E3 STEM

Our proven and unique E³ STEM Program at AVHS is an optional path to take within our Award Winning Triple A School that focuses on the Exploration, Education and Employment of our students in all STEM career possibilities. While AVHS has a STEM For All philosophy, this program gives students a chance to sign up and dig deeper into what STEM can offer after they graduate.

This program is designed to connect Apple Valley students with a variety of experiences that will prepare them for postsecondary education and careers in STEM fields.  We provide opportunities for free college credits, connections with local business partners, real-world problem-solving experiences, and support services to help each student reach his/her full potential.  Within the program, students select a career pathway that guides their course selection and their job shadow and mentoring opportunities.  Students have access to individualized career and college counseling, tutoring in math and science, the support of our cohort model, and workshops on career readiness. 

While enrolled in E³ STEM you will have more opportunities to explore STEM careers than there are days that we are in school. These experiences happen in field trips, career counseling, 1 on 1 with business professionals, college tours, clubs & activities, job shadowing & internship possibilities, and more! 

 

Education is the base of what we do at AVHS. While all students can take the following courses due to our STEM For All philosophy, these courses play directly with how our students explore future employment opportunities. taking one or all of these courses would help shape a student to be comfortable in all aspects of a STEM education - and they are all offered at AVHS! Here is a sample of STEM courses offered at AVHS:

Certified Nursing Assistants are in high demand and provide entry into all aspects of health care. Through hands-on and laboratory experience, students will understand the role of a nursing assistant, develop the skills to address patients’ basic needs and apply their skills in a clinical setting. Students taking this course will take both the written and skills exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistants on the Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Registry. • Students successfully completing Certified Nursing Assistant may have the opportunity to earn college credit from a post-secondary institution.  There are openings for the trimester 2 sections offered at the School of Environmental Studies. This course is open to juniors and seniors.  There are also openings for the sections offered in trimester 3 at Apple Valley High School. This is a 2-period block class.  Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss this option and see if you can work this into your schedule for this year or possibly next year if you are a junior.  

Drone Construction, Modification and Flight 3005 + Advanced Drone Construction 3050
As the uses of drones continue to grow in society, this course will allow students to create and design their own drones through the use of our International Fabrication Lab and E3STEM program. The Advanced Drone Construction course builds on the skills developed in Drone Construction. This class will focus on building, modifying, and flying brushless motored drones which are modified through student coding. Students will go beyond simply flying drones, learning the open firmware built into the drone, allowing for modifications through coding.

Mobile Apps Development F-3660, W-3661, S-3662
The Mobile Applications Development Computer Science course is a class in which students will learn another programming language, explore Graphical User Interfaces (GUI), and create applications for general use. This course is designed to provide students with a real-life experience in the full evolution of Application Development: conception, definition, creation, testing, deployment, and support. Students will learn the Objective C programming language and the Xcode Integrated Development Environment tool set. There will be a focus on the Graphical User Interface for the iPad, iPhone and Mac platforms. This course will require students to find a working professional (the User) who needs an Application developed. Students will design an App which meets the requirements of the User and get agreement that the design meets the requirements of the User. Finally, the student will implement, test and deliver the App to the User. The first trimester will focus on learning the new language and development tool set. The second and third trimesters will focus on specifications, design, development, testing and delivery of the Application by a team of students.

College Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (CLA/Diff Eq) F-3657, W-3658, S-3659
This course is an introduction to college linear algebra and to differential equations and is intended for students who have successfully completed Calculus BC or an equivalent course. Linear Algebra topics include systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations and eigenvalues, eigenvectors, etc. Selected applications and use of technology will be included. Coverage in the area of differential equations includes basic definitions, ideas, and terminology of ordinary differential equations, as well as problem-solving techniques. Specific topics covered include solutions and applications of first-order differential equations, solutions of linear differential equations of higher order, second-order differential equations, and systems of linear differential equations.

Fab Lab Essentials 3001
Explore the Fab Lab and learn how to create, design, and produce various products. This course will be an introduction to the 2D, 3D, and CNC-controlled machines in the Fab Lab. Students will also be introduced to the design process and documentation used in engineering-related fields. Students will be expected to complete rudimentary tasks necessary for the basic operation of the Fab Lab equipment. Basic hands-on projects will be designed and created throughout the course to demonstrate mastery of the equipment operations.

Choreography & Media F-4241, W-4242, S-4243 (Full Year)
Choreography and Media is a fast-paced intermediate-level course that distinguishes the AVHS dance
department from all other programs in the state. It expands upon the dance techniques of Modern, Jazz,
Hip Hop, and more including a strong focus on choreography skills and group collaboration. Students will
also study different multi-media programs as they relate to dance such as Garageband, iMovie, the Google
Suite, and more. Students will infuse a variety of techniques and creative skills into their choreography
through the use of props, video projections, music editing, and video making. Group work, historical
research, collaboration skills, self-discipline, and self-motivation are crucial for this class.

