St. Mary's County
Public Schools
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
About Us
WHY STEM?
St. Mary's County Public School System has developed a rigorous program of study emphasizing the core areas of mathematics and science with an infusion of technology and engineering. This STEM program is offered to all SMCPS students and housed at Great Mills High School and Spring Ridge Middle School. The proximity of GMHS and SRMS to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and the Technology Corridor make it the ideal site. Students in the STEM Academy are challenged at all levels to demonstrate mastery of concepts by applying them to real-world settings. The STEM Academy at Great Mills High School will have a culminating CAPSTONE project that focuses on an approved problem that integrates mathematics, science, and technology as part of the solution. In high school, students take these skills and apply them to the real world through industry internships and research. Local assessments, State assessments, to include MCAP, Advanced Placement assessments, and ongoing formative assessments are also utilized to create a complete student profile.
- Key Elements of STEM
- What is the Course Sequence for High School STEM?
- What is the Course Sequence for Middle School STEM?
Key Elements of STEM
Rigor
- Extensive laboratory experiences using the most contemporary technologies for scientific inquiry, mathematical calculation, engineering design, and problem-solving techniques
- Exposure to numerous and diverse technological applications including: computers, simulation software, digital imaging, data acquisition, sensors, diagnostic, and other peripheral devices
Relevance
- Curricula that integrates analytical reading and technical writing skill development
- Intensive communication assignments designed to refine verbal and visual communication abilities
- Participation in nationally recognized academic and engineering competitions
Understanding
- Emphasis on critical and creative thinking in academic coursework
- Interdisciplinary approach to curriculum, stressing complete understanding of systems
Application
- Culminating projects done cooperatively and individually to demonstrate and apply learned concepts
- Highly focused academic and career counseling to help facilitate transition to higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
- An environment of intellectual and technical exchange with local business and industry mentors to promote awareness and interest in diverse careers in science and engineering
What is the Course Sequence for High School STEM?
The Great Mills High School STEM Academy offers courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, giving students extraordinary knowledge and skills, as well as career exploration in numerous science and engineering pathways. The curriculum includes dedicated research classes founded upon the application of mastered material, integrated contemporary technologies, and extensive problem-solving experience. Advanced Placement courses that include the AP Capstone courses (AP Seminar and AP Research) are incorporated and provide experiences for rigor and college/career readiness.
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEM PreAP English 9 | STEM PreAP English 10 | AP English Language | Choice of English Course |
| STEM Algebra 2 (Honors) | STEM Precalculus (Honors) | AP Mathematics Course | AP Mathematics Course |
| STEM Chemistry | STEM Biology (Honors) | AP Science or AP Comp Science | AP Science or AP Comp Science |
| ---- | AP Physics (Honors), STEM Engineering (Honors) | STEM AP Seminar | AP Research or STEM Internship (Summer) |
| World Language 1 | World Language 2 | ---- | ---- |
Students must also complete other core academic requirements (e.g., Social Studies, World Language, PE/Health, and Fine Arts)
Please see your cohort's Program of Studies for all STEM Requirements.
What is the Course Sequence for Middle School STEM?
The Spring Ridge Middle School STEM Academy offers tailored mathematics, science, and technology courses. The courses are designed to deepen understanding of STEM learning by exposing students to the most current trends in technology, engineering, and science.
| Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
|---|---|---|
|
STEM Accelerated ELA 6 |
STEM Accelerated ELA 7 | STEM Accelerated ELA 8 |
| STEM 6 Math (90 minutes) | Algebra* (45 minutes) | Geometry* (45 minutes) |
| STEM 6 Science | STEM 7 Science | STEM 8 Science |
| STEM Social Studies | STEM Social Studies | STEM Social Studies |
| N/A | Intro to Engineering | Foundations of Computer Science* |
| N/A | N/A | Spanish 1* |
* Denotes a class that fulfills a high school graduation requirement. Credit earned for these courses will reflect on the high school transcript; however, grades earned in middle school will not impact high school GPA.
Application Information
Applications for the 2024 - 2025 school year are now closed!
Remember:
Applicants will complete the online application with a parent/guardian. Applicants will also include a brief essay describing interest in pursuing STEM education and a completed teacher input form from a current math or science teacher is required.
Additional factors may also be considered to include attendance, grades, local assessments, placement in Accelerated coursework, teacher input forms, involvement in extra-curricular and volunteer activities, and/or student-written essay.
Admission Criteria
- Local Assessment Measures
- Science and Math* Grades
- Applicants whose scores on the above measures meet or exceed the threshold score will be entered into a lottery for open seats.
*Completion of Algebra 1 is strongly encouraged for High School STEM.