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STEM

STEM

S.T.E.M Academy – K56J

The STEM Academy provides students with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with opportunities to explore the disciplines of computer science, engineering, and robotics and to take AP and college level courses. Courses will prepare students for colleges, career paths, and more. With significant opportunities for hands-on learning, students will gain fluency with the design process. 

Stem Academy:

“Software Engineering I” Term 1&2, “Software Engineering III” Term 1&2
 

OR 

Robotics Term 1&2 – 9th grade

Introduction to Robotics (SKS41QC) The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming as well as problem-solving strategies. This course will involve students in the development, building, and programming of a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress.

 

Advanced Robotics (SKS43QC)  Students enrolled in this course will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for the robotic and automation industry. Through the implementation of the design process, students will transfer advanced academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment. Students will build prototypes or use simulation software to test their designs. Additionally, students explore career opportunities, employer expectations, and educational needs in the robotic and automation industry

 

OR

  • Advanced Software Engineering, AP Principles (teacher recommendation) OR Advanced Robotics – 10th grade
  • (both strands) Engineering or AP Principles (teacher recommendation) – 11th grade

OR

Advanced Software needed if a student took AP Principles

  • AP Computer Science A for BOTH strands– 11th or 12th grade

Introduction to Software Engineering: MKS41QC -The academic study of software engineering concentrates on using algorithms, program design, and function analysis in order to develop and improve software and other computer-based database systems.  Students are introduced to fundamental programming principles through industry-standard languages like Python and JavaScript, and learn basic web design with HTML and CSS.

Advanced Software Engineering (MKS41QC) Students take their existing computer science knowledge to new heights as they learn how to use popular Python libraries to perform Data Science operations, and learn how to program in Object Oriented Programming Languages like Java and C#.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A is a College level course in Java programming. There are thousands of jobs in Computer related fields that go unfilled in the United States due to lack of qualified Computer experience. This class will give you a jump on the skills necessary to succeed in this field.  Only 45% of high schools in the U.S. offer coding classes. John Dewey is proud to be one of these schools. 

Prerequisite:  Courses necessary BEFORE taking AP Computer Science A in High School are Algebra and Geometry. Algebra 2 would also be extremely beneficial, even if taken at the same time. In addition, some Programming experience like Software Engineering 1 and/or 3 would be helpful but is not required.   Recommender: Mathematics or Computer teacher      Exam:  AP Computer Science A

 

Other STEM Academy Electives:

  • Digital Art required – 11th or 12th grade 
  • Cyber Security – 11th or 12th grade (elective)

Ethnobotany*

Description: “Ethno refers to people, culture, a culture’s collective body of beliefs, aesthetic, language, knowledge, and practice.  Botany is the study of plants—from the tiniest fern or blade of grass to the tallest or oldest tree. The Ethnobotany elective will highlight and harness the human relationship to plants as a cure to where the Earth is headed.  From Living Environment, students understand that plants are able to carry out cellular respiration and photosynthesis.  Humans thus need to learn how to make the planet more habitable for plants indoors and outdoors. 

 

Units:

Plants for Food - The majority of Americans do not eat enough vegetables and fruits.  According to USDA half of our plate needs to be fruits and vegetables.  We will look at the nutrients that our bodies need and how plants supply these.

Plants for Ambiance - Plants to improve the aesthetics and health of our environment indoors and outdoors.  Houseplants remove toxins like formaldehyde from the air, supply our living spaces with oxygen, and make rooms visually pleasing.

Plants for Protection - As a result of global warming extreme weather events are the norm.  

Plants of the Sea - (Algae is not actually in the plant kingdom, but is very closely related) - The ocean is the largest carbon sink on the planet.  About 25% of all CO2 emissions are absorbed by the ocean due to microscopic algae - phytoplankton.  Phytoplankton not only reduces the greenhouse gas but is the base of the food chain.  Oysters that are a keystone species depend on it.  -Billion oyster project resources & Aquaponics 

Compost - Reduce global warming and give plants what they need.  Students will learn all the knowledge necessary to effectively compost.  

Urban farming for the future - With city populations increasing and water and space becoming scarce, being able to grow food in smaller spaces with less water is essential. 

Community Garden Focus - Throughout New York City we have a plethora of community gardens. 

 

Game Development, Circuitry & Electronics* - A  project-based and portfolio-assessed class. The goal of this class is to teach students life skills and real-world applications by creating their own video games, utilizing Minecraft: Education Edition and getting hands-on experience with circuitry and electronics creating their own machines/computers. Some topics might include:

  • Digital citizenship
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Climate & Sustainability
  • Art & Design
  • Coding (Hour of Code)
  • Esports (building competitions)

Possible opportunities for students include:

  • Creating Minecraft builds and videos showcasing how to solve real-world issues
  • Presenting their work at conferences and conventions
  • Participating in esports competitions 
  • Minecraft Student Ambassador Program where students teach teachers how to use Minecraft: Education Edition and other educational tech/circuitry & electronics tools in their classroom