STEM Academy

Pathway Description

CIP Code: 140101
Located at our Arthur R. Sypek Center
Principal Jared Warren

Science and engineering occupations lead to economic competitiveness in an increasingly globalized world. For any 21st-century economy to prosper, it is essential to maintain a science and engineering workforce of sufficient size and quality. These professionals are also crucial for addressing imminent challenges such as international security, global climate change, and domestic and global health. Of the top 10 highest-paying college majors, seven of them are in engineering.

Our Engineering program engages students in open-ended problem-solving, where they learn to apply the engineering design process to solve real-world problems that make the world a better place through innovation. Students will utilize the same industry-leading technology and software present in some of the world’s top companies. They will be immersed in design as they investigate topics such as sustainability, forces, structures, circuit design, manufacturing, and the environment. This pathway includes a rigorous series of courses designed by Project Lead The Way (a nonprofit STEM education program taught across the U.S. and endorsed by the nationally recognized College Board). The courses include Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Civil Engineering & Architecture, Digital Electronics, and Aerospace Engineering. All STEM Academy students join their respective Career Technical Student Organization, TSA - Technology Student Association, and are continually challenged as they compete in local, regional, and state-level competitions such as Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TEAMS), TSA VEX Robotics Competition, and LEAP (Leadership. Education. Achievement. Personal Growth).

All of these exposures provide our students with the opportunity to learn about various engineering disciplines before beginning postsecondary education or careers. In year one (1), students will begin their journey through the Project Lead The Way curriculum and have the opportunity to earn their Autodesk Fusion 360 Certified User certification. In year two (2), students earn their OSHA 10 certification. Students who successfully complete MCTS’s Engineering pathway will also earn dual credits as part of our dual credit arrangement with Mercer County Community College. Students have additional articulated credit opportunities through the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).

Industry Valued Credentials & Certifications

OSHA 10 certification
Autodesk Fusion 360

Dual Enrollment & Articulation Agreements

Mercer County Community College
Rochester Institute of Technology

Academy Information

All Academy Seniors will attend MCCC after 9:20 am. A bus will be provided or students can provide their own transportation. Students will enroll in MCCC courses that will follow our Program of Studies. All students are considered college students and will need to abide by all MCCC policies, procedures, & regulations.

For Current Students

For Current Students

Course Sequence

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

English IV
MAT151 Calculus I
MAT201 Probability & Statistics for Science & Engineering
PHY115 University Physics I
CHE101 General Chemistry
ECO112 Microeconomics
Physical Education & Health IV
CIV103 Statics
Engineering Design & Development / Capstone Course
CIV105 Introduction to Engineering
COS101 Introduction to Computer Science
Technology (Integrated throughout all courses)

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Engineering Design

Grade Level: 9 Credits: 5
Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software and an engineering notebook to document their work. Students will earn their Autodesk Fusion 360 Certified User certification in this course. Upon successful completion of this course as well as requirements outlined in the post-secondary articulation agreement, students may earn dual credit at MCCC in DRA190 & RIT in PLTW101*

Environmental Sustainability

Grade Level: 9-10 Credits: 5
Environmental Sustainability (ES) is a high school-level specialization course in PLTW Engineering. In ES, students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean drinking water, a stable food supply, and renewable energy. Students are introduced to environmental issues and use the engineering design process to research and design potential solutions. Utilizing the activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students transition from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. Upon successful completion of this course as well as requirements outlined in the post-secondary articulation agreement, students may earn dual credit at MCCC in SUS101.

AP Computer Science Principles

Grade Level: 9 Credits: 5
Using Python® as a primary tool and incorporating multiple platforms and languages for computation, this course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths in code/computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. Computer Science Principles helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation.

