STEM Academy for Environmental Studies at MMS
STEM Parent Volunteer Sign-up (Click Here)
News
Congratualations!!! Hezekiah Sylvestre and Joel Samuels placed 1st in Robotics at the East Atlanta Technology Fair. They will proceed to the State competition in May!
APPLICATION
Click here for Eligibility Rubric
Please visit
www.rockdaleschools.org/specialtyandchoicefor the online application link.
Eligibility Criteria
• Students must meet standards in ELA, Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies on the Milestones assessment. If Milestones results are not available, other assessment data may be considered.
• Students with strong math and science skills are encouraged to apply.
• Students must meet the student registration requirement for Rockdale County Public Schools.
• Students and parents must agree to the Choice contract.
•
Click here for Eligibility Rubric.
Lottery
In the event there are more eligible applicants than space available, students will be selected via a random lottery drawing. If needed, a lottery will be held in January.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Today’s society has become increasingly complex and competitive. Success is not only based on what you know, but also on what you can do with what you know. It’s more important than ever for our youth to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information. These are the types of skills that students develop by studying science, technology, engineering, and math — STEM.
STEM education is an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to learning that provides hands-on and relevant learning experiences for students. STEM teaching and learning goes beyond the mere transfer of knowledge; it engages students and equips them with critical thinking, problem solving, creative and collaborative skills, and ultimately establishes connections between the school, work place, community and the global economy. STEM also helps students understand and apply math and science content, the foundations for success in high school, college and careers.
6th grade - Introduction to Environmental Science and Engineering:
While this is the first time students will have a dedicated research class and rigorous lab equipment set up to allow exploration in STEM, the primary focus of student learning coincides with 6th grade Next Generation Science Standards curriculum in Earth Science with an emphasis on weather, soil/water/air quality, and engineering.
7th grade - Citizen Science & Bioengineering:
This grade level focuses on environmental factors that affect health and wellness with an emphasis on agricultural and bioengineering inquiry research. Students will be required to focus on enhancing their research skills in a fifth core class dedicated to that critical writing, critical thinking and problem-solving experience in order to collaborate with our partner organizations. This class coincides with the 7th grade Next Generation Science Standards curriculum in Life Science.
8th grade - STEM College and Career Readiness:
This grade level focuses on preparing for high school rigor and post-secondary STEM careers. Students will be provided a choice of competitions, projects, and problems that investigate the potential for alternative and green energy sources. They will work cooperatively with peers, community members and partner organizations to complete a project with the goal of applying research skills, content knowledge and interpersonal relationship skills to produce a solution that creates a change in their community or partner organization’s mode of operation. This course coincides with 8th grade Next General Science Standards curriculum in Physical Science with an emphasis on Engineering fields of study.
COMPONENTS FOR SUCCESS
• Multiple opportunities to earn high school credit through a variety of learning platforms, such as virtual classes, high school certified teachers at the 8th grade level for Math and Science, and a partnership with Rockdale Career Academy.
• High School Offerings: Spanish, Coordinate Algebra, Physical Science, Personal Fitness and Health.
• Field Trip Agreements: Fernbank Museum, The High, Elachee, Gwinnett Heritage, Rock Eagle, and more.
• Competitions/Challenges: Science Fair, Georgia Tech InVenture, Duke TIP, Buck Institute Problem-Based Learning.
• Project mentors available.
• Exposure to STEM professionals.
• Math enrichment, mentoring, and after-school tutoring.
• Learning from professionals in the field.
• Hands on learning through All Things Earthly, two large campus gardens to cultivate STEM.
• Industry partnerships with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Georgia Tech, Georgia Power, NASA.
• Technology Skills (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Advanced Research Writing Courses.
Our students are well informed to make decisions that will help them progress in STEM in the following RCPS high school options:
Rockdale Magnet School for Science & Technology
Advanced Science Research, Engineering, Ivy League College and Career Preparation
Rockdale Career Academy
Healthcare, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Engineering
Rockdale Institute for Advanced Technology
Computer Programming and Gaming Design
Heritage High School
Computer Graphic Visual Arts, Engineering Pathway Courses