STEM FAQ

Frequently Asked STEM Questions

What is the STEM Academy at Lassiter High School?

The Lassiter High School Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy offers students a rigorous curriculum driven by problem based learning and project based learning in a student-centered environment. In accordance with the Georgia Department of Education STEM goals, the Lassiter STEM Academy will:

· Instruct through rigorous and relevant curriculum

· Empower students to become innovators and problem solvers

· Ensure that all students have access to the appropriate technology conducive to enhancing their STEM educational experiences

· Nurture partnerships that allow schools and the business sector to join efforts in improving students’ STEM-career opportunities

· Increase the number of students pursuing careers in STEM-related fields and/or post-secondary STEM related education/training

The Lassiter STEM Academy is designed for students who have a desire and passion to pursue one of these two STEM pathways: Engineering or Biomedical Science. Senior STEM students will take part in a cumulative research from their perspective pathway. Additionally, students will be required to complete extracurricular requirements including STEM related competitions.

Students are admitted into the specific STEM Academy major only in their freshman year. Acceptance of admission into Lassiter’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy is based on an application reviewing their academic performance and extracurricular participation in STEM related activities as well as an interview conducted with a member of the STEM Academy committee. Acceptance implies that a student will remain an Academy student throughout their high school career in order to earn STEM designation.

Is the STEM Academy right for me?

YOU are the only person who can answer this question. Are you looking for a program that is:

1) Academically rigorous,

2) Going to fuel your desire to learn and challenge yourself

3) Focused on building and making real world connections

4) Designed to help you to become a better researcher/ create your own internship and have an

opportunity to gain hands on experience

If you said “YES!” to all of the above, we strongly encourage YOU and your family to attend our STEM Academy information night. If you still cannot decide, you can email any member of the STEM Academy:

§ STEM Coordinator: Dayle Koester (meredith.koester@cobbk12.org)

§ STEM Administrator: Angelo Ruggiero (angelo.ruggiero@cobbk12.org)

§ PLTW Biomedical Pathway: Lauren Jackson (lauren.jackson2@cobbk12.org)

§ PLTW Engineering Pathway: Kurt Rinehimer (kurt.rinehimer@cobbk12.org)

What if all pathways hold interest for me?

You will need to let us know which holds the most interest. You may choose to apply for both but the selection committee will independently consider your application in each pathway. You must also meet all pre-requisite requirements for the departments and courses to be eligible for any particular pathway.

Can I move from one pathway to another?

The STEM committee will decide on this request on a case by case scenario. Please understand that teacher allotments do not allow for flexibility once courses are established. So please make your considerations carefully, and submit an application if you are genuinely serious about the pathway. However, students may only enter the Project Lead the Way path ways as a freshman since the courses must be taken in sequence with NO exceptions.

Will I have any flexibility in choosing my courses?

You will have a prescribed course of study in your pathway and will be registered for specific courses required for high school graduation that are aligned with the STEM program. These courses will include instruction focused on STEM, research, design and problem solving. You will be required to take the designated STEM courses based on your pathway each year.

What if I am a member of the band, chorus or the orchestra?

You will have limited flexibility as these music programs already occupy an elective in your schedule. You will not be able to substitute any of the cohort STEM courses which limit scheduling ability. There are several options available (based on availability of the course and the circumstance) for courses that might not fit in your schedule due to these activities and STEM:

- LHS Summer Academy/ other available Cobb Summer School Program (tuition course)

- Online Cobb Virtual (tuition course)

You will be able to speak with your counselor or member of the STEM faculty for advisement with regard to your specific course schedule.

What if my grades fall below the expectations for LHS STEM Academy, is there a probation period?

The LHS STEM Academy is a rigorous pathway and students are expected to excel in their courses. STEM Academy students’ grades will constantly be monitored and at the end of a semester a student may be placed on probation, OR dropped to a lower level class and removed from the program. Please make your considerations carefully, and submit an application only if you are genuinely serious about the STEM pathways offered. Keep in mind that many of the required courses, such as AP^© and Project Lead the Way are college level courses and the course guidelines are set to be equivalent to a college level course.

What if I decide to drop out of the LHS STEM Academy?

By recommendation of the STEM faculty and/or the student’s counselor, or in extreme cases in consultation with the parents and teachers, students may be released from the STEM Academy. Special sections of STEM courses are hand scheduled for students to obtain the best possible setting for success. Teacher allotments do not allow for flexibility once courses are established. So please make your considerations carefully, and submit an application if you are genuinely serious about your major.

If I don’t apply now, can I apply in my sophomore or junior year?

No. Applications are taken for entering freshmen only.

What’s in it for me?

1. Hard, challenging work toward a STEM Academy endorsement

2. The chance to learn through a project-based curriculum that focuses on the connections between Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

3. Expanded opportunities for authentic learning experiences through capstone project and internships

4. A unique opportunity to write about your experience and draw attention to your high school transcript in competition for college admissions

Project Lead the Way: www.pltw.org