STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

STEM at MBCA

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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is proud to offer a robust STEM program from Junior Kindergarten through our Upper School STEM Honors Program.

Lower School

The Lower School STEM curriculum seeks to develop critical and computational thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills.

Curriculum

Middle School

Middle School Technology includes an introduction to technology, design, engineering, and computer science. For students interested in STEM, these classes provide an opportunity for middle schoolers to begin learning important technology, design, and engineering concepts, while obtaining hands-on exposure through project-based activities. The middle school curriculum introduces 3D modeling (3D design, CAD, 3D Printing), Innovation & Design (engineering & product development), computer science concepts (programming), and physical computing (smart devices, robotics, drones).

Curriculum

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6th Grade

Introducing Innovation Lab course exposing students to technology, design, and engineering. Through project-based learning, students are introduced to digital media tools, architecture design with 3D modeling, digital fabrication with 3D printing, engineering with bridges & structures, and digital realities with AR and VR.
7th Grade

This course leverages the Innovation Lab technologies to help students learn about innovation and the design process. Students develop digital science skills by working with smart devices, automation, robotics, and Android app development. They also learn about engineering empathy by helping society with biomedical engineering, empowering remote villages with renewable energy, and improving transportation with aerospace engineering and drones.
8th Grade

This course leverages the Innovation Lab and the Design Process to help students “compete” in various project challenges. Through marine engineering, students seek to keep our oceans clean by building Seaperch underwater vehicles. With automotive engineering, they will design & build solar cars to race in various challenges. Through biomedical engineering, students use hydraulic prosthetics to accomplish various tasks. Finally, using the “Art of Innovation” mindset, students design, build and market an innovative product prototype in a “Shark Tank” or Kickstarter style contest.
Co-Curriculars

MB ROBOTICS
There are four after school robotics teams offered for 5th-8th grade students. In middle school, two of the teams are competition teams and one team is a club. The two competition teams compete in FIRST Lego League while the club learns more advanced robotics using FIRST Tech Challenge Hardware. Click here to learn more.

Upper School

The goal of this comprehensive program is to develop students' God-given talents and prepare them to excel in future STEM-related majors and careers. Through the use of hands-on and project-based learning, students learn to think critically and innovatively in order to create solutions for complex problems within our local communities and beyond. Upper School STEM offers Certificate and Honors level programs in order to meet a variety of student interests. Students may choose from four focus areas: Biomedical, Computer Science, Engineering, and Environmental. The Biomedical focus area appeals to students interested in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Healthcare, and Veterinary Science. The Computer Science focus area appeals to students interested in CAD, Programming, VR, and Web Design. The Engineering focus area appeals to students interested in Aerospace, Architecture, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical & Industrial Design. The Environmental focus area appeals to students interested in Agriscience, Biomimicry, Conservation, and Sustainability.

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Certificate & Honors Program

Students participating in the STEM Program will be required to meet the non-STEM graduation requirements in addition to the STEM Program requirements. The Certificate Program includes three STEM courses with an optional Capstone, while the Honors Program includes four STEM courses including a Capstone. The Capstone course entails an internship (which will take place the summer before senior year) and a culminating project (completed throughout the student's senior year). The STEM Certificate Program requires students to complete one additional science course and complete mathematics through precalculus. The STEM Honors Program is more academically challenging, requiring students to complete two additional science courses where four of the six science requirements are at the Honors or AP level. In addition, the STEM Honors Program requires students to complete five mathematics courses, with the final course being at the AP level. The STEM Program offers many possible four-year course sequences with variations in fine arts, social studies, and world languages. Upon successful completion of the STEM Certificate and Honors Program, students will be distinguished as STEM Certificate or STEM Honors graduates as indicated by their graduation stole and displayed on their diploma. For additional information about MBCA's STEM program, please email STEM@mtbethelchristian.org.
Focus Area Course Offerings

For focus area course offerings, please click here.
STEM Graduation Requirements

For graduation requirements, please click here.
How Do I Apply for the Upper School STEM Program?

Please use the online application and indicate your interest in the Upper School STEM Program by selecting "Yes" on the designated area within that application. All Upper School STEM applicants will need to complete the additional "Upper School Science Evaluation". Once your Admission file is complete and you have been admitted to the school, your file will be reviewed by the Upper School STEM Department and a STEM Program decision letter will be sent to you.