STEM Concentration

The purpose of the STEM Concentration is to allow students to become well-rounded in all facets of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, with the opportunity to focus on a particular interest in an independent research or design project.

Curricular Requirements

9 credits of Math/Science including:

• at least 1 AP Math, Science, or Computer Science course

• 1 semester Engineering

• 1 semester STEAM Technology

• AP Statistics or 1 semester Statistics

CONCENTRATION PROJECT: Choice of ONE of the following that must be approved by faculty committee:

• Independent Research Project

• Design/Build Innovation Project

All options will culminate in a public presentation in March or April of the senior year.

Student will have:

• A primary STEM faculty mentor who will complete quarterly reviews of student’s progress

• A committee with two additional STEM faculty to review project proposal and final presentation

REQUIRED MEETINGS: Students must attend all meetings of the Concentration group and should contact the Mentor if they are unable to attend.

• Concentration kick-off in September

• Concentration check-ins in October, January, March, and May

• At least two meetings per semester with the Mentor, scheduled by the student

• STEM Presents seminars

• Other Concentration seminars and trips as required

Other Requirements - must total 7 credits

INTERNSHIP: The student maintains internship log and internship supervisor signs off on hours.

• On-campus internship / Application

1 year = 1 credit; minimum 40 hours/year (10-20 hours per quarter, roughly 1-2 hours per week)

• • Biology Intern

  • Chemistry Intern

  • Geology Intern

  • Innovation Lab Intern

  • Physics Intern

  • STEM Intern

  • Academic Support Team - log at least 40 hrs of STEM tutoring & write a reflection at the end

• Off-campus internship

40 hours = 1 credit

Culminating in a page in the Digital Portfolio and a presentation to the mentor.

It is encouraged to schedule Internships during Thanksgiving Break, Spring Break, Wintermission, and Summer Break.

• Service learning project

1 project = 1 credit

Approved Engineering or Tech Innovation project that meets a community need, either at Foxcroft or within the outside community. Culminating in a page in the Digital Portfolio and a presentation to the mentor.

ACTIVE CLUB MEMBERSHIP: Club advisor must sign off on membership. No more than 3 credits of club membership can contribute to total requirement.

1 year membership = 0.5 credit, 1 year leadership = 1 credit

• STEAM Club

• Astronomy Club

• Rocket Club

• Robotics Club

• Beekeeping

• CyberPatriot

Digital Portfolio Requirements

Each Concentration student is required to maintain a Digital Portfolio detailing important Concentration-related coursework, projects, and internships. Make sure your Digital Portfolio is shared with your mentor and Ms. Varney (kristine.varney@foxcroft.org) when you create it. Mentors will check your progress each school year, and portfolios will be evaluated at the end of the senior year with the Concentration project using the Concentration Rubric.

To get started login to your Google Account. Visit sites.google.com/new and click on "New Google Sites."

1. Find the blue + to get started. Your full name should be on the home page.

2. Click Publish and use your full name as the web address. Always remember to continue clicking the publish button while you are working to ensure your changes are viewable online.

3. Go to Pages and use the blue + button to include the following pages and submenus:

• Coursework

  • Include a page listing the Concentration curricular requirements and when you met them, i.e. STEAM Tech - Fall 2019, Engineering - Spring 2020, etc.

  • Add pictures, descriptions, and/or links to any particularly meaningful or noteworthy projects or class assignments.

• Reflections

  • You should have a page dedicated to your quarterly reflections. You can write about your progress in the Concentration, any challenges you encountered, and what you have learned.

  • Your mentor will read your reflections and incorporate them into his or her quarterly Concentration comments.

  • Add at least one reflection per year on one of the STEM Presents speakers and the connection to your Concentration.

• Internships, trips, and service projects

  • Any internships must have a completed Internship Log accompanying them. For trips or service projects, use the same format to log your hours and any progress you made.

  • For each experience, complete a reflection on the experience and what you learned. Include photos if possible.

• Club leadership/membership

  • If you plan to count active club leadership/membership toward your Concentration requirements, you must have a page detailing what you did with the club and highlighting your contributions. Include photos if possible.

• Resources & annotated bibliography

  • Since students are required to complete an annotated bibliography for the project, it is important to collect any sources for research you may do. Collect links or articles, including things that could be inspiration for a project later.

  • Once you choose your final project, you can create an additional page for your final annotated bibliography.

• Concentration project

  • You should devote at least one page to your Concentration project.

  • You should include your Concentration project proposal (due in your junior year)

    • 1. Context/Background

      2. Hypothesis/Thesis/Mission Statement

      3. Necessary Steps/Methods

      4. Budget

      5. Timeline

      6. Committee

  • Make sure to link to the Concentration Rubric and Senior Presentation Guide for easy access.

  • You will work with your mentor to determine an appropriate project and what the outcomes will be. Your presentation and supporting information for your project, such as any papers you write or files you create, should be included here.

• Other pages

  • Feel free to create additional pages to include an “About Me” section, a resume, or any other noteworthy information you’d like to include!