FLEX BLOCKS

A flex block is a dedicated time when students spend time personalized to their needs. This could be intervention, enrichment, interests or focused studying. The key is that each student will need something different and the flex block is a time when they can get what they need.

A F R O T C

DRILL AND CEREMONIES — One Semester; ½ Credit. (ROTC II, III, IV cadets, limited ROTC I cadets) Requirements: Must have completed a minimum of one-semester JROTC courses. The Drill and Ceremonies flex block is used to teach the Drill Curriculum (Cumulative) course by providing an in-depth introduction to drill and ceremonies at a higher level than the normal cadets receive during the block course instruction. The course concentrates on the elements of military drills and describes individual and group precision movements, procedures for saluting drills, ceremonies, reviews, parades, and the development of the command voice. Cadets are provided detailed instruction on ceremonial performances and protocol for civilian and military events and have the opportunity to learn drills personally. Though each class will follow an established lesson plan, most of the work is to be hands-on. The class prepares the cadets to compete at drill competitions and provides ceremonial teams.

A G R I C U L T U R E

CHICKEN FARMING 101— Mrs. Frye; Spring Semester; ½ Credit. Course code C18H27 A course to further study Poultry Science. In this class we start with an egg and study the stages of life of chickens. Students will be responsible for the care of the chickens.

FARM MECHANIC SHOP— Mr. Rogers; Fall Semester; ½ Credit. In this class students will complete shop projects related to agriculture (gates, feeders, fencing tools, etc.).

FALL FFA TEAM TRAINING— Mrs. Frye; Fall Semester; ½ Credit. This class will prepare students for one or more of the following FFA competitions: Horse Judging, Soil Judging, Public Speaking.

SPRING FFA TEAM TRAINING— Mr. Rogers; Spring Semester; ½ Credit. This class will prepare students for one or more of the following FFA competitions: Ag. Mechanics, Envirothon, Livestock Judging.

FLORAL DESIGN — Mrs. Elliott; Spring Semester; ½ Credit. Students will care for and study indoor and outdoor plants. Topics include flower identification, arrangements, tool identification, and business skills. Students will make multiple flower arrangements in this course including corsages, boutonnieres, and centerpieces.

GARDENING 101— Mrs. Elliott; Fall Semester, ½ Credit. Students will grow, care for, and harvest multiple types of vegetables in a greenhouse setting. Hydroponic and traditional methods will be explored.

DUAL ENROLLMENT INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL SCIENCE ONLINE (ANSC 110) — College Credit Opportunity Available in cooperation with the University of Tennessee at Martin. Year Long; One High School Credit; 11th and 12th Grades. Prerequisite- Students must have a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA to take the course. Tuition will be free for most TN students. Online sessions will earn 3 hours of University Credit in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Fundamental principles of animal agriculture. Biological and scientific aspects of development, inheritance and feeding. Animal products and scope of the animal industry. 

DUAL ENROLLMENT INTRODUCTION TO HORSE SCIENCE ONLINE (ANSC 210) — College Credit Opportunity Available in cooperation with the University of Tennessee at Martin. Year Long; One High School Credit; 11th and 12th Grades. Prerequisite- Students must have a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA to take the course. Tuition will be free for most TN students. Online sessions will earn 3 hours of University Credit in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. An introductory course that surveys the breeds of horses and scope of the industry. Course modules will focus on selection, feeding, disease control, breeding and reproduction, health and welfare, tack and equipment, facilities, transportation and fundamental management practices. Three one-hour lectures each week. Membership in the National FFA is an important part of this course.

DUAL ENROLLMENT INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL RESOURCES ONLINE — College Credit Opportunity available in cooperation with the University of Tennessee at Martin. Year Long; One High School Credit; 11th and 12th Grades. Prerequisite- Students must have a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA to take the course. Tuition will be free for most TN students. Online sessions will earn 3 hours of University Credit in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Survey of natural resources management career opportunities; a history of resource management; forests, wildlife, soils and recreation components; government and private management entities; commercial, conservation and preservation philosophies of land management discussed. Membership in the National FFA is important. Three one-hour lectures each week. Membership in the National FFA is an important part of this course.

