In this semester-long course, students will participate in reading, writing, and discussion activities through a STEM-focused introduction while preparing to read The Martian by Andy Weir and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell! Since this is a STEM-focused course, students who are interested in going into STEM-related careers are encouraged to use this class to research and learn more about the prospective professions! Each week, students will be introduced to STEM-related leaders and current events happening around the world. Summaries of the novels are provided in the sources portion of the course description!

The outline below may shift as the semester goes on depending on student needs, but we will go through the units as prescribed. As a teacher and a parent, I feel it is important to make adjustments based on student needs so that students are getting the most out of their classes and so that they are developing the skills that they need to be successful.

Close reading, writing, and STEM-focused activities will be the focus of the course. All three of the skills are designed for a deeper understanding of the materials and for learning how to analyze and utilize them in our own writing. Students will learn how to perform a close reading of difficult material while being able to participate in collaborative discussions. We will be seeing how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics play a major role in our daily lives. With each novel, we will do analytical activities such as reading graphs, charts, statistics, and research activities that students can directly connect to careers in the STEM field. We will write every single day but the length will vary. If you have questions about the work, please let me know as I am happy to answer any questions that you might have!

Week 1: Introduction to Semester Course
     - Introduction and Welcome
     - Student "Interviews" - Goals, Experiences, and Interests
     - Writing Effective Analytical Paragraphs
     - Introduction to Google Drive
     - Introduction STEM and Stem-Focused Language Classes
     - STEM Career Focus for Class
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 

Week 2: The Martian
     - MLA Citations
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 
     - Introduction to the Novel and Author
     - Introduction to NASA and Mars Missions
     - Real-Life Applications of The Martian
     - Mark Watney, the Character
     - Conflict Discussion

Week 3: The Martian
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 
     - The Science and Math of The Martian
     - The Engineering and Technology of The Martian
     - Real-Life Applications of The Martian
     - Mini-Writing Prompt

Week 4: The Martian
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 
     - Character Development
     - Practicality of The Mission
     - Use of Language as a Form of Development
     - Problem-Solving with Minimal Margins
     - Mini-Writing Prompt: STEM within the Novel

Week 5: The Martian
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 
     - Continued Character Development
     - Conflict and Plot Development
     - The Relationships of STEM in the Real-World
     - Mini-Writing Prompt: STEM within the Novel

Week 6: The Martian
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 
     - STEM Career Compare and Contrast Investigation
     - STEM Career Timelines and Development
     - STEM within the Novel
     - Career Investigations Essay

Week 7: Transition to Outliers
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 
     - STEM Career Research and Activities
     - Slideshow Development and Cross-Curricular Connections
     - Career Investigative Report
     - Introduction to Outliers
          - Introduction to the Novel and Author

Week 8: Outliers
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 
     - Chapters 1 - 2
          - Definition of Success and Other Key Elements
          - The Matthew Effect
          - The 10,000 Hour Rule

Week 9: Outliers
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 
     - Chapters 3 - 5
          - The Trouble with Geniuses, Part One
          - The Trouble with Geniuses, Part Two
          - The Three Lessons of Joe Flom

Week 10: Outliers
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 
     - Chapters 6 - 8
          - Harlan, Kentucky
          - The Theory of Plane Crashes
          - Rice Paddies and Math Tests

Week 11: Outliers
     - Mini-STEM Leader or Current Event Discussion 
     - Chapters 9 - Epilogue
          - Marita's Bargain
          - A Jamaican Story

Week 12: STEM Leadership Annotated Bibliography
     - Citations
     - Works Cited vs. Bibliography vs. Annotated Bibliography
     - Research and Evidence Collection
     - Graphic Organizers
     - Graphs, Charts, Statistics, and More

Week 13: STEM Leadership Research Reports
     - Choosing a STEM Leader to Research
     - Research Elements
     - Argumentative Research vs. Research Reports

Week 14: STEM Leadership Presentations
     - Choosing a STEM Leader to Research
     - Research Elements
     - Argumentative Research vs. Research Reports
     - Presenting Leaders

*** Thank you for your consideration of my class. Please note that the proficiency levels and grades that are listed in the course description are recommendations but all students are welcome! Through professional training, I have developed classes with writing, reading, and discussions that can be modified to meet each student’s individual needs. For students who are interested in Honors and Advanced Options for transcripts, please reach out as soon as possible so that we can arrange transcript details for you!

Please note that while the course is designed with 11th and 12th-grade students in mind, I have a flexible age range. Students of varying ages are welcome if this class's curriculum, content, skills, teaching style, etc. fit their needs. I encourage all students and parents interested in my class to contact me with questions they might have! ***