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, Mrs. Deborah Morand - morandd@fitchburg.k12.ma.us
Algebra 1, Mrs. Diane Rocha - rochad@fitchburg.k12.ma.us
Engineering, Mr. Craig Antocci - antoccic@fitchburg.k12.ma.us
Biology, Mrs. Sharaai Marrero - marreros@fitchburg.k12.ma.us
World History, Mr. David Kelly - kellyd@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. A.P. (and PreA.P.) 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.
STEM Courses
STEM related courses at FHS can include just some of the following courses within math, science, English, and technology/ engineering:
Engineering the Future
Engineering the Future II
Computer Aided Drafting
Mechanical Drawing
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Biotechnology
Robotics
Anatomy and Physiology
Exercise Physiology
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Technical Writing
Statistics
Math Modeling
For more information on our STEM Academy, please contact:
Mrs. Jennifer Scott, Assistant Principal Curriculum and Freshman Transition
Fitchburg High School
978-345-3240 x197