Continuum Artifacts SY 23-24

Area 1 - Culture of STEM

1.1 - School Vision and Culture

The mission of the School of Engineering choice program at Herschel V. Jenkins High School is to provide a stimulating curriculum enriched in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The goal of the program is to produce graduates who are successful in their pursuit of higher education within these fields. We offer honors and accelerated coursework in Math, Science, English, Social Studies, PLTW Engineering, Computer Science, and foreign languages, providing a rigorous curriculum and instruction in all subject areas. Parents and students can expect specially trained teachers, smaller class sizes, pairing with students with similar life goals, and college credit without college costs. 

The School of Engineering choice program is a 'school-within-a-school' model, offering students access to advanced academics as well as a wide variety of sports and extracurricular opportunities.

The School of Engineering choice program recruits qualified and interested student candidates from across Chatham County. Because the School of Engineering is a Choice Program within the school district, we work to recruit all students for the program. We hold recruiting events at feeder school and district-wide events including The STEM & Student Success Expo, Girls in Engineering Day, GIS Day, and FIRST Lego League events. At each event, we particularly encourage under-represented students to apply to the program, including minority and female students. Members of the Society of Women Engineers and the Society of American Military Engineers are part of our Business Education Advisory Committee and are active participants in our recruitment efforts. As a Choice Program within the school, students from any high school within the county can apply for the program. The 2024 application window (opens January 27, 2024) will introduce a new rubric system to Choice applications for SCCPSS.  Students must earn 100 of a possible 300 points on the rubric to enter the lottery.  The School of Engineering accepts 75 first-time ninth-grade students, and approximately 10 tenth-grade students (number based on seats available).

SCCPSS Choice Program information can be found here.

Applications for 2021-2023 can be found here.

Applications for 2024 can be found here, with additional information regarding the rubric.  

1.2 - Non-traditional Student Participation

As a Choice Program within the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS), students and faculty work to reach out to all students with an interest in STEM fields.  Students and faculty participate in community recruitment events as well as visits to elementary, middle, and K-8 schools to discuss opportunities with students.

Current student demographics for the program can be found here.

1.3 - Non-traditional Career Exposure

Students in the School of Engineering are regularly exposed to careers and professionals in STEM fields.  Each year, students are required to interview at least one (different each year) professional in an Engineering field.  This allows students access to different STEM fields as well as expands their networking skills and abilities.  Students are also exposed to various STEM fields through field trips, guest speakers, project mentors and judges, and summer camp experiences.

Students are also encouraged to participate in activities such as Explorer Post and internships.  School of Engineering students are included in the Engineering Explorer Post and Medical Explorer Post each year through our local Learning for Life Exploring office.

1.4 - Characteristics of Curriculum

Students in the School of Engineering complete a four-course Engineering pathway utilizing the Project Lead the Way Engineering curriculum, culminating in the capstone Engineering Design and Development course.  Students are also required to complete at least one Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment course in math and science before graduation.  Students are advised to utilize the provided Course Sequence for their four years of high school.

Throughout the program, students are taught to put to use the adopted Engineering Design Process for the School of Engineering.  

Students are encouraged to participate in FIRST Robotics, Technology Student Association (TSA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), National Honor Society (NHS), and other organizations throughout their four years of high school to gain additional regional/state-wide exposure to opportunities available outside the typical classroom.

Area 2 - Instructional Practices

2.1 - Instructional rigor & relevance, and instructional quality

Stoichiometry STEM Boat Challenge - Lesson Plan, Pictures, Calculations Worksheet, Student Sample #1, Student Sample #2, Student Sample #3

AP Computer Science - Lesson Plan, Conditional Programs, Looping, Student Work #1, Student Work #2, Student Work #3, Student Work #4, Student Work #5, Student Work #6

Robot Take Over - Lesson Plan, Presentation, Journal Entries

People and Pollinators - Lesson Plan, Census Data Sample #1, Census Data Sample #2, Journal Sample #1, Journal Sample #2, Data Analysis Samples, AutoCAD Blueprints

Handwarmer Design Challenge - Lesson Plan, Student Directions, Rubric, Process Pictures, Student Sample #1, Student Sample #2, Journal Sample #1, Journal Sample #2, Student Poster #1, Student Poster #2

Space Race/Rover Plan - Lesson Plan-AP US History, Lesson Plan-9th Grade, Rover Race Overview, Student Response #1, Student Response #2, Images in Action

2.2 - STEM Curriculum:  Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Saving Scuba Steve - Lesson Plan, Math Modeling, Chemistry Lab, Project Pictures, Journal Sample #1, Journal Sample #2, Journal Sample #3, Annotated Article, Work Sample #1, Work Sample #2

Saving New Orleans - Lesson Plan, AP Comparative Government Link, AP US History Link, Journal Sample #1, Journal Sample #2

Beautiful Bridges - Lesson Plan, GDOT Presentation, Journal Samples, Rubric

Handwarmer Design Challenge - Lesson Plan, Student Directions, Rubric, Process Pictures, Student Sample #1, Student Sample #2, Journal Sample #1, Journal Sample #2, Student Poster #1, Student Poster #2

