Woodford County High
School Academy
STEM Pathway
STEM Pathway
STEM Pathways:
The STEM pathway is for students who enjoy and
show exceptional talent in the areas of:
 Science
 Technology
 Engineering
 Math
Students in the STEM pathway must complete an application
process to attend.
Students in the academy will have the opportunity to take
selected advanced STEM courses, as well as participate in
culminating events throughout their high school career. As
part of the academy, all students are expected to complete a
rigorous curriculum in addition to the selected STEM courses.
Within the STEM portion of The Academy, students will choose
either: the bio-medical pathway or the engineering pathway.
While advanced math and science courses are required for
both pathways, elective courses in each path will reflect a
student’s preference for bio-medical courses or engineering
courses.
All students in The Academy will elect their senior year to take
either:
Option One, which will result in senior classes being taken at
Georgetown College
Option Two, which will require students to participate in
capstone courses their senior year
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STEM Pathway
Table of Contents
STEM Pathway
Requirements
Admissions Process for 2013/14
Advanced Placement Offerings
Science courses offered
Math courses offered
Engineering courses offered
Course Progressions
STEM
 Bio-medical
 Engineering
3
4
5
6
7
10
13
15
STEM Pathway
The STEM Pathways in The Academy will consist of
highly motivated students who show a strong
commitment towards the sciences. They will be the
strongest math and science students in Woodford
County. These students will demonstrate a deep
commitment to their independent learning.
STEM Requirements:
 Application into the Program the fall prior to the
freshman year
 Must obtain and keep a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all
course work
 Must stay in good standing with Woodford County
High School in regards to discipline and attendance
 Must complete and pass a minimum of 5 AP course
exams with a minimum score of “3”
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STEM Pathway
Admissions Process
for 2013-2014 for the STEM Pathway:
1.
Students will request in writing to be admitted to
the academy by May 10, 2013.
2.
Students will be notified in writing by June 2013.
3.
Students admitted into the academy from the class
of 2015 for the bio-medical pathway should
immediately enroll in AP Biology and AP
Chemistry for the 2013-2014 school year.
4.
Students admitted in the academy from the class of
2015 for the engineering pathway should
immediately enroll in AP Biology and AP Physics
for the 2013-2014 school year.
5.
Students admitted into The Academy from the
class of 2016 should immediately enroll in AP
Chemistry (they will be exempt from taking IS II)
6.
Students admitted into The Academy from the
class of 2017 should immediately enroll in the
Integrated Science I and II Combination course (3
trimesters)
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STEM Pathway
7.
Students admitted into The Academy from the
class of 2018 will take IS I as 8th graders and then
will enroll in Advanced IS II as freshmen.
Advanced Placement Offerings
A student in the STEM Pathway will complete 5
Advanced Placement Courses. Refer to page 14 and
15 for specific STEM requirements.
Advanced Placement Classes Offered:
AP English Language
AP English Literature
AP Government
AP US History
AP World Civilization
AP Psychology
AP European History
AP Calculus
AP Statistics
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
AP Spanish
AP Music Theory
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STEM Pathway
AP Art History
STEM Classes Offered:
Science
Integrated Science I and II Combination Course (3 trimesters)
for freshmen in the Academy:
To be taken the freshman year, this is a class in which students will
work both on Integrated Science I, which is a geo-physical course,
and Integrated Science II, which is a geo-chemical course.
Students will be given an intensive three trimester course
combining both of these concepts.
The geo-physical science portion of the course will integrate a
basic physics curriculum with related topics in the earth and space
sciences. Major topics will include: measurement and computation,
motion and forces and energy. The geo-chemical portion of the
course covers the topics related to introductory chemistry and earth
science. These topics include: chemical and lab safety, scientific
method, kinetic and atomic theories, the periodic table, chemical
bonding, chemical reactions, nuclear reactions, natural resources,
the big bang theory, astronomy, acids and bases, and biochemistry.