Civil Engineering & Architecture

Grade Level: 10 Credits: 5
Students are introduced to important aspects of building and site design and development. They apply math, science, and standard engineering practices to design both residential and commercial projects and document their work using 3D architectural design software. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students will progress from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. Upon successful completion of this course as well as the requirements outlined in the post-secondary articulation agreement, students may earn dual credit at RIT in PLTW104*

Machine Shop Techniques

Grade Level: 10 Credits: 5
Introduces students to manufacturing careers, shop safety, and manufacturing operations. Students get first-hand insights on shop safety, mechanical hardware, shop tools, sawing, grinding, layout, hole making, and thread cutting. Hands-on experiences will include the operation of the manual drill press, lathe, milling machine and the setup and preparation of the CNC machines. Students will also be afforded the opportunity to earn their NIMS credential - Machining Level I. Upon successful completion of this course as well as the requirements outlined in the post-secondary articulation agreement, students may earn dual credit at MCCC in AMT101* (NIMS Credentialed Instructor).

Principles of Engineering

Grade Level: 10 Credits: 5
Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem-solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. Upon successful completion of this course as well as the requirements outlined in the post-secondary articulation agreement, students may earn dual credit at RIT in PLTW102*

Aerospace Engineering

Grade Level: 10-12 Credits: 5
Aerospace Engineering ignites students’ learning in the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight. Aerospace Engineering is one of the specialization courses in the PLTW Engineering program. The course deepens the skills and knowledge of an engineering student within the context of atmospheric and space flight. Students explore the fundamentals of flight in air and space as they bring the concepts to life by designing and testing components related to flight such as an airfoil, propulsion system, and a rocket. They learn orbital mechanics concepts and apply these by creating models using industry-standard software. They also apply aerospace concepts to alternative applications such as a wind turbine and parachute. Students simulate a progression of operations to explore a planet, including creating a map of the terrain with a model satellite and using the map to execute a mission using an autonomous robot.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Grade Level: 11 Credits: 5
Manufactured items are part of everyday life, yet most students have not been introduced to the high-tech, innovative nature of modern manufacturing. This course illuminates the opportunities related to understanding manufacturing. At the same time, it teaches students about manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation. Upon successful completion of this course as well as the requirements outlined in the post-secondary articulation agreement, students may earn dual credit at RIT in PLTW105*

Digital Electronics

Grade Level: 11 Credits: 5
From smartphones to appliances, digital circuits are all around us. This course provides a foundation for students who are interested in electrical engineering, electronics, or circuit design. Students study topics such as combinational and sequential logic and are exposed to circuit design tools used in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices. Upon successful completion of this course as well as the requirements outlined in the post-secondary articulation agreement, students may earn dual credit at RIT in PLTW 103*

Machine Shop Techniques

Grade Level: 11-12 Credits: 5
Introduces students to manufacturing careers, shop safety, and manufacturing operations. Students get first-hand insights on shop safety, mechanical hardware, shop tools, sawing, grinding, layout, hole making, and thread cutting. Hands-on experiences will include the operation of the manual drill press, lathe, milling machine and the setup and preparation of the CNC machines. Students will also be afforded the opportunity to earn their NIMS credential - Machining Level I. This course will be held on the Mercer County Community College Campus. Upon successful completion of this course as well as the requirements outlined in the post-secondary articulation agreement, students may earn dual credit at MCCC in AMT101.*

Environmental Engineering Design & Development - Capstone

Grade Level: 11-12 Credits: 5
Engineering Design and Development (EDD) is the capstone course in the PLTW high school engineering program. It is an open-ended engineering research course in which students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a well-defined and justified open-ended problem by applying an engineering design process. Students will perform research to select, define, and justify a problem. After carefully defining the design requirements and creating multiple solution approaches, teams of students select an approach and create and test their solution prototype. Student teams will present and defend their original solution to an outside panel. While progressing through the engineering design process, students will work closely with experts and will continually hone their organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, their creative and problem-solving abilities, and their understanding of the design process.

Students have the opportunity to earn up to sixty (60) credits at Mercer County Community College, per the requirements in the articulation agreement.
Bolded courses provide opportunity for students to earn dual enrollment credit on MCTS campus.
All post-secondary agreements are reviewed annually.
*All courses may be subject to change*

Board Approved - 03/19/2024