Updated 11/2023
FRHS STEM Academy Overview
Aligned Coursework
One of the benchmarks for recognition (see below) is to complete 20 credits of coursework that is aligned to the students area of concentration within STEM. There is a lot of flexibility with this and some suggested courses for each concentration are listed below. See the FRHS Course Guide for descriptions of each of these courses.
One of the benchmarks for recognition (see below) is to complete 20 credits of coursework that is aligned to the students area of concentration within STEM. There is a lot of flexibility with this and some suggested courses for each concentration are listed below. See the FRHS Course Guide for descriptions of each of these courses.
Benchmarks for Graduation
In order to be recognized at graduation, students must complete the following benchmarks. These are all accomplished in the courses and experiences outlined in the STEM Academy Overview (see above).
State Endorsed Diploma
In addition to being recognized by FRHS, students may also earn a STEM endorsement on their diploma from the state of Colorado. The requirements are essentially the same as the benchmark with a few additions.
9938 STEM Academy Survey
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: Teacher approval
Meets requirement(s): Elective
Open to Grades: 10
STEM Survey (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) will introduce students to various theoretical and real-life aspects of STEM content. Career overviews, 21st century skills required for success in STEM fields, technical writing, project design and implementation, and capstone project idea development will all be explored. Students will collaborate with mentors from the STEM community to enhance learning. This course is intended for students who may be interested in enrolling in the STEM Academy.
9946 STEM Academy Seminar
Credits: 10
Prerequisites: STEM Academy Survey
Meets requirement(s): Elective
Open to Grades: 11, 12
This course is designed to introduce and develop a student's necessary knowledge and skills that are required to complete a culminating STEM Capstone project. The project will focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) related topics and the student must demonstrate 21st century skills. A major component of the project involves community mentorship. The seminar course also allows for time to collaborate with community members, faculty and other students while developing their project and portfolio.
In order to be recognized at graduation, students must complete the following benchmarks. These are all accomplished in the courses and experiences outlined in the STEM Academy Overview (see above).
- Generate an idea for a capstone project
- Write a technical proposal outlining the project
- Complete a capstone project
- Create an electronic portfolio that describes their experience
- Complete 20 credits of aligned coursework in their area of concentration (see above)
- OPTIONAL: Complete an internship experience and add it to the portfolio
State Endorsed Diploma
In addition to being recognized by FRHS, students may also earn a STEM endorsement on their diploma from the state of Colorado. The requirements are essentially the same as the benchmark with a few additions.
- Students need to demonstrate proficiency in mathematics (28+ on ACT math, 600+ on SAT math, 4+ on AP Mathematics)
- Student has an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Average GPA in aligned coursework is 3.5 or higher
9938 STEM Academy Survey
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: Teacher approval
Meets requirement(s): Elective
Open to Grades: 10
STEM Survey (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) will introduce students to various theoretical and real-life aspects of STEM content. Career overviews, 21st century skills required for success in STEM fields, technical writing, project design and implementation, and capstone project idea development will all be explored. Students will collaborate with mentors from the STEM community to enhance learning. This course is intended for students who may be interested in enrolling in the STEM Academy.
9946 STEM Academy Seminar
Credits: 10
Prerequisites: STEM Academy Survey
Meets requirement(s): Elective
Open to Grades: 11, 12
This course is designed to introduce and develop a student's necessary knowledge and skills that are required to complete a culminating STEM Capstone project. The project will focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) related topics and the student must demonstrate 21st century skills. A major component of the project involves community mentorship. The seminar course also allows for time to collaborate with community members, faculty and other students while developing their project and portfolio.