Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Marine Military Academy: STEM Program

stemSTEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Recent studies have revealed that the United States is behind many countries in these areas and an increased focus on them is required if we are to retain our position as a world leader. Students must take advanced courses in STEM subjects not only to compete on a global level, but to help them think critically, solve complex problems and drive advancements in science and technology.

Though there is no such thing as a “STEM school,” Marine Military Academy is one school that is pushing STEM education to ensure that our graduates are well prepared for the scholastic challenges at the college level.

The four STEM subjects:

  1. Science –  the study of the natural world, including the laws of nature associated with physics, chemistry, and biology .
  2. Technology –  the entire system of people and organizations, knowledge, processes, and devices that go into creating and operating technological tools.
  3. Engineering – the body of knowledge about the design and creation of products and a process for solving problems.
  4. Mathematics –  the study of patterns and relationships among quantities, numbers, and shapes; both  theoretical mathematics and applied mathematics.

STEM at Marine Military Academy

  • Provides a challenging and rigorous program of study focusing on the application of STEM subjects .
  • Offers courses and pathways for preparation in STEM fields and occupations.
  • Bridges and connects in-school and out-of-school learning opportunities.
  • Provides opportunities for student exploration of STEM related fields and careers.
  • Prepares students for successful post-secondary  education, employment or both.

During the summer of 2010, Marine Military Academy hosted a STEM camp for students in the Rio Grande Valley.  Classes for this camp were provided by Texas State Technical College, located adjacent to MMA. Approximately 150 students attended the one-week program.

Why STEM

U.S. News reports that roughly 30 percent of chemistry and physics teachers in public high schools did not major in these fields and have not earned a certificate to teach those subjects, according to a new survey released Monday by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Half of earth science teachers are similarly unqualified.

For additional information on this issue, check out the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century

Marine Military Academy has a total of 10 teachers in what are considered the STEM fields. One hundred percent hold degrees, and 80 percent majored or minored is in the field they are currently teaching.  Additionally, 40 percent of those teachers hold advanced degrees in their field, placing MMA well above the national average in teachers for these critical areas.

While the future stability of our economy is unknown, MMA is positioning our graduates to take advantage of the growth in science and engineering jobs. This means MMA graduates will be at an advantage when competing for the high-tech, high-wage jobs of the future.

stem

To learn more about Marine Military Academy, visit our website at http://www.mma-tx.org

 

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