New applicants
New applicants should meet the following qualifications:
- Grades that reflect a high aptitude and strong work ethic.
- Good behavior, a solid work ethic, and the ability to work well with others.
- A teacher recommendation.
About the program
About STEM @ SCMS
A semester-long elective designed to enrich and challenge motivated students with an interest in, and aptitude for, science and math.
How the class works
We explore science and math through problem-based learning challenges, each focused on a different STEM field, in which students take on the role of a different professional.
Along the way, students have the opportunity to learn real-world skills related to a variety of STEM careers. These skills are introduced, developed, and used throughout a student’s time in STEM. Mastering them gives students a toolbox of skills that transfer well beyond the classroom.
- CAD
- Programming
- Problem solving
- Engineering design
- Additive manufacturing
- Group collaboration
- Presentation
- Risk management
- Robotics
Eligibility
Who STEM is for
Current STEM students
To remain eligible, current students must:
- Maintain an A or B average in STEM.
- Maintain a 75 or better in their other classes.
Class policies
Grading, missing work & attendance
How work is graded
SCM STEM follows the school grading categories:
- Assessments / Projects / Lab reports
- 40%
- Classwork / Group work / Presentations
- 60%
Extra credit is not given.
Missing & revised work
Any missing work needs to be made up within 5 days. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what has been missed and to get any missing assignments.
Projects are not eligible to be redone. However, engineering reports may be revised and resubmitted within 1 week of their due date without penalty. None are accepted after 1 week.
Attendance
Because of the nature of this class, attendance is essential. Students who miss too much class during a group project may be required to do an alternative assignment or complete the project on their own.
STEM is a semester-long (18-week) class and, except for academic or behavioral ineligibility, students are required to complete the full semester.
What students are assessed on
- Attitude & participation
- Completing project parameters
- Lab reports
- Teamwork & communication skills
- Engineering & experimental design