The Academies at Wheaton High School

There are four academies at Wheaton High School. Our Bioscience and Engineering academies use curriculum written by Project Lead the Way (PLTW). PLTW develops programs that engage students using problem-solving skills and relevant curriculum. Students in our Application Programs and our Academies use the PLTW curriculum. This year, the curriculum has been adapted to include activities for distance learning and a hybrid model of teaching in response to the current situation.

The Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) currently is affiliated with NAF (National Academy Foundation). This academy provides students with a comprehensive computer science program where students focus in programming or advanced website tools. Many of our students choose to take Cybersecurity at Thomas Edison High School of Technology as their Capstone course thier senior year.

Students interested in the Humanities are immersed in leadership, arts, world languages, music and theater through our Global Studies Academy. Students are encouraged to take Global Issues and Leadership courses as a foundation before specializing in an area.


The Biosciences Academy

Investigate medical treatments, monitor and examine body systems to improve quality of life.Use cutting edge lab and computer equipment to experience hands-on biomedical activities.

 

Academy of Information Technology

Learn about computer programming, web design, computer animation and high level graphic design. Have options to focus on different IT software and programming trades.

 

Academy of Engineering

Participate in hands-on real-life problem solving using mathematics, science, and technology. Designed for students interested in pursuing an advanced career in the field of engineering.

 

Global Studies Academy 

Explore pressing global and cultural issues using video-teleconferencing. Sit in on lectures, seminars, speeches and symposiums with world leaders and our international partner institutions.

The Academy of Information Technology (AOIT)

 

      Contact Information

Emily Dunbar
Academy Leader
301-321-3406

 

A Member of the NAF Network

OVERVIEW

NAF logoWheaton 's Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) consists of a 9th through 12th grade curriculum developed to address the growing demand of IT workers across the nation. This nationally recognized and endorsed program is aligned with relevant academic, employment, and workplace standards. It is a member program of the NAF Network. 

Students in the AOIT participate in a rigorous academic curriculum as they are introduced to the broad career opportunities in today's digital workforce. In the process, students gain an understanding of the connections that exist between their education and the workplace and are equipped with the personal, analytical, technical and communications skills they need to thrive.

Students are required to complete the identified academy courses and have opportunities to enroll in a college-level course or complete a compensated internship program during their junior or senior years. Various career-based experiences such as focused job shadows, team competitions, and college/industry site visits are also available to reinforce the connection between school and work. A number of industry certifications may also be earned.

AOIT Recommended Pathway

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

English

English 9/ Honors

English

English 10/ Honors

English

English 11/ Honors/ AP

English

English 12/ Honors/ AP

Mathematics

Algebra 2/ Honors or

Geometry/ Honors or

Algebra 1

Mathematics

Pre-calculus/ Honors or

Algebra 2/ Honors or

Geometry/ Honors

Mathematics

AP Calculus AB/ BC or

Pre-calculus/ Honors or

Algebra 2/ Honors

Mathematics

AP Statistics/ College Level Math or

AP Calculus AB/ BC or

Pre-calculus/ Honors

Science

Biology/ Honors

Science

Chemistry/ Honors

and/ or

Physics/ Honors/ AP I

Science

Chemistry/ Honors/ AP or

Biology/ Honors/ AP or

Physics/ Honors/ AP

Advanced Elective (select 2)

Science

Social Studies

World Language

Social Studies

U.S. History/ Honors/ AP

Social Studies

National, State, & Local Government / Honors/ AP

Social Studies

Modern World History/ Honors/ AP

Fine Arts

Engineering

World Language

World Language1

World Language1

Physical Education and Free Elective

Academy Coursework

AP Computer Science Principals

Academy Coursework

Programming I or

Website Development

Academy Coursework

AP Computer Science A or

Advanced Website Tools

Academy Coursework

Programming 3

Guided Research

Internship

Montgomery College Course

Fine Arts Elective

Health and Physical Education

Technology Education1

Introduction to Engineering Design or

Foundations of Technology

Guided Research

Internship

Montgomery College Course

AP Computer Science A

 

1 Foundations of Computer Science or Computer Science Principles may be used to meet the technology education graduation requirement if 4 additional Academy credits are completed.

Please consult your counselor for additional information regarding graduation requirements or the college entrance requirements.

Summer Enrichment or Internship Suggested in the summer between Grade 11 and 12. Students find their own internship.

