STEM Academy

What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Many schools use the term, but at FHS it is defined specifically and leads to several academic and career pathways.

STEM Learning

The STEM-based classrooms at FHS are modeled after the literacy-based work environments and characterized by field related courses of study that focus on the following skills and experiences:

• Interdisciplinary learning/projects involving courses from many subject areas

• Analysis of problems

• Innovation focused

• Problem-Solving

• Team-based, collaborative group learning

• Project-based assessments with application to real world scenarios

• Hands-on approaches with materials and tools related to the field of study

STEM Academy

The FHS STEM Academy is a five-educator teaching team for freshmen who will experience courses at the College Prep Accelerated and/or Honors academic levels. The team focuses learning in the following subject areas:

English - Ariana Garcia Rivera garciaa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Algebra - Rebecca Fluet fluetr@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

World History - Dan Kirouac kirouacd@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Biology - Elinor Wooster woostere@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Physics - Mark Hannah hannahm@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Additionally, the STEM Academy:

• allows students to select the academic level of their strength and motivation level so a student is able to take courses at a range of the CPA and/or Honors as appropriate.

• includes Google Chromebooks in four of the classrooms as well as access to two state-of-the-art 3D printers to enrich the learning experience.

• coordinates enrichment experiences such as field trips and interdisciplinary projects to make the curriculum relevant and engaging.

Students in STEM choose to pursue pathways that will lead to Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, or career oriented courses with the potential for career credentialing.

STEM Pathways

Students from the STEM Academy or other courses can elect to pursue Advanced Placement courses and choose a traditional college STEM pathway or they can elect to pursue career pathways. AP (and PreAP) courses include:

AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, and AP Statistics

Career/Vocational Pathways courses can lead to dual enrollment college credit at Mount Wachusett Community College and a field credential/license in a STEM career such as Advanced Manufacturing or Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing.

Pathways lead to a STEM endorsement on transcripts when students complete the required courses or internships.