Marine Science Center - Lesson Plan, Photos of Tybee Island Marine Science Center Event

GIS Day - Lesson Plan, How to Use a Compass, Path Design, Georgia Power/HVJ Agenda, Photos of GIS Day

2.3 - STEM Curriculum - Day-to-Day Interdisciplinary Instruction

Wastewater Recovery Project - Lesson Plan, Company Memo Introduction, Lab Simulation, Final Presentation Letter #1, Final Presentation #1, Final Presentation Letter #2, Final Presentation #2, Journal Sample #1, Journal Sample #2

Beanium Lab - Lesson Plan, Activity Descriptor, Image #1, Image #2

AP Computer Science - Lesson Plan, Conditional Programs, Looping, Student Work #1, Student Work #2, Student Work #3, Student Work #4, Student Work #5, Student Work #6

Some like it Hot - Lesson Plan, Student Samples

Logic Gates - Lesson Plan, Journal Entry #1, Journal Entry #2

Rube Goldburg - Lesson Plan

Periodic Table of Characters - Lesson Plan

Get Your Motor Running - Lesson Plan

Pin Hole Camera - Lesson Plan

2.4 - Student Internships and/or Capstone Project

Students are encouraged to apply for internships available through BEAC partners, as well as other internships available.  We have many students who complete Work-Based Learning/Youth Apprenticeship at employers such as Gulfstream, SCCPSS, and local Engineering firms.  

In addition, all students in the School of Engineering complete a capstone course (Engineering Design and Development).  The course begins with OSHA certification for all students and culminates with a team project (EDD project).  

Example of EDD Project Presentation

Computer Science Capstone Projects - Long Term Project, Long Term Project Presentations, Long Term-Goin' Mathin' Manual, Long Term-Goin' Mathin' Script, Long Term-Space Race Manual, Long Term-Space Race Script

2.5 - Problem-Solving Practices for Developing Solutions

Wastewater Recovery Project - Lesson Plan, Company Memo Introduction, Lab Simulation, Final Presentation Letter #1, Final Presentation #1, Final Presentation Letter #2, Final Presentation #2, Journal Sample #1, Journal Sample #2

Stoichiometry STEM Boat Challenge - Lesson Plan, Pictures, Calculations Worksheet, Student Sample #1, Student Sample #2, Student Sample #3

Saving Scuba Steve - Lesson Plan, Math Modeling, Chemistry Lab, Project Pictures, Journal Sample #1, Journal Sample #2, Journal Sample #3, Annotated Article, Work Sample #1, Work Sample #2

Problem Solving with Materials - Lesson Plan, Work Sample #1, Work Sample #2, Image #1, Image #2

AP Computer Science - Lesson Plan, Conditional Programs, Looping, Student Work #1, Student Work #2, Student Work #3, Student Work #4, Student Work #5, Student Work #6

Get Your Motor Running - Lesson Plan

Handwarmer Design Challenge - Lesson Plan, Student Directions, Rubric, Process Pictures, Student Sample #1, Student Sample #2, Journal Sample #1, Journal Sample #2, Student Poster #1, Student Poster #2

2.6 - Technology Integration

Problem Solving with Materials - Lesson Plan, Work Sample #1, Work Sample #2, Image #1, Image #2

AP Computer Science - Lesson Plan, Conditional Programs, Looping, Student Work #1, Student Work #2, Student Work #3, Student Work #4, Student Work #5, Student Work #6

People and Pollinators - Lesson Plan, Census Data Sample #1, Census Data Sample #2, Journal Sample #1, Journal Sample #2, Data Analysis Samples, AutoCAD Blueprints

Martian Habitat - Lesson Plan, Presentation, Materials List, Student Sample #1, Student Sample #2, Student Sample #3

2.7 - Investigative Research

Plop, Fizz Chemical Reactions - Lesson Plan, Student Inquiry, Journal Example #1, Journal Example #2, Image #1, Image #2, Image #3

How Intermolecular Forces Work - Lesson Plan, Image #1, Image #2, Image #3

You Light Up My Life - Lesson Plan, Image #1, Image #2

Outside the Box - Lesson Plan

Patent Searches - Lesson Plan, Journal Entry #1, Journal Entry #2

Saving Tea Cake - Lesson Plan, Journal Entries, Image #1, Image #2

2.8 - STEM Journals

Journal Samples have been provided throughout the above examples

Area 3 - Professional Learning

3.1 - Content Knowledge

All academic School of Engineering teachers have earned Gifted certification; additionally, some of the CTAE teachers are also Gifted certified.  All teachers are highly qualified in their area, with additional certifications in areas for some teachers.  One teacher, Mrs. Ewbank, is a National Board Certified Mathematics teacher.  We have one teacher, Mrs. Fortney, currently working on the STEM Education endorsement through Middle Georgia RESA.  There are currently three teachers with Computer Science certification.  Fourteen of the sixteen SOE teachers have the Gifted endorsement

In addition to certifications and endorsements, teachers are encouraged to attend professional conferences and workshops, local and regional trainings, as well as additional local opportunities offered through SCCPSS and RESAs.

