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iSTEM Academy

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iSTEM ACADEMY

This four-year program hosted by Kettle Run High School focuses on cross-curricular courses with an iSTEM (integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) emphasis. Students build their leadership and project management skills while receiving hands-on scientific and engineering experience.

Key Elements of the iSTEM Academy include:

  • Cross-curricular courses with a STEM emphasis
  • Workplace readiness skills and certifications
  • Access to dedicated lab space, co-curricular clubs, field experiences, and guest speakers
  • STEM-related extracurricular and co-curricular community activities

To earn the iSTEM Honors Medal, students must:

  • complete all requred courses and maintain at least a 3.0 overall GPA
  • complete at least 2 recommended courses
  • earn at least 2 of the offered skill certifications
  • complete an independent project to be presented in a formal setting
  • complete a minimum of 30 cumulative hours of voluntary community service or extracurricular activities that involve the application of STEM

To earn the iSTEM Graduation Cords, the following requirements must be met:

  • complete all requred courses and maintain at least a 2.5 overall GPA
  • complete at least 2 recommended courses
  • earn at least 1 of the offered skill certifications
  • complete an independent project to be presented in a formal setting
  • complete a minimum of 20 cumulative hours of voluntary community service or extracurricular activities that involve the application of STEM

To earn the iSTEM Certificate, the following requirements must be met:

  • complete all requred courses and maintain at least a 2.0 overall GPA
  • complete at least 2 recommended courses
  • earn at least 1 of the offered skill certifications
  • complete an independent project to be presented in a formal setting
  • complete a minimum of 10 cumulative hours of voluntary community service or extracurricular activities that involve the application of STEM

 

ALL iSTEM Academy students must maintain a C average and be enrolled in at least one required class each year.

 

Required Courses for the iSTEM Academy:

  • 9th Grade: iSTEM I - Foundations (9th Grade)
    • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is essential for the development of critical thinking and encouraging innovation. iSTEM takes this a step further by incorporating multiple disciplines while challenging students to solve real-world problems and explore their world. This hands-on, project-oriented, interdisciplinary course will introduce students to engineering, programming, technical writing, research practices, and project management.
  • 10th Grade: iSTEM II - Terrestrial & Space
    • This course integrates the study of engineering, computer science, mathematics, and scientific principles in terrestrial and outer space environments. Students will be required to collaborate, write, and solve a host of problems skillfully and creatively. Students are expected to present their finished work in a formal setting.
  • 11th Grade: iSTEM III - Aquatic & Air
    • This course integrates the study of engineering, computer science, mathematics, and scientific principles in atmospheric and aquatic environments. Students will be required to collaborate, write, and solve a host of problems skillfully and creatively. Students are expected to present their finished work in a formal setting.
  • 12th Grade: Academy Capstone
    • Students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills through completion of an independent project to be presented in a formal setting. iSTEM Capstone students are expected to mentor students in iSTEM I, II, and III classes.

Recommended Courses for the iSTEM Academy:

  • Physics
  • Physics I AP
  • Ecology
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Marine Biology
  • Environmental Science AP
  • AP Seminar
  • AP Research
  • Technical Drawing & Design
  • Engineering Drawing & Design
  • Graphic Imaging Technology I
  • Computer Animation & 3D Modeling
  • Drafting I
  • Computer Science Principles AP
  • Advanced Mathematics
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Probability & Statistics
  • Statistics AP
  • Calculus
  • Calculus AP (AB or BC)
  • Geospatial Science through JMU
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Psychology AP
  • Sociology