OTHER DUAL ENROLLMENT UTM ONLINE CLASSES — College Credit Opportunity Available in cooperation with the University of Tennessee at Martin. Year Long; One High School Credit; 11th and 12th Grades. Prerequisite- Students must have a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA to take the course. Tuition will be free for most TN students. Online sessions will earn 3 hours of University Credit in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. AGEC-110 Intro to Ag Business ANSC-230 Exotic and Companion Animal Management PLSC-110 Introductory Plant and Soil Science A R T S

ADVANCED PERFORMING ENSEMBLE — Two Semesters: One Credit. Permission by Mr. Bohanan required. The students will learn how to read and perform music at an advanced level and knowledge of musical theory and comprehension is required. Students will be required to be able to read multiple rhythms and notes. Students will be expected to learn music outside the classroom and prepare for each class. The ensemble will perform concerts throughout the year on and off campus. In the spring the class will go to the JB Lyle choir festival at Pellissippi State for formal adjudication. This class is open to all choir members looking to fine-tune their vocal ability.

JAZZ BAND - One Semester (Spring); 1/2 Credit; 9th - 12th grades; Requirements: Open to anyone who wants to play jazz, pop, rock, Latin and funk music. Must know how to play an instrument and read music. This course will provide an opportunity for musicians to engage in a smaller performance ensemble. The Jazz band will work on various pieces of music from different genres. Some knowledge of written music is required, but band membership is not required for participation.

MARCHING BAND — One Semester (Fall); ½ Credit. All Wind, Brass, Percussion and Guard members, 9th -12th Grades.

THEATER ARTS I: One semester, One Credit; 9th -12th grades. Prerequisites and/or Requirements: None The goal of Theater Arts I is to begin an exploration into Theater and its related aspects. Theater Arts I is an introduction to Theater. Students will study the history of Theater, and do introductory theater learning activities such as: Observation, Pantomime, Lip Sync and Improvisation. Students will perform memorized as well as original monologues, and chosen scenes from plays and movies.

SCULPTURE — One Semester; ½ Credit; 9 th - 12th Grades; Prerequisites/Requirements: At least a “B” in Art I. This course will introduce students to three-dimensional art forms, techniques and art history. Students will work on creating art using the creative process and developing three-dimensional techniques. Students will explore a variety of materials from Styrofoam to ceramics. Students will be expected to create artwork in a timely manner, participate in critiques, and keep an Art Folder/Sketchbook. Fees may be applicable.

STUDIO ART — One Semester; ½ Credit; 9 th - 12th Grades; Prerequisites/Requirements: At least a “B” in Art I. This is a studio art class where students will be creating original artwork. This course is for students who are selfmotivated and excited about art. Students will be expected to choose an area of concentration for example (but not limited to): sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, fibers, photography (must have a personal camera), and printmaking. Students will research, develop and submit project proposals, create high quality artworks, and participate in self and class critiques. This class is set up like a college level studio course where students will be learning how artists manage their time wisely, multi-task, and meet deadlines while creating high quality artwork. Fees may be applicable.

B U S I N E S S

ADVANCED COMPUTER APPLICATIONS —Two Semesters; One Credit; Prerequisite: Computer Applications or Business II (Bus. Communications), Business III (Bus. Man.) or Business IIIA SDC Intro to Business. Advanced Computer Applications is a hands-on, project-based course where students use their creativity and computer skills as they complete an entrepreneurial simulation. A major focus of the course is to prepare students to take the Microsoft Office Suite (MOS) industry certification exams in Word, Excel and/or PowerPoint. The exams are paid for through a grant and testing is on the CHS campus. Students with a 3.0 (B) GPA who pass an industry certification exam may graduate with distinction. Preparing for and passing a MOS exam improves your career readiness and can help you get a job!

CHS DIGITAL MEDIA — Two Semesters; One Credit; 11th -12th Grades; Prerequisites and/or Requirements: Instructor approval required. Students must also complete and turn in an application to Mr. McMillan (Room 111). The focus of this class is to promote CHS through digital media. Students will create content (videos, announcements, etc.) to share on CHS social media.