Lab work emphasizes the inquiry approach. This combined class is
only open to academy members.
College Prep Biology (2 Terms):
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STEM Pathway
This course will cover the same topics as biology, but will be more
rigorous in pace and depth in preparation for college level biology.
This is an End of Course Assessment class.
Advanced Placement Biology (3 Terms)
Prerequisites: Adv. Integrated Science II (if taking AP as a first
high school course in biology); Science teacher recommendation;
Chemistry I or Chemistry AP may be taken concurrently.
The AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college
introductory biology course and is designed to enable students to
develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills. Emphasis will be
placed on science practices, such as designing a plan for collecting
and analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and
connecting concepts in and across biology. The College Board’s
AP Biology course and examination are organized around
underlying principles called Big Ideas, which encompass the core
scientific principles, theories, and processes governing living
organisms and biological systems.
The Big Ideas are:
1. Evolution: The process of evolution drives the diversity and
unity of life
2. Cellular Processes: Energy and Communication-Biological
systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow,
reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis.
3. Genetics and Information Transfer: Living systems store,
retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life
processes.
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STEM Pathway
4. Interactions: Biological systems interact, and these systems and
their interactions possess complex properties.
Students taking AP Biology as their first high school biology
course will take both the state End of Course assessment and the
AP examination.
Advanced Placement Chemistry (3 Terms)
Prerequisite: Advanced Integrated Science II; Algebra II or
concurrent enrollment in Algebra II Advanced; Science teacher
recommendation;
Chemistry AP is designed to be the equivalent of the general
chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college.
This is an academic, quantitative chemistry course. Chemistry is
the study of atoms and molecules and how they interact according
to physical laws. Topics of study include atomic theory, chemical
bonding, and thermodynamics. Lab experiences will allow students
to observe matter firsthand
Advanced Placement Physics (To be offered 2014 -2015)Prerequisite: Integrated Science I; Algebra II, or concurrent
enrollment in Advance Algebra II;
Science teacher recommendation.
Physics AP is designed to be the equivalent of a college
introductory physics course. This course builds on the conceptual
understanding of physics obtained in Integrated Science I. It
provides a systematic development of the main principles of
physics, emphasizing problem solving and helping students
develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. It is assumed
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STEM Pathway
that the student is familiar with algebra and trigonometry, although
some theoretical developments may use basic concepts of calculus.
This course includes a laboratory component. It provides a
foundation in physics for student in the life sciences, pre-medicine,
and some applied sciences, as well as, other fields not directly
related to science.
Math
Geometry (2 Terms )
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Designed to introduce the fundamentals of geometry, this course
will help students develop basic geometric skills and learn to apply
geometric principles. Geometric vocabulary, theorems, and
formulas are presented. Topics will include points, lines, planes,
area, volume, symmetry, transformations, angle relationships,
slope, right triangle trigonometry and similarity of polygons.
Advanced Geometry(2 Terms)
Prerequisite: Grade of ‘B’ or better in Adv. Algebra I or Math
teacher recommendation.
Topics will be the same as Geometry but more rigorous in pace
and depth and will include proofs. This course leads toward
Calculus AP.
Algebra II (3 Terms)
Prerequisite: Algebra I; Geometry.
While expanding the mathematical concepts of Algebra I,
emphasis will be placed on preparation for study of higher
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STEM Pathway
mathematics – abstract thinking skills, the function concept, and
the algebraic solution of problems in various content areas. Topics
include matrices, quadratic equations and inequalities, graphs of
functions and relations, sequences and series, probability and
statistics, linear equations, systems of equations, polynomial and
rational functions, radicals, radical equations and introduction to
conic sections, exponential, logarithmic functions, and
trigonometry concepts.
Advanced Algebra II (3 Terms)
Prerequisite: A grade of ‘B’ or better in Adv. Algebra I and Adv.
Geometry or Math teacher recommendation.
