The STEM Academy is designed for the extremely self-motivated student who has a strong interest in the Engineering field. Students in the Academy will follow a prescribed course sequence in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics that will prepare students for post-secondary STEM fields. Students concluding the Academy by enrolling in a senior year internship and capstone project, highlight this program. Students will be eligible to earn 26 Seton Hall University credits. All dual credit courses through Seton Hall University will be given honors level weighting.
For more information on the STEM Academy, click here: Stem Academy Website
FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING - ACADEMY
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.5
Prerequisites: Course exclusively offered to students enrolled in STEM Academy
The goal of this course is to give students the skills they need to succeed in STEM fields. These skills include, but are not limited to: utilizing and applying the engineering problem solving model, developing an understanding of weights and measurements, acquire skills in orthographic and isometric drawing, developing an understanding of aerodynamics, electrical circuits, structural engineering, mastery of group dynamics, problem identification, brainstorming, critical thinking, long-term planning, and reflection. Most class periods will be spent in group work on projects, involving each step of the scientific and engineering method. Some periods will be student-generated discussion about the relevant scientific and engineering concepts behind the projects. This class will allow students to experience school and the classroom in ways, which reflect industry practices and models. (This course is paired with Introduction to Aerospace-Flying Machines)
INTRODUCTION TO AEROSPACE-FLYING MACHINES - ACADEMY
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.5
Prerequisites: Course exclusively offered to students enrolled in STEM Academy
In this hands-on course, students will explore the evolution of man’s attempts to conquer the skies. Projects require students to design, build, and test: parachutes, balloons, paper gliders, balsa gliders, launch gliders, propeller airplanes, and small rockets. Students will build airfoils and test them in wind tunnels, calculate the four forces of flight, and understand Bernouli’s Principle. (This course is paired with Fundamentals of Engineering.)
MODERN COMPUTING APPLICATIONS I STEM HONORS
Grade: 10
Credits: 5 Pequannock Township High School credits / 3 Seton Hall University Credits
Prerequisites: Course exclusively offered to students enrolled in the STEM Academy
This course will expose the student to some accessible applications in modern computer science. Among the topics are video game programming, mobile device programming and robotics.
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - STEM ACADEMY
Grade: 11-12
Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Modern Computer Applications I STEM Honors
The course has two themes. The first theme introduces computer concepts and programming. Topics include hardware and software fundamentals; computer and information systems; data communications and computer networks; World Wide Web and the Internet; social impact of computers including discussions on privacy, security, civil liberty, risk of computers, intellectual properties, and computer related legislations. The second theme familiarizes students with leading application software such as Excel, Powerpoint, Access and Web design programs. Practical computer problem-solving skills are emphasized through intensive hands-on exercises. This is a dual enrollment course with William Paterson University.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Grades: 10-12
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: none
AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. The course is particularly useful for those students who are considering a major or minor in a Computer Science, STEM or Engineering field. All students enrolled in this class are expected to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement AP Computer Science Principals exam in May.
INTRODUCTION TO AUTOCAD - STEM ACADEMY
Grade: 11
Credits: 5 Pequannock Township High School credits/2 NJIT credit
Prerequisites: Course exclusively offered to students enrolled in STEM Academy
A first course in Computer Aided Design (CAD), includes lab work using AutoCAD software. Topics include fundamentals of engineering graphics, AutoCAD command structure, setting units and limits, drafting primitives, layering, use of editing tools; grid, snap, and axis commands. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to effectively produce two-dimensional drawings using the AutoCAD software program.
SENIOR STEM CAPSTONE
Grade: 12
Credits: 10 Pequannock Township High School credits
Prerequisites: Course exclusively offered to students enrolled in STEM Academy
This course is designed to offer students three unique experiences: Portfolio, Project, and Internship Experience, during which students will complete:
Students will follow the engineering design process to create a new invention of their own.
Students will engage in real world experiences through job shadow/internships with local businesses.
Students will complete weekly journals and meet with an advisor to discuss their experiences.
Students will amend, improve, or replace projects and work from Academy years and create a digital portfolio to share with prospective colleges or employers.
Students will present their project and internship experiences to faculty, STEM Academy students, and the community.
The course also aims to provide students with academic and personal success; integrate computer technology into academic instruction; familiarize students with University resources and opportunities; improve reading, writing, and analytical skills and support the University mission of "forming students to be servant leaders in a global society."