E N G I N E E RI N G

ENGINEERING PRACTICUM —Two Semesters; One Credit; 11th -12th grades; Prerequisites and/or Requirements: Engineering Design II or by teacher permission. Engineering Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous Engineering courses within a professional, working environment. In addition to developing an understanding of the professional and ethical issues encountered by engineers and technologists in the workplace, students learn to refine their skills in problem solving, research, communication, data analysis, teamwork, and project management. The course is highly customizable to meet local system needs: instruction may be delivered through school laboratory training or through work-based learning arrangements such as internships, cooperative education, service learning, mentoring, and job shadowing. Upon completion of the practicum, students will be prepared for postsecondary study in engineering and technology fields. 

E N G L I S H

NCO AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE — One Semester; ½ Credit This course will cover prose, poetry, and drama of African American writers from slavery until contemporary times. Note: Mature Themes are possible.

AP STUDY HALL/WRITING CENTER – One or Two Semesters; 1/2 - 1 credit. Requirements: Minimum of one AP class. (Students may repeat fall and spring) Students who are taking at least one AP class may work in the CHS Writing Center during Flex Block. They would be peer writing tutors under the guidance of Mr. Irwin and Ms. Phillips and work with other students who come to the center during flex block by appointment. Tutoring others in their writing is one of the best ways to become a better writer yourself. Students who take this class will have the opportunity to strengthen their own writing skills by helping their fellow classmates and will have a better understanding of the writing principles they’ve been taught their whole lives. When students are not tutoring, they will participate in test prep exercises for their course using resources on AP Classroom and their class assignments.

COLLEGE-BOUND READING — One or Two Semesters; 1/2 - 1 Credit; 10th -12th Grades. Requirements: Honors English or above. (Students may repeat since content of fall and spring will be different) This course is designed to aid serious college-bound and AP students with the opportunity to read and discuss classics, contemporary fiction, short stories, and plays the College Board has included on its list of 101 Books for the College-Bound Reader. Some film adaptations of classic novels will be included. Although there will not be a lot of daily grades, students can expect texts, quizzes, or written responses to literature. Selected titles could include A Death in the Family (James Agee); The Cherry Orchard (Anton Chekov); A Farewell to Arms (Ernest Hemingway); Slaughterhouse Five (Kurt Vonnegut). Note: Mature Themes are possible.

CREATIVE WRITING — One Semester; ½ Credit; 10th -12th Grades. Creative expression is developed through personal narrative, expository writing, poetry, and short stories. Weekly oral presentations of writing are required. Note: Mature Themes are possible.

FILM STUDIES — Two Semesters; One Credit; 11th -12th Grades. Students will study elements of cinematography and the history of film in America. The course focuses on film analysis through written response and class discussion. Major projects include writing a screenplay, creating an advertising campaign for a new film, and producing a storyboard for an existing novel or short story. Students should possess a strong background in writing. Note: Mature Themes are possible.

GREEK MYTHOLOGY I — One Semester; ½ Credit; 10th -12th Grades. This course explores Greek and Roman mythology and their associations with astronomy, architecture, and the arts. Students will study Homer’s Iliad, Virgil’s Aeneid, and other heroic epics. Students will be required to do daily reading and writing, a research paper and project, and novel project, and multiple oral presentations. Note: Mature Themes are possible.

JOURNALISM (ANNUAL) — Two Semesters (Fall and Spring); One Credit; 9 th - 12th Grades. Requirements: Application with teacher recommendation. This course focuses on the elements required to publish a successful yearbook. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, layouts, editorials, feature writing, design, photography, and advertising. 

SCIENCE FICTION — Single Block; One Semester; ½ Credit; 10th -12th Grades. This course explores the science fiction genre. Students will define the genre and discuss its history while reading science fiction short stories and novels. Students will be required to do daily reading and writing, a research paper, novel project, and oral presentations. Note: May contain mature themes.

TELEVISION IN AMERICAN CULTURE — One Semester; ½ Credit; 10th - 12th Grades. This course will cover the history of television and its impact on post-WWII American culture. In it, you will analyze episodes of television, an art form that became more mainstream in the late-forties, and discuss how these episodes reflect issues in history: The Space Race, The Vietnam War, the political sagas, and many more. Some of the shows you will watch are The Andy Griffith Show, M*A*S*H, The A-Team, Magnum P.I., Friends, and The Office.

