8 th Grade Recruitment October 2011 The STEM Academy of Northwest ISD creates a culture of inquiry, creativity, and possibility that prepares students for challenging careers and real world success.

The STEM Academy is located at Northwest High School. All NISD 8 th 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.

What is STEM? S cience T echnology E ngineering M ath

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 classes are weighted on the same scale as Pre-AP classes.

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

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. What is STEM?

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. Project Examples

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 What else makes STEM Unique?

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

Reasons Why I Joined STEM Quotes from current 9 th graders “You get to go on field trips!” “It prepares you for real-life.” “I want to be an engineer so STEM gives me that training.” “Help me with presentation skills.” “A new way to do projects. They sounded cool and fun.” “I like to work in teams.” “I got to meet kids who share my interests.” “I wanted a challenge.” “Pumpkin Chunkin’!” “I love math and science!” “I wanted to do something hands-on – like building and designing." “School with-in a school – STEM feels like its own campus.”

How can I tour the academy? Academy Open House – November 1 7-8:30pm – NHS PAC – Bring your parents – Learn more – Meet the teachers – Meet current STEM students – Q & A

How do I apply? Applications are due November 11 th Applications can be found at You may only apply to one academy.

Next Steps Take the flyer home to your parents. View more information on the STEM website. Visit the STEM Academy on November 1 st. Apply online by November 11 th.

Questions?