Topics will be the same as Algebra II, but more rigorous in pace
and depth. This course leads to Calculus AP.
Trigonometry (2 Terms)
Prerequisite: Algebra II or Advanced Algebra II; Math teacher
recommendation
This course is designed for those students excelling in the general
track of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Topics include but
are not limited to: functions and their inverses; graphs and
applications of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic,
trigonometric and absolute value functions; analytic geometry and
complex numbers. This course is for the college-bound student.
Pre-Calculus(2 Terms)
Prerequisite: A grade of an ‘A or B’ in Advanced Algebra II or
Math teacher recommendation
This course is intended for students who plan to take a calculus
course in high school or college. Topics include but are not limited
to: functions and their inverses; graphs and applications of
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STEM Pathway
polynomial, rational, exponential logarithmic, trigonometric and
absolute value functions; analytic geometry and complex numbers.
This course leads to the Calculus AP course.
Calculus (1 Term)
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry; Math teacher
recommendation
An introduction to calculus for the college-bound student, this
course will include an in-depth study of limits and differentiation
and a brief introduction to techniques of integration.
Advanced Placement Calculus (3 Terms)
Prerequisite: Precalculus; Math teacher recommendation
This course includes concepts of differential and integral calculus.
It includes an introduction to the concepts of a limit,
differentiation, related rates, extrema, monotonicity, and concavity
of a function, subsequently leading to integration concepts which
include: areas under and between curves, volumes of solids or
revolution, integration by parts, and integration involving natural
logarithms. This course covers all material prescribed by the
College Board Advanced Placement program. Students enrolled in
this course must write the AP examination.
Advanced Placement Statistics (3 Terms)
Prerequisite: Algebra II or Advanced Algebra II; Math teacher
recommendation.
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STEM Pathway
The purpose of the Advanced Placement course in statistics is
to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for
collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.
Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:
exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns, and
statistical inference. AP Statistics is an excellent course for any
student who has completed Algebra II regardless of the
student's intended college major.
Engineering
Students in the Engineering pathway should complete 3 credits in the engineering courses
prior to the senior year.
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (IED)
Prerequisite: Math PLAN scores of 16 or Math Explore score of 14
(Highly Recommended)
In this course, students use the engineering design process and
3D modeling software to create solutions to various problems.
Students will learn how to document their work and
communicate their solutions. The major focus of this course is to
expose students to the engineering design process, engineering
design software and equipment, global and human impact,
engineering standards, and technical documentation.
PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING (POE)
Prerequisite: IED
This course is an engineering survey course that exposes
students to some of the major concepts they will encounter in
post-secondary engineering studies. Students will investigate and
report on engineering and high tech careers. They will apply
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STEM Pathway
math and science concepts in the solution of engineering design
problems. Additionally, students will develop problem solving
skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create
solutions to various challenges. Students will create projects
from various fields of engineering, including mechanical,
electrical, civil, material, and computer engineering. Students
learn to document their work and communicate their solutions.
DIGITAL ELECTRONICS (DE)
Prerequisites: IED and POE
This is the study of electronic circuits used to process and control
digital signals. Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern
electronic devices, such as cellular phones, MP3 players, high
definition television, computers, etc. The major focus of this
course is to expose students to the design process of
combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork,
communication methods, engineering standards, and technical
documentation. Students will analyze, design, and build digital
electronic circuits. While implementing these designs, students
will continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities,
and understanding of the design process.
CIVIL ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE (CEA)
Prerequisites: IED and POE
This is the study of design and construction of residential and
commercial building projects using Building Information
Modeling software. This course includes an introduction to many
of the varied factors involved in building design and construction
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STEM Pathway
including building components and systems, structural design,
storm water management, site design, utilities and services, cost
estimation, energy efficiency, and careers in the design and
construction industry. The major focus of this course is to expose
students to the design and construction of residential and
commercial building projects, design teams and teamwork,
communication methods, engineering standards, and technical
documentation.
I.
