Academy of Science
About the Academy of Science
MDCHS’ Academy of Science is a comprehensive program specifically designed for academically motivated students interested in pursuing STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of these fields of study, the Academy of Science provides students with an experience that helps them find their passion and develop their future career path.
MDCHS’ primary goal for Academy graduates is to become thoughtful and productive members of an increasingly global and technologically advanced society. MDCHS’ secondary goal for Academy graduates is to promote success and preparedness in a college-level science class and lab section. The Academy’s academically rigorous STEAM-based learning environment addresses these goals by offering diverse coursework while emphasizing a culture of innovation based on leadership, social justice, and community service.
Upon completing the Academy of Science academic track, students earn an Academy of Science diploma with the potential of “Honors” distinction and better preparedness to pursue courses at the collegiate level or a future career. However, more importantly, students will have the opportunity to develop their mastery of soft skills (i.e., creativity and collaboration), scientific inquiry, critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication.
What is STEAM?
“Study the science of art. Study the art of science.”
– Leonardo Da Vinci
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is an educational discipline designed to spark an interest and lifelong passion for the arts and sciences. According to associate professor Sandy Buczynski with the University of San Diego’s Master of Education program:
“There is a dynamic synergy between the visual arts and the natural sciences. For example, science relies heavily on individuals with visual-art skills to render detailed illustrations, depicting everything from atoms to zebras. Likewise, artists apply analytic, linear, and logical thinking to compose and scale their work of art.”
As an educational movement, STEAM bridges the gap between the analytical and the innovative.
STEAM-based learning aims to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in the future. According to the National Education Association, STEAM-based learning versus traditional learning provides students with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century:
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Creativity & Innovation
Whether they go to college or directly enter the workforce, students need to have well-rounded skills to help them adapt to an ever-evolving and fast-paced world. Strengthening these skills in our students leads to more engaged and active learners with greater critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These students are better prepared for higher education post-high school and are generally better prepared for life, regardless of the profession they choose to follow. STEAM-based learning’s holistic approach is ideal for fostering students’ overall preparedness for college and beyond.
Further Reading: “Why STEAM is so Important to 21st Century Education” (Dr. Joseph Lathan, Ph.D.; University of San Diego)
What is STEAM?
“Study the science of art. Study the art of science.”
– Leonardo Da Vinci
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is an educational discipline designed to spark an interest and lifelong passion for the arts and sciences. According to associate professor Sandy Buczynski with the University of San Diego’s Master of Education program:
“There is a dynamic synergy between the visual arts and the natural sciences. For example, science relies heavily on individuals with visual-art skills to render detailed illustrations, depicting everything from atoms to zebras. Likewise, artists apply analytic, linear, and logical thinking to compose and scale their work of art.”
As an educational movement, STEAM bridges the gap between the analytical and the innovative.
STEAM-based learning aims to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in the future. According to the National Education Association, STEAM-based learning versus traditional learning provides students with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century:
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Creativity & Innovation
Whether they go to college or directly enter the workforce, students need to have well-rounded skills to help them adapt to an ever-evolving and fast-paced world. Strengthening these skills in our students leads to more engaged and active learners with greater critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These students are better prepared for higher education post-high school and are generally better prepared for life, regardless of the profession they choose to follow. STEAM-based learning’s holistic approach is ideal for fostering students’ overall preparedness for college and beyond.
Further Reading: “Why STEAM is so Important to 21st Century Education” (Dr. Joseph Lathan, Ph.D.; University of San Diego)
What is STEAM?
“Study the science of art. Study the art of science.”
– Leonardo Da Vinci
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is an educational discipline designed to spark an interest and lifelong passion for the arts and sciences. According to associate professor Sandy Buczynski with the University of San Diego’s Master of Education program:
“There is a dynamic synergy between the visual arts and the natural sciences. For example, science relies heavily on individuals with visual-art skills to render detailed illustrations, depicting everything from atoms to zebras. Likewise, artists apply analytic, linear, and logical thinking to compose and scale their work of art.”
As an educational movement, STEAM bridges the gap between the analytical and the innovative.
STEAM-based learning aims to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in the future. According to the National Education Association, STEAM-based learning versus traditional learning provides students with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century:
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Creativity & Innovation
Whether they go to college or directly enter the workforce, students need to have well-rounded skills to help them adapt to an ever-evolving and fast-paced world. Strengthening these skills in our students leads to more engaged and active learners with greater critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These students are better prepared for higher education post-high school and are generally better prepared for life, regardless of the profession they choose to follow. STEAM-based learning’s holistic approach is ideal for fostering students’ overall preparedness for college and beyond.
Further Reading: “Why STEAM is so Important to 21st Century Education” (Dr. Joseph Lathan, Ph.D.; University of San Diego)
WHAT CAN STUDENTS EXPECT?
Academy of Science students are the leaders, creative thinkers, and innovators ready to tackle the issues of tomorrow. Whether a student wants to research the next great scientific breakthrough, create stunning visual art, or simply try to discover their passions, the Academy of Science can help prepare them for the future, whatever they decide to make of it.
