STEM Curriculum

"Don't be surprised by the emergence of undiscovered talents!"

 

Overview

 

One of the primary goals of ACES is to produce graduates who will become future leaders in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). ACES founder, Dr. Jeron Campbell, is an electrical engineer and first-generation college student and wants to ensure that every student has access to a world class STEM program regardless of their race or economic background. To this end, all ACES students will take courses which provide a breadth of exposure to multiple STEM areas of study. These courses will be challenging and exciting, creating the sparks and planting the seeds for our young developing engineers, doctors, programmers, and scientists.

 

Courses

 

At the middle school level, ACES STEM courses are designed to help students explore many areas of STEM, including computer hardware assembly, coding in languages such as C, Python and Javascript, robotics, anatomy, biomedical engineering, 3D printing, and more. Each semester long course will be split into 2 or more segments, each focusing on a new area within STEM. As students progress through each course, they will obtain a solid foundation for the more rigorous AP level courses and specialized engineering and healthcare electives available at the high school level. Student interest will be a driver for determining which electives are created. Dual credit courses and our independent study elective option will provide students with even more opportunities to enrich their high school experience.

 

Example Course: 6th Grade STEM Exploration

 

Timeframe	STEM Focus	Tech Tools
Quarter 1	Computer Hardware Computer Coding	PC Components Laptop Assembly Kit C, Python, Javascript
Quarter 2	Robotics	Programmable Robot Kit VEX, BEST, Botball
Quarter 3	Electronic Circuitry	Circuit Construction Kit
Quarter 4	Video and Audio Production Technical Presentation	Video Camera and Software Youtube

 

Learning Spaces

 

Research has shown that physical spaces in schools can have a significant impact on student learning. The ACES team works with school furniture sellers and manufacturers to create classroom environments which are suited to our students and our educational program. This includes reviewing classroom layouts when deciding which furniture is suitable, and what seating configurations will work best. ACES favors furniture that can be moved easily around the room, such as chairs and tables with wheels. This mobility allows classrooms to be arranged in configurations that support multiple modes of collaborative learning, such as lecture (all facing front), small group (students facing each other), and discussion (whole group circle or U-shape).

 

ACES Makerspaces

 

The ACES STEM courses will utilize our flexible makerspace room. The purpose of the room will be to provide a space which promotes hands-on, creative, experimentation and building.  The room will contain a range of items, from technology kits for robotics and programming to everyday household items like tape, rubber bands, and cereal boxes. Makerspaces provide an excellent opportunity for students to connect what they are leaning in class to real world applications. Teachers are able to give students tasks and let them figure out solutions for themselves, utilizing the myriad of resources around them. In this safe space, students will gain the experience of failure, along with the energizing feeling of being able to try again. ACES places an emphasis on cross-curricular learning, and the Makerspace resources will be available to teachers of all subjects to encourage enhanced learning opportunities and cross-class projects.