Communication is provided to all teachers for certification and endorsement directly from the SCCPSS district office and CTAE/OCCR directors and supervisors.

3.2 - Instructional Practices

In the Summer of 2023, two of our AP teachers and our Dean of Students presented at the Annual AP National Conference regarding the integration of Humanities in STEM- presentation

Dr. Leona Gerido, CTAE Supervisor, conducted a PLC for SOE teachers on STEM Journals in September of 2023 - Image 1, Image 2

In January of 2024, a cross-curricular team of SOE teachers participated in a visit to a school in a neighboring county to collaborate on STEM certification and practices.  

3.3 - Teacher Collaboration

Two Tuesdays (second and fourth) of every month are set aside for teacher collaboration.  Teachers are expected to use this time to plan, adapt, and reflect on future, current, and previous interdisciplinary units and PBLs.  Teachers are encouraged to use common planning when available, but afternoon time is protected on the identified Tuesdays for those who do not have common planning.

Grade 10 Meetings

Grade 11 Meetings

Whole Group Meetings (updates in process)

Engineering Curriculum

Project Lead the Way Engineering curriculum is used in the School of Engineering.  These four courses have been aligned to the Georgia Department of Education STEM Electronics Pathway as well as the 3-D Modeling and Analysis capstone course.  

Area 4 - Community Partnerships

4.1 - Business, Community, and Post-Secondary Partnerships

Students participating in FIRST Robotics serve as teachers/facilitators at STEM camps multiple times per school year through Georgia Tech CEISMC.  These students also work with students at elementary STEM/STEAM nights to expose students to opportunities available.

Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, students are working with fourth-grade students at a local elementary school to assist with the Science curriculum (circuits and energy).  This will serve as a starting point for this partnership, with plans to expand to additional grades in the coming years.  

The School of Engineering at H.V. Jenkins High School has an active Business Education Advisory Council (BEAC).  This group formally meets four times per school year.  In addition, BEAC members meet at least twice a year with teachers for project collaboration.  

4.2 - Career Access and Exploration

Students in 11th and 12th grades are encouraged to participate in Explorer Post for Engineering (and other available fields).  Students are also encouraged to participate in internships/work-based learning with SCCPSS and our business partners.  

Students in 9th and 10th grades are encouraged to participate in Summer Camp opportunities, field trips, guest speakers, and networking opportunities with business and industry partners.

4.3 - STEM Competitions, Exhibits and/or Clubs

Students are encouraged to participate in FIRST Robotics, Technology Student Association (TSA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), National Honor Society (NHS), and other organizations throughout their four years of high school to gain additional regional/state-wide exposure to opportunities available outside the typical classroom.

Students in grades 9-11 compete in the annual National History Day competition with a focus on engineering for their projects.

Students in 9th grade Scientific Research complete a Science Fair project.  Students have earned awards at local, regional, and state competitions.  Students in other grades/courses are encouraged to complete Science Fair projects, but it is not required.  Science Fair Images

Students in 9th and 10th grade ELA courses complete a TED Talk project with a focus on a local environmental issue.

FIRST Robotics - Team W.I.R.E. #4701

Area 5 - Sustainability

5.1 - Accountability/Sustainability

The School of Engineering has an established Business Education Advisory Council (BEAC) that meets at least four times per year.  At least one of these meetings occurs on campus with BEAC members and all teachers present (conducted on a teacher planning day).  Business partners work with teachers and students to increase real-world application to classroom learning.  We are currently developing an ambassador/mentor program for our upper-class students to have intentional work with our 9th-grade students.  This section will be updated with that information once the process is approved and implemented.

5.2 - School Leadership

The School of Engineering teachers and school administration came together after the Virtual Georgia Department of Education STEM Pre-Visit to complete the Action Planning Worksheet.  This worksheet has been used as a guide to inform our practices to continue to improve our program.

Challenge Area - Collaborative Planning - We have worked to ensure time is set aside for collaborative planning throughout the grade level teams, as well as the STEM team as a whole.  We have set aside the second and fourth Tuesdays for after-school STEM team meetings for teachers without common planning.  We are looking at the cohort used by UCHS to identify areas we can improve our scheduling to better serve our students each year.

Challenge Area - STEM Journals - We worked to create a STEM Journal template that uses our identified EDP.  Students are provided with this journal at the beginning of the school year.  We have found areas to improve this template and will continue revisions as needed.  We have also worked this year to ensure students are using their STEM Journals, and this is a continued area we are focusing on.

Challenge Area - Community Partnerships - In February 2022, we began bringing our business partners back into our building physically to improve our collaboration practices.  We have also increased our outreach to business partners and feeder schools through campus tours, classroom visits, Girls Engineer It Day events hosted by our local SWE chapter, and our District Student Success Expo.

5.3 - STEM Advisory Council

BEAC members meet at least four times per year (sample agendas here).

We are currently developing an ambassador/mentor program for our upper-class students to have intentional work with our 9th-grade students.  This section will be updated with that information once the process is approved and implemented.

Student Activities

2023 Science Fair Winners

Honor Graduate Luncheon - 2024