9th grade
Bio-medical Suggested Math/Science
Pathway
Class of 2015
(current 10th graders)
Advanced Geometry
Or Adv Alg II
Adv Integrated
Science 1
10th grade
11th grade
Adv.Algebra II
Or Pre-Calculus
Adv. Integ. Sci II
AP Calculus OR
Pre-Calculus &
Calculus
AND/OR AP Stats
AP Biology and AP
Chemistry
Class of 2016
(current 9th graders)
Advanced Geometry
Or Adv Alg II
Class of 2017
(current 8th)
Advanced
Geometry
Or Adv Alg II
Class of 2018
(current 7th)
Advanced
Geometry
Or Adv Alg II
Adv Integrated
Science 1
Adv.Algebra II
Or Pre-Calculus
IS I/II Combined
course (3 tri)
Adv.Algebra II
Or Pre-Calculus
Advanced IS II
AP Chemistry
AP Calculus OR
Pre-Calculus &
Calculus
AND/OR AP Stats
AP Biology and
AP Chemistry
AP Calculus OR
Pre-Calculus &
Calculus AND/OR
AP Stats
AP Biology
AP Physics
Option One:
Georgetown College
for Calculus
and science courses
Adv Integ. Sci II,
plus AP or CP
Biology
AP Calculus OR
Pre-Calculus &
Calculus
AND/OR
AP Stats
AP Chemistry
AP physics (elective
option)
12th grade
Adv.Algebra II
Or Pre-Calculus
Option One:
Georgetown College
for Calculus
and science courses
15
Option One:
Georgetown
College
for Calculus
and science courses
AP Physics
(elective option)
Option One:
Georgetown
College
for Calculus
and science
courses
STEM Pathway
Option Two:
culminating courses
at WCHS
Option Two:
culminating courses at
WCHS
Option Two:
culminating
courses at WCHS
Option Two:
culminating
courses at WCHS
Gray= classes already taken
Pink= classes for 2013-14
Gold= middle school
II.
9th grade
10th
grade
11th
grade
Engineering
Class of 2015
(current 10th graders)
Adv Alg II
Class of 2016
(current 9th graders)
Adv. Algebra II
Class of 2017
(current 8th)
Adv Algebra II
Class of 2018
(current 7th)
Adv.Algebra II
Adv Integrated
Science 1
Adv Integrated
Science 1
IS I/II Combined
course (3 tri)
Advanced IS II
Intro to
Engineering(2tri)
Pre-Calculus
Intro to
Engineering(2tri)
Pre-Calculus
Intro to
Engineering(2tri)
Pre-Calculus
Intro to
Engineering(2tri)
Pre-Calculus
Adv. Integ. Sci II
Adv Integ. Sci II, plus
AP or CP
Biology
AP Biology and AP
Chemistry
AP or CP
Biology and AP
Chemistry
Principles of
Engineering(2)
AP Calculus
Principles of
Engineering(2)
AP Calculus
AP Calculus OR
Pre-Calculus &
Calculus
Principles of
Engineering(2)
AP Calculus
Principles of
Engineering(2)
AP Calculus
AP or CP
Biology, and AP
Physics
AP physics
AP Physics
AP Physics
AP Chemistry (elective
option)
AP Chemistry
(elective option)
AP Chemistry
(elective option)
Digital Engineering
Digital Engineering
Digital Engineering
Digital
Engineering
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STEM Pathway
12th
grade
Option One:
Georgetown College
For Calculus
and science courses
Option One:
Georgetown College
For Calculus
and science courses
Option One:
Georgetown
College
For Calculus
and science courses
Option One:
Georgetown
College
For Calculus
and science
courses
Option Two:
culminating courses
at WCHS
Option Two:
culminating courses at
WCHS
Option Two:
culminating courses
at WCHS
Option Two:
culminating
courses at WCHS
Gray= classes already taken
Pink= classes for 2013-14
Gold= middle school
Notes:
17