STEM MAGNET PROGRAM
Southwest Academy is excited to announce the new middle school STEM magnet program starting in the 2021-2022 school year.
The program uses an innovative STEM curriculum that engages student in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through real-world, problem-based activities through hands-on projects based on authentic situations in STEM careers to help students discover their passions and explore pathways to a promising future. The new STEM curriculum provides cross-curricular, project-based learning that engages students in authentic lessons built around STEM-related careers. It also provides opportunities for students to deepen understanding and apply their knowledge in real world scenarios through phenomena driven, NGSS aligned and performance-based instructional activities. Throughout the program, students develop skills in science, math and engineering practices that are transferable and applicable to all high school magnet and non-magnet STEM-related pathways and courses. In previous years, we have hosted a Ladies in STEM career fair to attempt to enhance the underrepresentation of females and females of color in the STEM careers. Because of our focus on STEM, we are privileged to have partnerships with Northrop Grumman.
Courses offered
6th grade magnet science
Unit 1: Ecosystems Interactions
1. Building an Aquatic Habitat2. Wildlife Biologist: Bats
Unit 2: Matter and Its Interactions
1. Chemical Materials Engineer: Creating a New Portable Water Bottle2. The Chemistry of Paint
Unit 3: Forces and Motion
1. Police Officer: Accident Investigator2. Marine Engineer: Ferry Building
Unit 4: Space Systems
1. Industrial Aerospace Designer2. NASA Engineering Consultant: Crew Vehicle
Unit 5: Earth Systems
1. Geologist: Volcanology and Mount St. Helens2. Erosion Management Specialist
7th grade magnet science
Unit 1: Semester 1 -Automation and Robotics
1. What is Automation and Robotics?2. Mechanical Systems3. Automated Systems
Unit 1: Semester 2 -Designing and Modeling
1. Introduction to Design2. Solid Modeling3. Design Challenge
8th grade magnet science
Unit 1: Water, Water Cycles, and Watersheds
Unit 2: Freshwater Systems
Unit 3: Saltwater systems
Unit 4: Special Systems (Deep Sea, Hot Springs, etc.)