STEM Department
The main objective of Monte Vista's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses is to offer students a wide range of opportunities. This includes career readiness and hands-on experience to college preparatory level classes, labs, and creative activities. Monte Vista High School STEM Classes set high standards for rigorous, focused, and engaging study, developing students’ innovative, collaborative, cooperative, and problem-solving skills.
Faculty
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Courses3D Technology
This course is a project-based course for the self-motivated student. It utilizes an interdisciplinary set of technologies that can be applied to solve real-world problems. Students will work independently and/or form teams to identify a project they would like to design and implement. After projects are identified, classes will be working sessions on these projects. In these sessions you will (1) utilize online educational material to learn the technologies needed to build your device; (2) work to develop and test a project prototype; and (3) develop a working system. To the extent possible, the school will provide the MakerSpace (e.g., Arduinos, 3D Printers and associated woodworking technology) needed to implement your project. PREREQUISITE: Teacher Approval and successful completion of Computer Programming, Robotics, Engineering or AppBuilding. APP Building
This is the world of App Inventor, a visual programming tool for building mobile apps. Based on a visual “blocks” programming method that’s proven successful even with kids, App Inventor dramatically lowers the barriers to creating apps for Android phones and devices. How about a video game where the characters look like you and your friends? Or a “did you pick up the milk?” app that reminds you if it’s after 3 p.m. and you’re near the grocery store? Or a quiz app you give your signi„cant other that’s in fact a surprise date request? “Question 4: Want to go to a movie? Press the button to accept by sending a text message.” The possibilities are endless. Who will be the next Flappy Bird creator? PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science or math teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. Aquatic & Terrestrial Ecology
This course examines the interactions between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on “hands-on” learning using a variety of project-based experiences and research. Students will explore biotic and abiotic factors and their influence on plant and animal populations through time. They will also collect, analyze, and present data related to ecological systems they monitor in class or in the field. Students will also be trained as volunteers for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife program, River Watch, where they will learn how to collect stream water samples and perform several chemical tests to determine the health of the river. Students will also learn how to manage their own “aquaponics” tank, tracking water quality, fish health, and plant growth parameters, in essence creating a sustainable mini-ecosystem which has the potential to provide both protein and edible plants to humans, on either small or large scales. PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science or math teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. Astronomy
This course presents an introduction to the science of Astronomy, including hands-on modern methods of telescope optics and observational astronomy, the birth and evolution of stars, galaxies and the universe, the Solar System and current missions investigating the possibility of life on other planets, such as on Mars. PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science or math teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. Computer Programming
This course emphasizes object oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development. It also covers the study of data structures, design and abstraction. The course emphasizes the design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable and reusable. PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science or math teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. Forensics
This course is designed for the student who would like to learn how science, technology, and math are use to solve crimes. Topics discussed include organic and inorganic chemical analyses of physical evidence, principles of serology and DNA analysis, ballistics, fingerprint analysis, facial reconstruction, drug analysis, and forensic entomology. PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science or math teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. Forestry
This course introduces measurement of forest land and vegetation attributes including geographic position, land distance, direction and area, tree size and forest overstory and understory vegetation. It also uses computer software and global positioning systems and geographic information systems in the management of land and forest measurements. Students will gain basic knowledge on how: fire has an impact on forest environments; the environment and weather influence fire behavior; wildland fires are suppressed; and fire is used as a land and vegetation management tool. PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science or math teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. Hydrology
This course is designed for the student who would like to learn about the water cycle and how water movement affects earth and it’s resources and how it is affected by humans. It involves water quantity and quality. PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science or math teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. Introduction to Engineering
Introduction to Engineering is a course that is appropriate for students who are interested in design and engineering. The major focus of the course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Students will develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activities, projects, and problem-based learning. PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. Medical Chemistry
This course is an introductory course to the fundamental theories and experimental methods of chemistry intended for students preparing for careers in medical technology, nursing, life sciences, and other technical fields. Aspects of biochemistry and physical organic chemistry will be covered as necessary to understand the chemistry of the human body, medicinal chemistry, nutritional chemistry and chemical processes of metabolism in the body. PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science or math teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. METEOROLOGY
This course is designed for the student who will be learning about current weather maps; structure of the atmosphere and the role of moisture in the development of dew, clouds, and precipitation; air masses, fronts, cyclones, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Elements of weather forecasting, instrumentation and communication. PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science or math teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. Robotics I
This course will use robotics to cover the fundamentals of problem solving, program design, algorithms and programming using a high-level language. A robot is an embedded system of software and hardware. Programming and building robots applies science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of programming and robotics. PREREQUISITE: Recommendation from previous science or math teacher and successful completion of Algebra I. Robotics II (Advanced)
This course will strengthen student robotics experience through team competitions in order to cover more advanced problem solving, program design, algorithms and programming using a high-level language. A robot is an embedded system of software and hardware. Programming and building robots applies science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts. This course expands on advanced concepts of programming and robotics PREREQUISITE: Teacher Approval and completion of Robotics I or Robotics team experience. Science Seminar
This course involves students conducting rigorous, independent research on Science/Math/Engineering topics of thier choice. Project designs can be experimental/manipulative (classic “scientific method”), or technological (such as computer programming, robotics, or engineering). The project will culminate with attendance and competion at the San Luis Valley Regional Science Fair (SLVRSF) held in the spring semester. Throughout this process, students will learn how to manage their time and complete a long-term project, conduct a literature review relating to their topic, write a journal-style research report in APA format, use statistics, create a display, and give oral presentations to peers, teachers, and fellow scientists. Students with projects that showcase excellent design and thorough execution may be chosen to compete at the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) or the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) as determined by a panel of judges at the SLVRSF or CSEF. PREREQUISITES: Teacher Recommendation and/or Approval WEB DESIGN
This course is an introduction to website management, website graphics, and animation for students who want to learn how to create and manage web pages. Students will learn how to design websites and upload files to the Internet. One of the primary objectives of the class will be the upkeep, design, and expansion of the Monte Vista School District web sites. PREREQUISITES: Teacher Recommendation ZOOLOGY
This course will introduce students to the wide variety of life found on Earth, and the evolutionary relationships between the major groups. All major forms of life will be investigated using labs, videos, experiements, and discussions, and will include prokaryotes (bacteria), protists, fungi, plants, invertebrate and vertebrate animals. PREREQUISITES: Biology (either prior or concurrent) |