STEM Electives

Level: AP

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Typical Grade Level: 11th & 12th

Prerequisites: Integrated Maths I, II, & III. A or B in previous level content class; Cs and lower must have a teacher recommendation.

Statistics is unlike any math course students have taken during high school. Coming up with a numerical solution to a problem is only a small part of our goal. Statistics is largely about the process; the interpretation of a problem, choosing the correct method to solve the problem, and communicating the results in a way that people can understand. Statistics is a way of thinking, not just a set of computations. The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: (1) Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns; (2) Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study; (3) Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation; (4) Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses. Students who successfully complete the course and exam may receive credit, advanced placement or both for a one-semester introductory college statistics course.

Level of Challenge:

Typical Homework Commitment:

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Typical Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisites: INS-I and INS-11, INT1 and INT 2

This Project-Based Learning (PBL) course promotes “3-dimensional learning,” as defined by the Next Generation Science Standards, through integrative STEM experiences. A goal of this course is to introduce and use engineering design processes to solve problems. By exposing students to partnership with external entities and to how concepts and principles of math and science are used in the engineering field, students’ talent and potential for designing and improving technologies is developed. Primary focus is placed on techniques for developing and choosing designs, using criteria, optimization, and the role of documentation. This class has a heavy emphasis on developing skills and understanding of course concepts through activity-, project-, and problem- based learning approaches. Students will interact without professionals outside the school to complete their projects and gain knowledge. Topics investigated in this course include: buoyant forces, gas laws, energy transformations, and materials science. Student mastery of knowledge, skills, and STEM habits of mind is demonstrated through authentic application and transfer in product design, development, and performance exposition.

Level of Challenge:

Typical Homework Commitment: Must work in class. Hands on.