8 th Grade Recruitment October 2012

1. 8th Grade Recruitment October 2012 The STEM Academy of Northwest ISD creates a culture of inquiry, creativity, and possibility that prepares students for challenging careers and real world success.

2. The STEM Academy is located at Northwest High School. • All NISD 8th grade students are eligible to apply for the Academy. • Students who live in Byron Nelson zone will transfer to NHS after acceptance to STEM. • Bus transportation will be provided to those students who transfer from BNHS.

3. What is STEM? • Science • Technology • Engineering • Math

4. What is STEM? • Four-year academy • A school with-in a school • Small-school feel on a large campus • Academy classes: • Science • Math • English • Social Studies • Engineering • STEM core classes are weighted on the same scale as Pre-AP classes.

5. What is STEM? • Stresses 21st Century Skills: • Teamwork • Work Ethic • Creativity • Problem Solving • Communication

6. What is STEM? • Implements Project Based Learning (PBL) • A type of learning where students have more control over how and what they learn. • In a project: • Student teams will determine solutions to problems, design and re-design, and form a final plan. • Student teams will design or create products to meet needs of society or corporations.

7. Project Examples • Students design and build a trebuchet to launch a pumpkin. • Students design and build a model of a school of the future. • Students design, build and launch rockets. • Students research and design a zoo. • Students design and create the blueprints of a medieval castle.

8. What else makes STEM Unique? • Hands-on learning experience • Guest speakers • Engineers, Mayors, Scientists, Historians, Lawyers, and many more! • Field Trips • Educational field trips to colleges, corporations, museums, etc. • Clubs/Organizations • TARC: Team America Rocketry Challenge • Robot Club: compete with schools around the country • TSA: Technology Student Association • NTHS: National Technical Honor Society • STEM Camp for incoming students

9. Presentations Guest Speakers Rocket Club Field Trips Unique things you get to do in STEM

10. Aerospace Class

11. Aerospace Class

14. STEM Camp

15. Reasons Why I Joined STEM Quotes from current students “It prepares you for real-life.” “I got to meet kids who share my interests.” “You get to go on field trips!” “School with-in a school – STEM feels like its own campus.” “I want to be an engineer so STEM gives me that training.” “I wanted a challenge.” “I wanted to do something hands-on – like building and designing." “Help me with presentation skills.” “Pumpkin Chunkin’!” “A new way to do projects. They sounded cool and fun.” “I love math and science!” “I like to work in teams.”

16. How can I tour the academy? • Academy Open House • November 12th @ 7-8:00pm • NHS PAC • Bring your parents • Learn more • Meet the teachers • Meet current STEM students • Q & A

17. How do I apply? • Applications are due Friday, November 16th by midnight. • Applications can be found athttp://www.nisdtx.org/Page/37907 • You may only apply to one academy.

18. Next Steps • Take the flyer home to your parents. • View more information on the STEM website. • Visit the STEM Academy on November 12th. • Apply online by November 16th.

19. Questions?