AISD STEM Academy at Martin High School 2019

Parent Information Meeting

WHAT is STEM?What do Red Bull, robots, Michael Jordan and social media have to do with STEM? Let’s find out in this short You Tube video.

WHERE is the STEM Academy?

• The AISD STEM Academy is located at Martin High School

• Students in the STEM Academy enjoy all thebenefits of attending Martin High School (sports, fine arts, clubs, etc.)

WHAT is the STEM Academy?

The AISD STEM Academy is a four-year high school program for students seeking exciting and rigorous courses and careers in STEM!

STEM Academy students choose one of these pathways

Math/Science

• Students in this pathway

• are interested in careers in pure science/math areas such as physics, chemistry, environmental science, and mathematics

• Coursework

• AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics

• AP Environment Science, AP Biology, AP Physics 1-4

• UTA courses: Calculus 2 & 3, Differential Equations

• STEM Practicum

Biomedical Science

• Students in this pathway

• are interested in careers in biomedical science such as medicine, biomedical engineering, veterinary medicine, optometry, dentistry, psychology

• Coursework

• 4 PLTW Biomedical Science Courses

• AP Biology, health science classes

• UTA courses: Psychology, Biology, Sociology

• STEM Practicum or Health Science Practicum

Computer Science Technology

• Students in this pathway

• are interested in careers in cyber security, coding, software /hardware engineering,

• Coursework

• PLTW Computer Science Courses

• AP Computer Science

• AP Calculus BC

• UTA courses: Introduction to Computer Science

• STEM Practicum

Engineering• Who is in this pathway

• Students interested in careers in engineering such as civil, aerospace, mechanical, and electrical

• Coursework

• PLTW EngineeringCourses

• AP Computer Science

• AP Calculus BC

• UTA courses: Engineering Problem Solving, Introduction to Mechanical Engineering, Introduction to Computer Science

• STEM Practicum

Why Should You Apply for the STEM Academy?

• Classes taken as a cohort

• Cross-curricular instruction

• STEM Field Trips

• OU Math Day

• NASA & Houston Medical Center

• Fossil Rim

• Lakeview Camp and Retreat

• Lockheed Martin

• Bell Helicopter

• Group Dynamics

• Freshmen Summer Bridge

• STEM Homework Center

• Portfolios

• Option for students who are ready to accelerate math & science

• Lunch & Learns

• UTA Dual Credit in STEM majors

• STEM & Health Science Practicums

• STEM Academy Banquet

STEM Students As Leaders• Student Organizations & Competitions

• Solar Car

• Autonomous Car

• Robotics

• HOSA

• UIL Academics

• Student Lead Events

• STEM Student Leadership Conference

• Hack-A-Thon

Who is eligible for the STEM Academy?

• The AISD STEM Academy is open to allcurrent 8th graders who have a true interest in STEM.

Student Passion = Student Success

WHO Should Apply for the STEM Academy?• Students who have a strong interest in a STEM

career.

• Students who are ready and willing to work hard.

• Students who would like to take STEM college courses at UTA while in high school.

• Students interested in expanding their STEM experience outside of the classroom.

• Students who have a strong academic record.

• 80% or greater semester average in core classes –7th & 8th grades

• No failing semester grades – 7th & 8th grade

• Algebra I in 8th grade is preferred.

• Students who have a good attendance and a good discipline record.

WHEN Should You Apply for the

STEM Academy?

• Complete the application by

January 31, 2019

o Apply online at www.aisd.net/stem-academy

o Pick up an application in English or from your junior high office

Application Deadline: January 31, 2019

Steps to Admission to the

AISD STEM Academy

Application Deadline January 31

Invitations to Interview (by mail) Week of February 11

Admissions Interviews Monday, February 25, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 26, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 27, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. (if

needed)Admissions Notifications (by mail) March 23

Class of 2023 Welcome! Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Freshmen Summer Bridge Camp

at MHS

Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 2 - 8:30 a.m. –

3:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions!

• Do I need to send my student’s 7th & 8th grade semester grades to you?

If your student does not attend an AISD school, you will need to send your student’s grades to the Academy.

If your student currently attends an AISD school, you will not need to send their grades UNLESS they did not attend an AISD school for 7th

grade.

• Do I need to apply for a transfer?

No. If accepted to the Academy, the transfer is taken care of for you.

• Are the STEM Academy students ranked with the Martin High School students?

Yes.

• Are the STEM Academy classes given weighted credit?

Many of the STEM classes are given weighted credit. But they are not unique to the Academy. The same classes are offered in AISD.

• Should my student take math over the summer?

No. The abbreviated math coursework offered in the summer does not prepare the students for the rigor of subsequent math courses.

FAQs Continued

• Can my student participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, band, and theater?

Yes, many of our students participate in these activities.

• Are the extracurricular classes double blocked?

Some are double blocked.

• Can my student be in multiple pathways or change their pathway?

Yes, it is not uncommon for a student to be in multiple pathways. Students are also able to change their pathway.

• Is transportation provided if we do not live in the Martin High School attendance zone?

Yes, STEM Academy students are bused from their home high school to MHS.

Extracurricular Bus – Monday –Thursday at 5:30 pm

UTA Dual Credit Bus

• How do I get all the classes to fit?

Come in with an idea of a 4 year plan and consider taking classes in the summer. Work with your counselor!

Class of 2021

Class of 2019

Class of 2020

Class of 2022

STEM Academy Website

Learn more and apply online!

www.aisd.net/stem-academy