_________________________________________________________

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

AP Computer Science Principles

This course advances students’ understanding of the technical aspects of computing including, programming and algorithm design, computer system organization and operation, and data representation and information organization. Specific programming languages may include Processing, C++, and Java. (leads to new AP exam offered starting in May 2017)

AP Computer Science - Java

Using the Java language, students explore in-depth work with text files and arrays, abstract data types, recursion, searching and sorting algorithms, and program efficiency. Examination of specified class behaviors, interrelated objects, and object hierarchies are studied. Students may elect to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam upon completion of this course.

Guided Research

This course provides an opportunity for NAF students to apply the knowledge and skill sets from their programs of study to complete a structured research project or authentic internship. Students may collaborate with professionals and mentors in the related career field and participate in program-specific learning, leadership seminars, networking opportunities, and relevant workplace experiences.

Internship

Students apply knowledge and skill sets acquired in their program of study to an authentic internship. Collaborating with professionals and mentors in the related career field, students participate in program-specific learning, leadership seminars, networking opportunities and relevant workplace experiences.

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The Biosciences Academy

  Contact Information

Jeannette Cruz
Academy Leader

 

Maryland State Certified Project Lead The Way Program

We bring students together from diverse cultures and learning styles to unite them through shared experiences that challenge them to think about their future. We prepare students for the challenges of college and the many rapidly expanding careers in biomedical science. We use in-depth learning activities, utilizing laboratory and computer equipment, together with research, to build critical thinking skills necessary for today’s workforce.

Recommended Bioscience Academy Pathway

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

English

English 9/ Honors

English

English 10/ Honors

English

English 11/ Honors/ AP

English

English 12/ Honors/ AP

Mathematics

Algebra 2/ Honors or

Geometry/ Honors or

Algebra 1/ Honors

Mathematics

Pre-calculus/ Honors or

Algebra 2/ Honors or

Geometry/ Honors

Mathematics

AP Calculus AB/ BC or

Pre-calculus/ Honors or

Algebra 2/ Honors

Mathematics

AP Statistics/ College Level Math or

AP Calculus AB/ BC or

Pre-calculus/ Honors

Science

Honors Biology

Science

Chemistry/ Honors

Science

Physics/ Honors/ AP

and/or

another AP Science

Science

Biology/ AP

Chemistry/ AP

Social Studies

U.S. History/ Honors/ AP

Social Studies

National, State, & Local Government / Honors/ AP

Social Studies

Modern World History/ Honors/ AP

Emviornmental Science

AP Physics C

World Language

World Language1

World Language1

College Coursework or Internship

Academy Coursework

Principles of the Biomedical Sciences

Academy Coursework

Human Body Systems

Academy Coursework

Medical Interventions

Academy Coursework

Biomedical Innovation

Physical Education

Health and Elective Coursework2

Elective Coursework 2

Technology Coursework 3

1 World Language: French Italian, Spanish, or Chinese (choose one language).

2 Elective Coursework: Fine Arts/ Music (choose as needed).

3 Technology Coursework: Introduction to Engineering Design or Foundations of Technology

4 Single period AP Science allows for an additional elective course to be taken.

Summer Enrichment or Internship Suggested in the summer between Grade 11 and 12. Students find their own internship.

 


BIOSCIENCE ACADEMY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Principles of the Biomedical Sciences (PBS)

Students investigate various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases. They determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional person, and investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, medicine, and research processes. This course provides an overview of all the courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and lay the scientific foundation for subsequent courses. This course is the first course within the Bioscience Academy Pathway and is a prerequisite for all other classes.

Human Body Systems (HBS)

Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Students design experiments, investigate the structures and functions of the human body, and use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal manikin, work through interesting real world cases and often play the roles of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries. Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Science.

Medical Interventions (MI)

Students explore a variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease as they follow the life of a fictitious family. The course is a "How-To" manual for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body. Students explore how to prevent and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; prevent, diagnose and treat cancer; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through these scenarios, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics. Prerequisite: Human Body Systems.

Capstone Course: Biomedical Innovation (BI)

Students design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century. They work through progressively challenging open-ended problems, addressing topics such as clinical medicine, physiology, biomedical engineering, and public health. They have the opportunity to work on an independent project with a mentor or advisor from a university, hospital, research institution, or the biomedical industry. Throughout the course, students are expected to present their work to an audience of STEM professionals. Prerequisite: Medical Interventions.


Biosciences 3BIOSCIENCE ACADEMY COURSE TEACHERS AND SYLLABI

  • Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PBS) - Syllabus

  • Human Body Systems (HBS) - Syllabus

  • Medical Interventions (MI) - Syllabus

  • Biomedical Innovation (BI) - Syllabus


COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Our Bioscience students have the opportunity to engage with local experts through a variety of ways. Georgetown University students mentor our seniors through their capstone projects; post-grad students at the University of Maryland mentor our AP Biology students through their research projects. NIH scientists speak to our students about a variety of topics monthly.

