PIE

Partner in Education

Science, Technology, and Math (STEM)

Traverse City Area Public Schools recognizes the importance of information literacy and numeracy skills for our students. TCAPS' Elementary Science uses an inquiry-based science curriculum, while Secondary Science has aligned their curriculum in order to meet the new graduation requirements set forth by the State of Michigan.

Your support for the following STEM programs can help provide real-world learning connections for our students. We are seeking expert mentors, project-based learning opportunities, and funds for field trips and FIRST teams.

To donate to STEM for wherever the need is greatest,
please click on the button below:

Current Projects/Programs Include (but not limited to):

SCI-MA-TECH K-12

An enhanced science, math, and technology program designed to inspire and challenge students through an individualized and integrated curriculum. Designed to fully prepare high school students for success in post-secondary education and beyond, the rigorous curriculum engages students through participation in exciting and innovated explorations. Currently, SCI-MA-TECH is housed at Central High School but is available, through selective application process in ninth grade, to all TCAPS high school students. Specific areas of study include advanced Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry, Physics, Trigonometry, Calculus, Biology, Measurement and Instrumentation, CAD Programming and Independent Research.

Student Spaceflight Experiments Program

TC West Senior High School students have recently been invited to participate in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 3 to the International Space Station (ISS). The program will immerse 626 students in grades 9-12 in real microgravity experiment design and proposal writing. Patrick Gillespie, TCAPS Physics and Chemistry teacher, spearheaded the proposal that was approved for TC West Senior High School students to participate in the very prestigious spaceflight program. The participation fee for the curriculum and implementation will cost the school $20,000 and will be underwritten primarily by public and private donors. Fundraising is currently underway. Gillespie stated, “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students and for our community. The Student Spaceflight Experiment Program has everything you want science education to be- full of engaging, relevant, and real world experiences. To top it off, we actually send one of our student experiments to the International Space Station! Click here to help support this program.

FIRST Robotics

FIRST challenges teams of young people and their mentors to build a robot to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard kit of parts.

FIRST Lego League

A Lego Robotics competition designed to inspire teamwork, technical strategies, and gracious professionalism in students from 9-14 years of age. Teams are given a 4’x8’ game field with specific missions. The teams build a robot that can complete as many objectives as possible in a two-minute and 30-second match time. Students can earn additional points by answering technical questions, performing a spontaneous requirement, and creating a project they can share with their community.

Return to PIE home page

PIE

Partner in Education

Science, Technology, and Math (STEM)

Traverse City Area Public Schools recognizes the importance of information literacy and numeracy skills for our students. TCAPS' Elementary Science uses an inquiry-based science curriculum, while Secondary Science has aligned their curriculum in order to meet the new graduation requirements set forth by the State of Michigan.

Your support for the following STEM programs can help provide real-world learning connections for our students. We are seeking expert mentors, project-based learning opportunities, and funds for field trips and FIRST teams.

To donate to STEM for wherever the need is greatest,
please click on the button below:

Current Projects/Programs Include (but not limited to):

SCI-MA-TECH K-12

An enhanced science, math, and technology program designed to inspire and challenge students through an individualized and integrated curriculum. Designed to fully prepare high school students for success in post-secondary education and beyond, the rigorous curriculum engages students through participation in exciting and innovated explorations. Currently, SCI-MA-TECH is housed at Central High School but is available, through selective application process in ninth grade, to all TCAPS high school students. Specific areas of study include advanced Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry, Physics, Trigonometry, Calculus, Biology, Measurement and Instrumentation, CAD Programming and Independent Research.

Student Spaceflight Experiments Program

TC West Senior High School students have recently been invited to participate in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 3 to the International Space Station (ISS). The program will immerse 626 students in grades 9-12 in real microgravity experiment design and proposal writing. Patrick Gillespie, TCAPS Physics and Chemistry teacher, spearheaded the proposal that was approved for TC West Senior High School students to participate in the very prestigious spaceflight program. The participation fee for the curriculum and implementation will cost the school $20,000 and will be underwritten primarily by public and private donors. Fundraising is currently underway. Gillespie stated, “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students and for our community. The Student Spaceflight Experiment Program has everything you want science education to be- full of engaging, relevant, and real world experiences. To top it off, we actually send one of our student experiments to the International Space Station! Click here to help support this program.

FIRST Robotics

FIRST challenges teams of young people and their mentors to build a robot to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard kit of parts.

FIRST Lego League

A Lego Robotics competition designed to inspire teamwork, technical strategies, and gracious professionalism in students from 9-14 years of age. Teams are given a 4’x8’ game field with specific missions. The teams build a robot that can complete as many objectives as possible in a two-minute and 30-second match time. Students can earn additional points by answering technical questions, performing a spontaneous requirement, and creating a project they can share with their community.

Return to PIE home page