STEM

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STEM at PCHS

STEM is an academic program for inquisitive students who are active learners wishing to identify and solve authentic problems.  STEM students utilize self-directed and collaborative learning in the integrated fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The STEM Academy is designed for students starting their sophomore year, continuing through their senior year.  Over the course of those 3 years, STEM classes will replace students’ traditional Science, Math and Computer Science & Applications classes on their course schedule.  STEM students will be able to meet all PCHS graduation requirements.  The program includes the following courses:

  • Biology, Chemistry & Physics
  • Algebra 2, Geometry & Pre-Calculus
  • Engineering & Design
  • Computer Science & Computer Programming

Additional topics will include Robotics, Java script, Python and other coding languages, Web Design, Statistics, Trigonometry, Environmental Science, Ecology, Data Science and more. These will be integrated throughout the core science and math courses, through real-life situations and applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on feedback from parents and students, we have developed a list of FAQs.  They will answer many of your questions as well!  If you have other inquiries, please email Mr. Mike Stenoish, Science Dept Chair or Mrs. Rosanne Grigoletti, Technology Director.

Why Take STEM?

Students will have a stimulating curriculum in the core Science and Math courses that are interwoven with Computer Science and Applications.  Project Based Learning engages students and challenges them to solve problems through creativity, design and innovation.  They will collaborate and apply learning to real life scenarios.  There will be a focus on communication and presentation skills necessary for college and career.

Is STEM Right for You?

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STEM students possess several of the following characteristics:

  • Hands-on Learner (prefers to be active and to learn by doing rather than by listening)
  • Inquisitive (asks a lot of questions, wonders why and what if?)
  • Persistent (doesn’t give up easily)
  • Independent (begins & works without prompting from teacher)
  • Collaborative (works effectively in small and large groups; maintains ownership  but doesn’t necessarily take over)
  • Flexible (can adjust on the fly, reworks plans when necessary)
  • Organized (can plan projects, has a system for problem solving and completing large tasks)
  • Planner (good time management skills, can focus on long and short term)
  • Capable of Abstract thought (goes beyond the concrete, higher order reasoning)
  • Self-motivated (gets tasks done despite outside influences)

Throughout the course of study, STEM students will strengthen those characteristics above and further develop the following skills:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Creativity
  • Adaptability
  • Communication Skills
  • Deductive Reasoning
  • Critical Thinking

Application Process

Due to COVID-19 related restrictions for Winter 2021, we have streamlined the application process.

  1. Jan. 11 – 29
    STEM introduction during freshmen Science classes.
  2. Friday, Jan. 29
    Email sent to freshmen parents, containing link to video explaining STEM program.
  3. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 7:00 – 7:30 PM
    Optional Parent Q&A session via Zoom.  Invitation included in the parent email.
  4. Wed. & Thursday, Feb. 3 & 4
    Freshmen students meet with counselors for course requests; students interested should be sure to tell counselor that they would like to enroll in STEM for their sophomore year.

How to Apply for the STEM Academy

Students should apply online by using the link below.  The form should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.  Please note that only students can complete the application using their Office365 credentials.

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