TRUE CRIME — One Semester, 1⁄2 Credit, 11^th – 12^th  Grades. True Crime is designed to dive deep into society’s obsession with both the mystery/detective fiction and true crime narrative genres. Students will learn what unites and separates these two genres, while also practicing identifying the elements of a mystery, analyzing the narrative point of view of true crime and detective stories, researching evidence and motives in actual true crime cases, and much more. Students will think critically about potentially harmful biases in true crime cases, while also analyzing criminal motives and behaviors and working to define what justice looks like for victims and their families. Overall, students have a firm understanding of what makes a compelling mystery/detective story and why true crime narratives in their many different formats continue to fascinate and engage modern audiences today. Topics covered include Forensics, Evidence Gathering, and Real Crime Cases.

H E A L T H S C I E N C E

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY DUAL ENROLLMENT (Optional) - College Credit Opportunity Available. Single Block; One Semester; One high school credit; Three college credits; Designed for 11th - 12th Grades. Offered Spring Semester. Prerequisites and/or Requirements: Health Science. This course is an early morning, dual-enrollment class for 11th -12th grades: students receive 3 credit hours at Roane State Community College and one high school credit. This class does not count toward the completion of any program of study; however, Medical Terminology is a course designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop working knowledge of the language of healthcare professionals and it is very helpful for anyone planning on a career in health care. Utilizing a body systems approach, students will define, interpret, and pronounce medical terms relating to structure and function, pathology, diagnosis, clinical procedures, and pharmacology. Roane State may add an additional fee if taken for dual enrollment credit.

H O S P I T AL I T Y  & T O U R I S M

CULINARY PRACTICUM — Two Semesters/Year Long; One Credit; 10 th -12th Grades. Requirements: currently enrolled in Culinary I, II, OR III. Enrollment with teacher approval only. Students will assist with catering and café-related activities.

H U M A N S E R V I C E S  DIETETICS & NUTRITION

SKILLS CLASS –One Semester; ½ Credit; 10th - 12 th Grades. Prerequisites and/or Requirements: Dietetics and Nutrition and Instructor approval. This course is designed to give Dietetics & Nutrition students additional skills practice.

M A T H

ACT MATH PREP — One Semester; ½ Credit; 10th - 12th Grades; Pre-requisite: Algebra II. This course reviews topics covered on and test-taking strategies for the math portion of the ACT. A TI 84 Plus graphing calculator is recommended.

M I S C E L L A N E O U S

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATIONS and YOUTH LEADERSHIP ANDERSON COUNTY (YLAC) — Two Semesters; One Credit. Requirements: 11 th -12th Grades. The Youth Leadership Anderson County program is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Anderson County Schools. Activities are designed to meet the community's need for strong leaders and provide students the opportunity to expand leadership and management skills. The program is open to upcoming juniors and seniors. Developing tomorrow's leaders today! This program is demanding and includes skill development to become better leaders along with team and confidence building activities. Students will learn about the attributes and skills of successful leaders, organizational behavior, communication, management, and leadership topics. Students will participate in activities in the development of communication and interpersonal skills transferable to business applications. Requirements for YLAC participants: Completed application (available from Counseling due with course registration), Students must be accepted by the YLAC Board, and pay a fee. Participation includes mandatory field trips to various businesses and agencies and community service project participation. This is a shared endeavor with ACHS and is sponsored by the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce.

P H Y S I C A L  E D U C A T I O N

CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK – 1/2 credit per semester. Open to Cross Country & Track team members only. Cross Country will be offered in the fall; Track will be offered in the spring.

FRESHMAN FOOTBALL WEIGHT TRAINING – Two Semesters; One Credit. This class is for freshman football players only. It will focus on building effective study habits in high school, safety in the weight room, and building leadership skills that will serve the students on and off the field.

VOLLEYBALL – One semester (Fall); ½ Credit. Requirements: Open to CHS Volleyball players only.

