Parent Corner

A Unique Magnet Academy Experience

When the Camas School Board approved the development of a math, science and technology magnet program, they also endorsed a new and integrated “block” of studies that will form the program core for magnet students in the ninth and tenth grade.  This three-period, integrated block is really the heart and soul of a “school within a school” experience for entering cohort students.  The block of classes in the freshmen year is comprised of an integrated biology/chemistry, English, and technology/engineering program that ushers students into the academic and social culture of the Academy program. Key elements will be a strong emphasis on essential research design principles; characteristics of successful interdisciplinary project design; problem-based learning and strategies for successful communication.  Student research teams will explore rigorous course content in three specific course areas, but they will also complete a research design sequence that helps them understand the essentials of research design, data collection, data interpretation and professional presentations.  The program provides students a safe and challenging but supportive environment.  It will build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills they will need to be successful in the four years of the magnet Academy and beyond. 

In addition to the block of studies described above, ninth-grade students will also access an accelerated mathematics course-most likely Geometry or Algebra 3-4 depending on pre-requisites. Although not technically part of the magnet block, these mathematics instructors will also work with magnet faculty to appropriate align and differentiate the mathematics curriculum so that it augments topics students will be exploring in biology, introductory chemistry and engineering.

The freshman experience will also introduce students to another magnet goal—the opportunity to forge and nurture community partnerships.  Students will learn about local issues by becoming active partners with community agencies, professors and their teachers, while conducting authentic research.  The flexible three -period block will also enable the integration of three distinct disciplines to research real world problems.  Students will focus their research on topics of particular interest to them.

Although the research strand described above will be the common thread that links all of their course work, students will also participate in deep content study related to Pre-AP English, Pre-AP Biology and Introduction to Chemistry and Introduction to Engineering and Physics.  Separate grades and credit will be awarded for each of the following courses in the three-period block.

Pre-AP English 9
Credit: 1.00 (Year) English
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MST Academy

The Pre-AP English 9 MST course is primarily based on literature and composition and focused on developing students’ ability to critically read, think, research, discuss, and write about literature and the world they live in. Students should expect an extensive amount of challenging and rewarding reading, writing, thinking, speaking and cooperative group activities over the school year.  Wherever it is logical and possible, activities and assignments will be integrated either thematically or topically with the Academy Pre-AP Biology and Introduction to Principles of Engineering courses.  Along those lines, students should expect to complete at least one multi-disciplinary project each semester. 

Pre-AP Biology and Chemistry
Credit: 1.00 (Year) Science
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MST Academy

In the Pre-AP Biology and Chemistry course, students will explore advanced biology concepts, including biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, anatomy and physiology of organisms, and ecology.  Additionally, the principle concepts of chemistry will be covered.  Essential to this course will be inquiry through laboratory experiments.  The goal of this course is to prepare students for the rigors of more challenging and advanced science courses, to help them become critical thinkers who can analyze information, pose questions, and plan further investigations, and to explore global questions.  There will at least one interdisciplinary project each semester.   

Introduction to Engineering/Physics
Credit: 1.00 (Year) Technology
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MST Academy

This is the first in a series of courses designed in combination with advanced math and science courses to introduce students to the scope, rigor, and discipline of engineering.  The course helps students understand the field of engineering/engineering technology.  Students will explore various technology systems and manufacturing processes to learn how engineers and technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem solving process.  The course also includes concerns about social and political consequences of technological change.  Using the nationally known program Project Lead the Way (www.PLTW.org), students will also become proficient in working as a contributing member of a team, using appropriate media to communicate with a wide variety of audiences, and the management of time, resources and projects.