Science, Technology, Engineering &
Mathematics Magnet Program
Welcome to STEM!
The AACPS STEM Magnet Program is an academic choice that offers students a rigorous interdisciplinary environment centered around the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Over the course of it’s four year (grades 9-12) program, STEM provides a
problem-based, technology rich learning environment where students interested in the STEM fields can study the connections between the STEM subjects learned in school, and the world experienced every day.
Elements of science, technology, engineering, and math can be seen in almost every aspect of our lives, as long as we know were to look. From
studying the interactions between art and math to collecting, analyzing, and presenting experimental data, the STEM Magnet Program exposes student to the important of these subjects in every aspect of life outside of the
Before we begin…
General Magnet Program Information
All AACPS Magnet Programs…
Offer students a specialized course of study or an emphasis on instruction that is different from the traditional curriculum offered in AACPS.
Are a key component of Anne Arundel County’s vision for Programs of Choice.
Attract qualified students from all areas of the county who complete an admission process.
Are public school programs and do not involve any additional cost to attend.
o Some programs may have lab, field trip, or exam fees.
Provide transportation through regional consolidated community bus stops.
o Private transportation is required to and from the community bus stops. Most bus stops are located at local elementary schools, middle schools, or libraries.
What benefits does STEM offer?
A curriculum that weaves STEM topics through all courses;
Access to cutting-edge, 21st century technology as an important part
of the classroom;
Project/Problem-based learning that challenges students to consider, discuss, and solve real-world, hands-on problems;
Frequent opportunities to explore STEM careers through job shadows and internships;
Community and industry partnerships with local STEM organizations, such as the Fort Meade Alliance and Northrop Grumman; and
Educational partnerships with local colleges and universities to prepare for academic success after high school.
A student’s Magnet School is determined by his or her home middle school:
Our Home —
North County and South River High School
Magnet School: North County
High School
South River High School Home Middle
School:
Your Home Middle School is based on your address. This is the school that you would attend with other student’s in your community • Arundel • Brooklyn Park • Chesapeake Bay • Corkran • George Fox • Lindale • MacArthur • Marley • Meade
• Old Mill North • Old Mill South
• Annapolis • Bates • Central • Crofton • Magothy River • Severn River • Severna Park
School Phone: 410-222-6970
School Website: http://www.northcountyhs.org/ Principal: Julie Cares
Lead Teacher: Trekker Williams
School Phone: 410-956-5600
School Website: http://southriverhigh.org/ Principal: William Myers
Lead Teachers: Geraldine Robbins
STEM students get to choose from one of the following Pathways of Study to follow through their four years in the STEM Magnet Program:
Green Technologies
Computer Science and Theoretical Applied Mathematics Nanotechnology and Materials Science
Earth and Space Systems Engineering
Although most of the classes that STEM students take in 9th grade will be
related generally to the STEM fields, as students move through the four years of the program, their classes will become more focused on their chosen pathway.
Problem-Project Based Learning
STEM Art
STEM Government Policy
STEM Research
Honors Computer Science
Honors Mathematics
Honors English
Honors Science
Honors World Language
Project Lead the Way (PTLW)—At the South River program only.
Senior Capstone course
All courses have overlays that reflect STEM topics.
Problem-Project Based Learning (PBL)…
Are 4 to 6 week modules of in-depth, project/problem-based learning focused on a specific STEM-related issue.
Use Socratic discussions to challenge students to consider interesting and relevant STEM topics.
Often include visits from STEM professionals familiar with the current discussion.
Problem-Project Based Learning topics may include:
Space Mission 2025—Discover and discuss issues surrounding extended space
travel and meet with an astronaut who has experienced those issues first-hand.
Botany by Design—Study the importance of agriculture on local and
global cultures.
Robots Invade Art—Explore the field of robotics, including programming,
designing and building, while considering the aesthetic impact on function.
What will students do in…Problem-Project
*This schedule serves as an example of a typical ninth grade student’s schedule. Your student’s schedule may look different.
**Students will register for Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II, or Honors Pre-Calculus as determined by their current Math level.
