/BC, Fourth Math Option
including ACCEL Math**Strongly Recommended
Biotech & Engineering Focus
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
1Biology Honors AP Biology AP Chemistry** Scientific Research or
AP Physics C **or Elective
2
Health/Personal Fitness or Elective (Health/Personal Fitness will have to be completed before graduation)
Chemistry Honors AP Physics B** or Elective
AP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods)
3 Accelerated Math I Accelerated Math II Accelerated Math III AP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods)
4Foreign Language II Foreign Language III or
ElectiveAP Language or American Lit
AP Literature orACCEL ELA orSenior ELA
59th Lit Honors or9th Lit
10th Lit Honors or10th Lit
AP US History orUS History
AP Gov’t/Econ orACCEL orGov’t/Econ
6
AP Human Geography orWorld Geography orElective
AP World History orWorld History
Engineering Concepts Engineering ApplicationsWork Based Learning
7
Scientific Research I Foundation of Engineering
Intro to Healthcare & Biotechnology (2 units) or Applications of BiotechnologyBiotechnology Internship
Applications of BiotechnologyBiotechnology InternshipWork Based Learning
STEM—Science/Biotech & Math Engineering Focus
Course offerings are subject to change based on state curriculum changes and staffingElective Requirements for STEM Biotechnology & Engineering Completion
9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
1Biology Honors AP Biology AP Chemistry** Scientific Research or
AP Foreign Language or Elective
2
Health/Personal Fitness or Elective (Health/Personal Fitness will have to be completed before graduation)
Chemistry Honors AP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods)
AP Physics B** or C**
3 Accelerated Math II Accelerated Math III AP Calculus AB/BC (2 periods)
ACCEL Math
4Foreign Language II Foreign Language III or
ElectiveAP Language or American Lit
AP Literature orACCEL ELA orSenior ELA
59th Lit Honors or9th Lit
10th Lit Honors or10th Lit
AP US History orUS History
AP Gov’t/Econ orACCEL orGov’t/Econ
6
AP Human Geography orWorld Geography orElective
AP World History orWorld History
Engineering Concepts Engineering ApplicationsWork Based Learning
7
Scientific Research I Foundation of Engineering
Intro to Healthcare & Biotechnology (2 units) or Applications of BiotechnologyBiotechnology Internship
Applications of BiotechnologyBiotechnology InternshipWork Based Learning
STEM—Science/Biotech & Math Engineering Focus
**Strongly RecommendedCourse offerings are subject to change based on state curriculum changes and staffingElective Requirements for STEM Biotechnology & Engineering Completion
K-12 IMPACTEngage students in upper elementary and
middle school to pursue STEM through summer STEM camps and in school field trips
Foster articulation across elementary, middle, and high school to enhance math and science education K-12
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Develop apprenticeship opportunities with local industries
Partner with universities and technical colleges to offer joint enrollment opportunities
Encourage mentorships leveraging industry and post-secondary researchers, practitioners, experts, and leaders
ACADEMY OUTCOMES
Prepare students to be more competitive for college admissions, scholarships, and career opportunities
Produce workforce-ready, innovative graduates for STEM industries in Forsyth County
Increase the number of graduates pursuing STEM–focused degrees and careers
Expand high school course offerings at the middle school level that support the STEM Academy
Promote STEM awareness and learner interest through STEM Summer Boot Camp for middle school students
Next steps for rising 9th grade….Out of District Application if not already in
FCHS districtDeadline: TBD
STEM Academy ApplicationDeadline: TBD
Demographic informationCRCT ScoresCurrent GradesOrganization and Work HabitsEssayMiddle School Teacher recommendations
Next steps current 9th Grade studentCurrent 9th Graders ONLY (2011-2012)STEM Academy Application
Deadline: TBDDemographic informationCurrent GradesEOCT ScoresOrganization and Work HabitsEssayHigh School Teacher recommendations
Questions?