Students have toured the United Therapeutics campus in downtown SIlver Spring, attended the USA Science and Engineering Expo and visited the National Museum of Heath and Medicine as part of the Bioscience Academy. Additionally, many of our Bioscience students intern at Holy Cross Hospital.

Lunch and Learn Sessions

What is a Lunch and Learn?

A lunch and learn is an opportunity for students to get a first hand description from professionals about their careers within a variety of fields. These professionals share their educational paths and life experiences that have gotten them where they are today.

Past Lunch and Learns Include:

-Kasandra Hunter, PhD Candidate at USUHS; The Zika Virus Outbreak

-Marc Shnider MD, Harvard Medical School Faculty; Anesthesiology

-Monique Shockley MD and Michelle Martin MD; Physical Rehabilitation

-Kadijah Mitchell PhD; Epigenetics

 

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Engineering Academy 

Contact Information

Rich Scott
Academy Leader
301-321-3400

Maryland State Certified Project Lead the Way Program

In the engineering Academy, students learn and apply the design process, develop strong teamwork and communication skills, and are challenged to think critically and solve problems that are relevant to the field of engineering. Students discover the answers to questions about how things are made and what processes go into creating products. Students use the same industry-leading 3D design software used by companies like Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Pixar. They explore aerodynamics, astronautics, and space Life Sciences. Students design, test, and construct circuit and basic electronic devices and work collaboratively on the culminating capstone project.

 

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

English

English 9/ Honors

English

English 10/ Honors

English

English 11/ Honors/ AP

English

English 12/ Honors/ AP

Mathematics

Algebra 2/ Honors or

Geometry/ Honors or

Algebra 1

Mathematics

Pre-calculus/ Honors or

Algebra 2/ Honors or

Geometry/ Honors

Mathematics

AP Calculus AB/ BC or

Pre-calculus/ Honors or

Algebra 2/ Honors

Mathematics

AP Statistics/ Multivariable Calculus or

AP Calculus AB/ BC or

Pre-calculus/ Honors

Science

Honors Biology,

Honors Physics, or

AP Physics I

Science

Honors Chemistry

Honors Biology

Science

Honors Chemistry

Honors Physics

AP Physics I

Science

AP Physics and/ or

other AP Science

Social Studies

U.S. History/ Honors/ AP

Social Studies

National, State, & Local Government / Honors/ AP

Social Studies

Modern World History/ Honors/ AP

College Coursework

World Language

World Language1

World Language1

Physical Education and Free Elective

Academy Coursework

Introduction to Engineering Design

Academy Coursework

Principles of Engineering

Academy Coursework

Digital Electronics

Academy Coursework

Engineering Design and Development

Physical Education

Health and Elective Coursework 2

Academy Coursework

Aerospace Engineering or

Civil Engineering and Architecture

Fine Arts

1 World Language: French Italian, Spanish, or Chinese (choose one language).

2 Elective Coursework: Fine Arts/ Music (choose as needed).

Summer Enrichment or Internship Suggested in the summer between Grade 11 and 12. Students find their own internship.

 

ACADEMY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)

Through hands-on projects, students apply engineering standards and document their work. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems, document their work using an engineer’s notebook, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. Designed for 9th or 10th grade students, the major focus of IED is the design process and its application.

Principles of Engineering (POE)

Topics include mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, and kinematics. Students develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges, document their work and communicate solutions. Designed for 10th or 11th grade students, this survey course exposes students to major concepts they’ll encounter in a post-secondary engineering courses.

Aerospace Engineering (AE)

AE explores the evolution of flight, navigation and control, flight fundamentals, aerospace materials, propulsion, space travel, and orbital mechanics. In addition, this course presents alternative applications for aerospace engineering concepts. Students analyze, design, and build aerospace systems. They apply knowledge gained throughout the course in a final presentation about the future of the industry and their professional goals. This course is designed for 10th, 11th or 12th grade students.

Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)

Students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture and apply their knowledge to the design and development of residential and commercial properties and structures. In addition, students use 3D design software to design and document solutions for major course projects. Students communicate and present solutions to their peers and members of a professional community of engineers and architects. This course is designed for 11th or 12th grade students.

Digital Electronics (DE)

Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras and high-definition televisions. Students are introduced to the process of combinational and sequential logic design, engineering standards and technical documentation. This course is designed for 10th or 11th grade students.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing

This course illuminates the opportunities related to understanding manufacturing. At the same time, it teaches students about manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation. Students discover and explore manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation, and then they apply what they have learned to design solutions for real-world manufacturing problems.