In addition to regular coursework, Academy of Science students may participate in projects and activities such as:
- Maintaining the Earth Bench
- Sea Bass in the Classroom Program (Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute)
- Academy of Science Senior STEAM Poster Night
- Field trips to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Sea World, Fish Hatchery, San Diego Harbor Sailing, San Diego Museum of Art, and Balboa Park
- Internships through UCSD, USD, or SDSU
WHAT CAN STUDENTS EXPECT?
Academy of Science students are the leaders, creative thinkers, and innovators ready to tackle the issues of tomorrow. Whether a student wants to research the next great scientific breakthrough, create stunning visual art, or simply try to discover their passions, the Academy of Science can help prepare them for the future, whatever they decide to make of it.
In addition to regular coursework, Academy of Science students may participate in projects and activities such as:
- Maintaining the Earth Bench
- Sea Bass in the Classroom Program (Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute)
- Academy of Science Senior STEAM Poster Night
- Field trips to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Sea World, Fish Hatchery, San Diego Harbor Sailing, San Diego Museum of Art, and Balboa Park
- Internships through UCSD, USD, or SDSU
WHAT CAN STUDENTS EXPECT?
Academy of Science students are the leaders, creative thinkers, and innovators ready to tackle the issues of tomorrow. Whether a student wants to research the next great scientific breakthrough, create stunning visual art, or simply try to discover their passions, the Academy of Science can help prepare them for the future, whatever they decide to make of it.
In addition to regular coursework, Academy of Science students may participate in projects and activities such as:
- Maintaining the Earth Bench
- Sea Bass in the Classroom Program (Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute)
- Academy of Science Senior STEAM Poster Night
- Field trips to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Sea World, Fish Hatchery, San Diego Harbor Sailing, San Diego Museum of Art, and Balboa Park
- Internships through UCSD, USD, or SDSU
WHAT CAN PARENTS & GUARDIANS EXPECT?
Over the past 13 years, the Academy of Science has seen exponential growth in both our program and students. The Academy of Science saw its largest enrollment to date in 2020/2021, with a total of 305 students – of whom 51% were female. As the Academy of Science programs expand, our educators are committed to offering quality educational experiences for each student. At MDCHS, we do not passively teach the material—we want our students to be active learners.
In addition to participants’ regular coursework and activities, Academy of Science students also participate in resume-enhancing activities that support their preparedness for college, such as:
- Lions’ Club Speech Tournament
- Ford Salute to Education Scholarship Program
- Collegiate-level internships
THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE CORE OBJECTIVES
The Academy of Science promotes three student objectives:
- Establish and develop STEAM fundamentals for college preparedness
- Introduce work-based learning, including hands-on STEAM research and innovative experiences with San Diego County’s STEAM community professionals
- Explore potential careers and real-world skills, such as resume drafting, practice interviews, and presentations
Students admitted to the Academy of Science begin their coursework in their sophomore year. In addition to their regular coursework, students have the opportunity to meet with STEAM professionals through visits and partnerships at local educational institutions, including:
- The University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
- University of San Diego (USD)
- San Diego State University (SDSU)
These partnerships include laboratory visits, providing access to doctoral and post-doctoral scientists for mentorship, and summer internship opportunities in the laboratories and research facilities they represent.
Students interested in participating in the Academy of Science should read the detailed information about entrance and diploma requirements outlined in the Curriculum Guide beginning on Page 9.
ACADEMY OF SCIENCE STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
Entrance to Academy of Science 1 as an incoming sophomore
Following their freshman year, eligible students must:
- Have earned a B+ or higher in their Math, Science, and English classes
- Have completed Biology, Algebra 1, and English 1 with a B+ or higher
- Have a weighted cumulative 3.25 GPA or higher
Entrance to Academy of Science 2 as an incoming junior
Following their sophomore year, eligible students must:
- Earn a B+ or higher in their Math, Science, and English classes
- Applicants must have completed both semesters of Geometry and Biology with a B+ or higher. Advanced Geometry taken over the summer is accepted
- Have a weighted cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher
- Enrolled in an Academy of Science-approved STEAM class: any AP Science, AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, Anatomy, Physics, Engineering, AP Art History, Advanced Theater, Studio Art, Advanced Music, MDTV (Video Production), Dual Enrollment Psychology, Human Geography or Physical Geography
Entrance to Academy of Science 3 as a senior
Following their junior year, eligible students must:
- Have completed a pre-approved internship
- All MDCHS opportunities are approved
- Any non-MDCHS sponsored internship opportunity must be approved by the Academy of Science Coordinator
- Applicants must have a journal or portfolio to document their internship if completed outside of the MDCHS community. Academy of Science coordinator will provide a template
- Have a weighted cumulative 3.75 GPA or higher
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
To participate in the Academy of Science and receive an Academy of Science Diploma, there are two different tracks available: Academy of Science and Academy of Science with Honors. The table below explains the requirements for each track.
*Grades to determine Science Academy recognition for graduation ceremonies are determined at the end of the 3rd grading period senior year.
**Must complete a MINIMUM of two of these three requirements