ADVANCED PRINCIPLES OF ATHLETICS – One semester (Spring); ½ Credit. Requirements: Open to CHS Volleyball players only. This course will include weight training, written work on improving athletic skills, leadership skills on and off the court and fitness by using different aspects of training.

S C I E N C E

AP PHYSICS B PREP — One Semester (Spring); 1/2 Credit. Requirements: Student must have taken Honors Physics or receive teacher recommendation. This course is intended to prepare Honors Physics I students for the AP Physics B exam. It explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, atomic and nuclear physics.

ASTRONOMY — One Semester; ½ Credit; 10th -12 th Grades; Prerequisite: Geometry recommended, but not required. This class serves as an introduction to the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our Universe. We will learn about the discovery of heavenly bodies, as well as the tools used to do so. We will take a special look at our local solar system, and the planets that occupy it. This class consists of both in-class lectures and laboratory observations and experiences.

ENTOMOLOGY — One Semester; ½ Credit. Open to anyone. Entomology is the study of insects and related arthropods. Students will study the anatomy of insects, the classification of insects, life cycles of insects, and how insects impact our world. Students will be required to collect, pin, and identify 40 different insect species and display them in an insect collection.

MARINE BIOLOGY — One Semester; ½ Credit. Requirements: Students must have scored an A or a B in biology. Students will conduct research on marine biology. Marine biology is the scientific study of organisms in the sea. Given that in biology many phyla, families and genera have some species that live in the sea and others that live on land, marine biology classifies species based on the environment rather than on taxonomy.

NCO NEUROSCIENCE I — One Semester; ½ Credit. Requirements: Students must have scored an A or a B in biology AND have passed Physical Science or Chemistry I. Will be offered 2023-2024 Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system - your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neuroscience I focuses on the biological aspects of this field by discussing the different types of cells involved in the Nervous System, how they communicate messages to the body via both electrical and chemical signals, and an introduction to neurological pathways involved in learning and memory. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the Pre-Med field!

S O C I A L  S T U D I E S

MILITARY HISTORY — One Semester; One Credit; 10th -12th Grades; Prerequisites: None. Examine the role of the military and conflict in both the ancient and modern world. Students will research and analyze the strategic, technological, cultural, and political influence of warfare on human history and the development of civilizations from Ancient Greece to the war in Afghanistan. Additionally, this course will debate the many reasons why Military History is the most common theme of modern popular history.

PSYCHOLOGY STATEWIDE DUAL CREDIT — One semester; One credit; 10th - 12th grades; Prerequisites: Must have completed and passed English I. SDC Psychology is designed to cover the topics of Brain Physiology and Function, Human Development, Sensation and Perception, Memory, Consciousness, Cognition and Intelligence, Psychological Disorders, Therapy and Treatment, Social Psychology, Motivation and Emotion, Health Psychology, Learning, and Personality. All students enrolled in a statewide dual credit course take the online challenge exam. Students who meet or exceed the exam 'cut score' receive college credit that can be applied to any Tennessee public postsecondary institution.

S T E M

COMPUTER SCIENCE DISCOVERIES – One Semester; One Credit; 9th Grade; Prerequisites: None This course is an introductory computer science course. Students will receive a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem solving, programming, physical computing, user centered design, and data. Students will build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems. 

BIOSTEM I – One Semester; One Credit; 9th Grade; Prerequisite: None.

BioSTEM I is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with emphasis in biotechnology. This course covers basic skills required for BioSTEM fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in both the engineering design and the scientific inquiry process. Students conduct research to develop meaningful questions, define simple problem scenarios and scientific investigations, develop fundamental design solutions, conduct basic mathematical modeling and data analysis, and effectively communicate solutions and scientific explanation to others.

BIOSTEM II – One Semester; One Credit; 10th – 12th Grades; Prerequisite: BioSTEM I. BioSTEM II is a project-based learning experience for students who wish to further explore the dynamic range of BioSTEM fields introduced in BioSTEM I. Students will apply the scientific inquiry and engineering design processes to a course-long project in one of the BioSTEM fields of medical laboratory science, research science, food science, forensic science or environmental science. Throughout the course, students will apply the steps of the scientific inquiry process to ask questions, test hypotheses, model solutions, and communicate results. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have a thorough understanding of how scientists research problems and methodically apply BioSTEM knowledge and skills; and they will be able to present and defend a scientific explanation to comprehensive BioSTEM scenarios.