***A student’s world language level will be determined by his or her current World Language
****PLTW at South River High School Only
Here is a sample Grade 9 schedule*
Grade 9—Fall Semester
Period/Block A Day B Day
1
Problem-Project Based Learning
Physics (NCHS) Or
Systems Science A (SRHS)
US Government Hybrid (SRHS)
STEM Art (NCHS) STEM Computer Science
2 STEM Honors English 9 Honors Geometry**
3 AP Human Geography (NCHS) Or Principals of Engineering (PLTW)**** or Elective Elective (NCHS) Or
STEM Foundations of Art (SRHS)
4 World Classical Language*** Principals of Engineering (PLTW)**** or Elective
Applying to the STEM Program
As with all AACPS Magnet Schools, students must
complete an application process and be determined
eligible for the STEM program.
Students can apply to the STEM program in the fall
of their 8
thgrade year.
1. Information Nights: Attend the STEM Information Night in the fall to visit
your magnet school, meet the STEM facilitators and teachers, and learn more about the program.
Visit the Magnet Website (www.aacps.org/magnet) for details on any upcoming Information Nights.
2. The Application: Complete the online Magnet Application by the
posted deadline.
The Magnet Application opens in the fall and will remain open for
approximately two months.
The Magnet Application is posted at https://magnet.aacps.org.
3. The Interview: Sign-up for and complete a Challenge Interview.
Information about the Challenge Interview is available on the Magnet Website (www.aacps.org/magnet). This information may vary from year to year.
The Magnet Application Process:
4. Evaluation: The magnet office uses the following criteria to determine whether or not a student is eligible for STEM:
a) 7th and 8th grade academic records b) MSA scores
c) Math and World Language classes taken d) Interview scores
Students may be eligible through one of two pathways
These pathways are not a ranking system, but rather determine what the student will need to complete during the application process.
Pathway I* Students must have:
A minimum of a “B” average (3.0 grade average) in grade 7
Current enrollment in, or successful completion of Algebra I with a “B” (80%) or better
Current enrollment in, or successful completion of Level 1 of a world language with a “C” (70%) or better
Scores of Proficient or Advanced in MSA Reading and Mathematics in grade 7 or scores in the 60 percentile or above on nationally-normed tests in Reading and Mathematics
An average rubric score of a 7 or better on the Magnet Challenge Interview
The Magnet Application Process:
Pathway II* Students must have:
A minimum of a “mid-C” average (2.5 grade average) in grade 7
Current enrollment in or successful completion of Algebra I with a “C” or better
OR
Successful completion of STEMath 7 with a “B” or better AND current enrollment in STEMath 8 with a “B” or better. (Students must complete STEMath 8 with a “B” or better by the end of grade 8 in order to remain eligible for this program).
Current enrollment in, or successful completion of, Level 1 of a World Language with a “C” or better
An average rubric score of a 7 or better on the Magnet Challenge Interview
Scores of Proficient or Advanced in MSA Reading and Mathematics in grade 7 or scores in the 60 percentile or above on nationally-normed tests in Reading and Mathematics
An average rubric score of a 3 or better on the Academic Interview
Two letters of recommendation from a recent teacher and a community member (teacher, coach, mentor, etc)
*Please note that the only distinction between these two pathways is that students in Pathway II will complete an academic interview and will need letters of
recommendation. Both Pathway I and Pathway II students are treated equally in the Lottery.
The Magnet Application Process:
5.
The Lottery:
Because there are often more eligible applicants for each Magnet program than seats available, a computerized, random Lottery is usually conducted for to place students either in the program or on a wait-list. It is the belief of the Magnet Office that a Lottery is the most fair way for all students to determine who is given a seat in a Magnet Program.
Students placed on the wait-list will be offered a seat as space becomes available in the program.
6.
Registration:
Accepted students will attend a Welcome andRegistration Night for their program to learn information about the:
Enrollment process
Summer reading assignment
STEM Summer Bridge—a two week summer experience for students to engage in focused STEM experiences
The Magnet Application Process:
The Lottery and Registration
Need More Information?
Contact a member of the STEM team:
Tina Gillmeister, STEM Coordinator
Phone: 410-222-5391 x4
Email: [email protected]
Debie Lesko, STEM Teacher Specialist
Phone: 410-222-5391 x2 Email: [email protected]
