HD STEM

List of 3 items.

• HD STEM Philosophy

  Humanities Directed Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (HD STEM) is an interdisciplinary approach to solving real-world problems by employing 1. the divergent thinking and rhetorical skills of the Humanities to provide perspective and bridge the communication gap, and 2. the convergent thinking and 21st century skills of STEM to propose solutions, with the ultimate goal of developing intellectual strength.  

  
  

  The objectives of PreK - 12th Grade HD STEM at AOA are to:

  • Prepare students for higher education in STEM-related fields by teaching them to address real-world problems from a divergent and convergent way of thinking using skills from both Humanities and STEM. 
  • Train students to approach real-world problems from both a how and why perspective.
  • Develop STEM-based Divisional skill benchmarks for students to achieve, and assess each student’s progress towards demonstrating these skills.
  • Provide students with STEM-based experiential learning opportunities both in the classroom and through extracurricular opportunities.

• Upper School HD STEM Program

  The Upper School HD STEM Program at AOA is designed for highly motivated and dedicated students who are interested in pursuing a degree and career in a STEM-related field, including the Graphic Arts.  This Program is an academic approach that connects the importance of learning and applying skills in the Humanities and STEM fields, along with core values of AOA, to approach contemporary challenges faced in the world. The ultimate goal of the US HD STEM Program is to provide students with a challenging sequence of academic courses, in addition to experiential learning opportunities in research both on and off campus, in order to best prepare students for applying to and matriculating in highly competitive colleges and universities.  

  
  

  To facilitate success in the US HD STEM Program, six concentrations have been developed based in areas of HD STEM-Life Science, Physical Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Digital Media Arts.  In each concentration, a rigorous scope and sequence of courses has been created to provide students with the knowledge and skills to place them at a competitive advantage in their desired college major.  In addition to coursework, students will take classes in research methods (portfolio for the Digital Media Arts concentration) that will provide on and off campus experiential learning opportunities.  Students enrolled in HD STEM will have additional opportunities for extracurricular activities, STEM-based honor societies, peer and alumni mentoring, college and career advising, and post-graduation networking.  After successful completion of the HD STEM program requirements, students will receive a distinction on their AOA diploma.

  
  

  All ninth grade students will be enrolled in the course, “Innovation,” as part of their first year in the Upper School.  In this course, students will examine what innovation is and how it can be used to solve real-world problems.  Students who do well in this course and have an interest in pursuing STEM will be invited in January to apply for the HD STEM program.  This application process will involve a review of grades, demonstrated interest, and a passion for learning STEM.  There is also a pathway for tenth and eleventh grade students to apply and enroll in the HD STEM program.

  
  

  Why apply for HD STEM?

  Student who are accepted into the HD STEM Program will receive the following benefits in addition to their AOA experience:

  • An appreciation of solutions to real-world problems from divergent and convergent perspectives
  • STEM coursework and extracurricular experiences tailored to desired college majors and careers
  • Experiential learning opportunities in the field
  • 1-on-1 mentoring from professionals 
  • Collegiate and business partnerships and networking 
  • College and career advising from the Director of STEM
  • Research and internship opportunities with external validation in area(s) of interest
  • Special diploma recognition at graduation upon completion of all program requirements
  • Continued STEM support after graduation and beyond

  
  What is the admission process to be selected for HD STEM?

  In order to be selected into the HD STEM program, students must complete the following admission process:

  • Current AOA Students
    • Successful completion of the Innovation course, unless waived by the Director of STEM Education
    • Rising 10th or 11th graders 
    • Completion of an electronic application: HD STEM Application 2024-2025
    • Minimum 3.2 GPA from all previous Upper School Science and Math Courses
    • Recommendations from 1 Math, 1 Science, and 1 Humanities faculty member (Note: waived for 2024-2025 applicants)
    • Interview with the Director of STEM Education
  • Newly Enrolled AOA Students
    • All requirements of current AOA students
    • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from previous schools

  
  What are the program requirements for HD STEM?

  Once selected to the HD STEM Program, students will be required to observe the following program requirements:  

  • Select an academic track to pursue based on interest (this may change as interests change)
    • Life science, Physical Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Graphic Arts
    • Students should follow the scope and sequence of courses within their concentration
  • Be assigned and connect with a professional STEM mentor
  • Meet monthly with the Director of STEM Education to discuss STEM academic, college, and extracurricular STEM opportunities
  • Attend the National Consortium of Secondary STEM School’s annual virtual college fair
  • Take part in scheduled STEM events
  • Enroll in Research Methods for junior and senior years (sophomore year is recommended) and complete on and off campus work; students working in the Media Arts track may replace Research Methods with Portfolio
  • Complete a research thesis
  • Participate in at least one external validation of research/portfolio work 
  • Maintain at least a 3.2 GPA in STEM courses
  • Complete 20 community service hours 

  More information about the HD STEM Program can be found here.
  
  

   

• Get Involved

  If you would like to get involved with HD STEM at AOA, please click on this link and complete the form: HD STEM - Get Involved Survey .  Please feel free to email Jim Barbarich, Director of STEM Education, at jbarbarich@andrewsosborne.com or call at 440-942-3600 ext. 230.