iSTEM Academy
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