BIOSTEM III – One Semester; One Credit; 10th – 12th Grades; Prerequisite: BioSTEM II. BioSTEM III is an applied course in the STEM career cluster which allows students to work in groups to solve a problem or answer a scientific question drawn from real-world scenarios within their schools or communities. This course builds on BioSTEM I and BioSTEM II by applying scientific knowledge and skills to a team project. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to effectively use skills such as project management, team communication, leadership, and decision-making. They will also be able to effectively transfer the teamwork skills from the classroom to a work setting.

BIOSTEM PRACTICUM – One Semester; One Credit; 11th – 12th Grades; Prerequisite: BioSTEM III. BioSTEM Practicum is the fourth course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with emphasis in Biotechnology. This course provides an opportunity for students to use skills and content learned during the first three courses in a real-world university or industry lab setting. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify, explain, and execute lab-based research utilizing the scientific inquiry processes. They will conduct research to develop meaningful questions, define simple problem scenarios and scientific investigations, develop fundamental design solutions, conduct basic mathematical modeling and data analysis, and effectively communicate solutions and scientific explanations to others. Students also will gain knowledge in how a biotechnology business works.

INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS – One Semester; One Credit; 9th – 12th Grades; Prerequisite: Basic computer skills. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems is an applied course for students who have already mastered basic computer skills and wish to apply those skills in novel contexts with the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial technologies. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will develop the ability to reason spatially and analyze relationships among concepts; to capture, store, validate, integrate, analyze, and display data related to locations on the Earth; and to create, query, maintain, and modify geospatial datasets. They will learn how GIS is used as a decision-making and data management tool to solve problems in various industries and fields. Furthermore, students will use GIS software to create a spatially accurate map with data retrieved from online or locally available resources.

STEM I: FOUNDATIONS – One Semester; One Credit; 9th Grade; Prerequisite None. STEM I: Foundations is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This course covers basic skills required for STEM fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in both the engineering design and the scientific inquiry processes. They conduct research to develop meaningful questions, define simple problem scenarios and scientific investigations, develop fundamental design solutions, conduct basic mathematical modeling and data analysis, and effectively communicate solutions and scientific explanations to others.

STEM II: APPLICATIONS – One Semester; One Credit; 10th – 12th Grades; Prerequisite STEM I. STEM II: Applications is a project-based learning experience for students who wish to further explore the dynamic range of STEM fields introduced in STEM I: Foundation. Building on the content and critical thinking frameworks of STEM I, this course asks students to apply the scientific inquiry and engineering design processes to a courselong project in one of two broad pathways, traditional sciences or engineering; the students then apply the steps of the scientific inquiry or the engineering design process throughout the course to ask questions, test hypotheses, model solutions, and communicate results. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have a thorough understanding of how scientists and engineers research problems and methodically apply STEM knowledge and skills; and they will be able to present and defend a scientific explanation and/or an engineering design solution to comprehensive STEM-related scenarios. STEM III: STEM IN CONTEXT– One Semester; One Credit; 10th – 12th Grades; Prerequisite STEM II.

STEM III: STEM in Context is an applied course in the STEM career cluster which allows students to work in groups to solve a problem or answer a scientific question drawn from real-world scenarios within their schools or communities. This course builds on STEM I: Foundations and STEM II: Applications by applying scientific and engineering knowledge and skills to a team project. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to effectively use skills such as project management, team communication, leadership, and decision-making. They will also be able to effectively transfer the teamwork skills from the classroom to a work setting. STEM PRACTICUM – One Semester; One Credit; 11th – 12th Grades; Prerequisite STEM III.

STEM IV: STEM Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous STEM Education courses within a professional, working environment. In addition to developing an understanding of the professional and ethical issues encountered by STEM professionals in the workplace, students learn to refine their skills in problem-solving, research, communication, data analysis, teamwork, and project management. Instruction may be delivered through school laboratory training or through work-based learning arrangements such as internships, cooperative education, service learning, mentoring, and job shadowing. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for postsecondary study in a STEM field.