STEAM

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

8601900 ADV TECHNOLOGY APPS

Full Course Description:

Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national STEM organization offering students the opportunity to apply technical and creative skills through competitive, real-world projects. Events include robotics, game programming, web design, electronics, 3D printing, fashion design, photography, and public speaking.

Competitions are held at the local, state, and national levels and require participation beyond the regular school day. At MSA, TSA operates as an independent, project-based course with significant lab time. Students plan, manage, and document their projects while preparing for competitions. Because competition participation is a required component of the course, students must be self-motivated and able to commit time outside of class.

Grades are based on project planning, documentation, and demonstrated progress—not competition results, which serve as goals and showcase opportunities. Enrollment is limited and based on academic performance, including grades and test scores in science and/or mathematics. Due to space constraints, not all interested students may be able to enroll; however, students not selected may still participate in TSA-related after-school activities.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2002400 INTEG SCI 1

Fee: $75

Full Course Description:

This course introduces students to engineering through hands-on problem solving and design challenges. Students learn how ideas become solutions that improve everyday life through activities such as robotics challenges, rocket launching, bridge building and testing, circuitry design, and more. This STEAM course is open to all students interested in understanding how things work and how engineering concepts are applied in real-world contexts.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2003600 Principles of Technology 1

Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1 Engineering and Robotics

Full Course Description:

Students explore advanced robotics by building and customizing combat robots. Instruction includes control systems, CAD design using Onshape, and Python programming with real-world tools and electronics. The course culminates in a controlled robot battle where student-designed robots compete against one another.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2003390 PHYS 1 HON

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I with a “B” or higher

Lab Fee: $75

Full Course Description:

This honors-level physics course fulfills one of the three science credits required for graduation using motorsports as the instructional theme. Students apply physics concepts through real-world data collection using student-driven lab vehicles at a nearby closed-course racetrack at least once per month. Emphasis is placed on motion, forces, and applied physics in automotive and racing environments.