Capstone Course: Engineering Design and Development (EDD)

Students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. Students perform research to choose, validate, and justify a technical problem. After defining the problem, teams design, build, and test their solutions while working closely with industry professionals who provide mentoring opportunities. Student teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel. Appropriate for 12th graders.

 

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Global Studies Academy 

Contact Information

Jessica Speck
Academy Leader
301-321-3400

 

 

 

 

 

Wheaton High School’s Humanities Academy

 What is the Global Studies Academy?

Wheaton High School has one of the few Global Studies Academy (GSA) in Montgomery County. This unique interdisciplinary program prepares students to emerge into the workforce as culturally responsible global citizens. Through the liberal arts and humanities-based courses, which could include the performing arts, visual arts, and cultural studies, students are exposed to global issues and are challenged to understand and appreciate the many different cultures and histories of the world and its people. GSA students are expected to think critically and solve real-world problems through Project Based Learning. GSA motivates its academy students to explore the endless possibilities in our world, develop a global citizenship, prepare to be college and career ready, and be leaders in our global society.

Recommended Global Studies Academy Pathway

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

English

English 9/ Honors

English

English 10/ Honors

English

English 11/ Honors/ AP

English

English 12/ Honors/ AP

Mathematics

Algebra 2/ Honors or

Geometry/ Honors or

Algebra 1

Mathematics

Pre-calculus/ Honors or

Algebra 2/ Honors or

Geometry/ Honors

Mathematics

AP Calculus AB/ BC or

Pre-calculus/ Honors or

Algebra 2/ Honors

Mathematics

AP Statistics/ Multivariable Calculus or

AP Calculus AB/ BC or

Pre-calculus/ Honors

Science

Honors Biology,

Honors Physics, or

AP Physics I

Science

Honors Chemistry

Honors Biology

Science

Honors Chemistry

Honors Physics

AP Physics I

Science

AP Physics and/ or

other AP Science

Social Studies

U.S. History/ Honors/ AP

Social Studies

National, State, & Local Government / Honors/ AP

Social Studies

Modern World History/ Honors/ AP

College Coursework

World Language

World Language1

World Language1

Physical Education and Free Elective

Academy Coursework

 

Academy Coursework

 

Academy Coursework

 

Academy Coursework

 

Physical Education

Health and Elective Coursework2

Academy Coursework

 

Fine Arts

1 World Language: French Italian, Spanish, or Chinese (choose one language).

2 Elective Coursework: Fine Arts/ Music (choose as needed).

Summer Enrichment or Internship Suggested in the summer between Grade 11 and 12. Students find their own internship.

 

Menu of Course Offerings

GLOBAL STUDIES ACADEMY COMPLETER REQUIREMENTS:

Complete at least 4 full credits of Global Studies Academy courses -not to include the required High School Graduation Requirements.

Recommended Core GSA Courses

9th Grade GSA Fundamentals Course (Both Semesters)

Global Issues A & B

12th Grade GSA Capstone Course (Both Semesters)

Student Leadership A & B

 

Cultural Studies

Global Studies

Language Studies

Economics1

Law1

Physchology1

Peace Studies1

AP Physchology2

AP Human Geography2

Latin American History1

East Asian History1

Africa South of the Sahara1

African American History1

Creative Writing 1

African American Literature 1

Yearbook 1/ 2 is preferred

TV Production 1 or 2

Any World Language Course aboce the required 2.0 Credits

Any AP World Language 2

Art

Theater

Music

Digital Art 1 or 2

Draw & Design 1 or 2

Ceramics 1/ 2/ 3 - 1 or 2

Digital Advanced Studio 1 or 2

Studio Art 1/ 2/ 3 - 1 or 2

AP Studio Art 1 or 2

Theater 1 - 1 or 2

Theater 2 - 1 or 2

Stage Design 1 o 2

Advanced Acting 1 or 2

Chorus 1/ 2/ 3 - 1 or 2

Music & Technology 1/ 2 - 1 or 2

Piano 1/ 2 - 1 or 2

Guitar 1/ 2 - 1 or 2

Beginning Orchestra 1 or 2

Concert Band 1 or 2

Orchestra 1 or 2

Jazz Band 1 or 2

Concert Orchestra 1 or 2

Physical Education

Dance / Fine Arts

Broadening Opportunities

Any Specialty PE course above the required 1.0 PE Credits

Dance 1/ 2 - 1 or 2

Internship 1 or 2

Montgomery College Courses 1 or 2

 

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