8th Grade RecruitmentOctober 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.

• 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.

What is STEM?

• Science

• Technology

• Engineering

• Math

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.

What is STEM?

• Stresses 21st 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

FieldTrips

Guest SpeakersPresentations

Unique things you get to do in STEM

Reasons Why I Joined STEM Quotes from current students

“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 12th @ 7-8:00pm– NHS PAC

– Bring your parents– Learn more– Meet the teachers– Meet current STEM students– Q & A

How do I apply?

• Applications are due Friday, November 16th by midnight.

• Applications can be found at http://www.nisdtx.org/Page/37907

• 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 12th.

• Apply online by November 16th.

Questions?