College in the Schools (CIS) - Human Physiology, Technology and Medical Devices F-5064, W-5065, S-5066
CIS Human Physiology, Technology and Medical Devices is a year-long course. The course is the study of the
organization, structure, function, and interrelationships of the major systems of the human body and their response to disease. This course is a lab and activity-based course (including dissections) that requires memorization, reading, and note-taking skills. This college-credit course is recommended for students with an interest in pursuing a medically oriented or health career. The fall trimester covers body orientation and nomenclature, histology, the integumentary system, bones, the skeletal system, and joints. The winter trimester covers muscle anatomy and physiology. The spring trimester covers the nervous system, blood, and the cardiovascular system. This course uses a college-level textbook.

Unified Physical Education 4650
In this course, General Education and Adapted Physical Education students will learn and work together. Students will support one another while learning the knowledge and skills to maintain a health-enhancing lifestyle of physical activity and fitness. Students will participate and learn to make modifications by playing basketball, kickball, softball, soccer, floor hockey and volleyball. They will also work cooperatively on strength training, fitness testing, biking and scooter activities. Through ongoing leadership opportunities, students will also be empowered to create a more inclusive and accepting school environment for all students.

Experiential Learning Program: Data Research Methods: Summer 2023 Session: June 26 – August 18, 2023 The Data Champions Team at Renaissance is accepting applications to the Renaissance Experiential Learning Program in Data Research Methods, a practicum experience focused on building skill in scientific thinking, data analysis, and computer science principles. Accepted student interns will learn computational data analysis and scientific research fundamentals in the context of an applied, student-driven research study aimed at social good. Over the course of 8 weeks, interns will design, implement, and showcase a data-driven research study on a topic of their choice. During this time, they will gain experience with real-world industry-standard tools, including Python, GitHub, and Jupyter Notebooks. Details: Renaissance_EXL_DRM_info_sheet_2023_summer_sessiondocx.pdf

What You’ll Do: Working entirely online, you get to experience what it’s like to do real research into some of society’s most pressing problems: things like climate change, education, economics, public health, and others. You choose a topic that resonates with you, and professional researchers and data scientists will help you narrow it down and find data that can answer your question. These experts will guide you along the way, helping with statistics, programming, data visualization, and all of the other parts of the process. You’ll learn to use the same tools that industry professionals use, so you’ll be better prepared when it comes time to apply to jobs later in life. You will join other students from around the country who are learning to use the same skills, and you’ll have opportunities to meet Renaissance employees in other roles to help you understand what it takes to get into different fields.

Why Apply?

Students in this selective program will:
● Learn software and research tools used in the real world
● See what career researchers and programmers do day-to-day
● Learn about a variety of career paths by meeting employees in many different roles
● Be part of a community of passionate learners and mission-driven employees, dedicated to bettering our world

The Renaissance Experiential Learning Program is completely free, looks great on your college application and résumé, and may qualify for academic credit at your high school

How to Apply:

1. Before the deadline of April 21, 2023, interested candidates should submit their application to:

   Jon.Stelman@renaissance.com.

2. Your application should contain the following:

   1. A résumé containing your name, relevant coursework, and, if applicable, any relevant experience such as projects, a publicly viewable GitHub portfolio, etc.

   2. A statement of interest in the program. The statement should respond to the following question:

      How have you explored your interest in scientific research or data science in the past, and why do you want to continue learning about these fields?”

      Please keep your statement to fewer than 700 words (~2.5 double-spaced pages).

3. Select applicants will be invited for a short video interview, about 20 minutes, where they will be asked about any specific experience in scientific analysis and programming.

4. Letters of acceptance will be emailed by mid-May.

 

Being a part of E3 STEM will automatically get you networking with professionals in the field. By bringing in our extensive list of business partners to do informational interviews our students get a chance to meet with the people who are potentially their colleagues in the future and have honest conversations about their work. This program also offers Job Shadows with local businesses and internships that are available to students ready to take a part of their school day and get immersed in the fields they love. While we cannot guarantee that students will get hired right out of the program, our partners notice this experience when seeing it on a resume they are considering! Get a head start right out of high school by joining the E3 STEM program at AVHS.

Exploration and Education are two big pieces in the STEM path, but the most important one may be to get employment in your chosen field. With the E3 STEM program we are committed to helping our students get hired right out of high school or have the experiences needed to find work while pursuing a higher education degree. It is important to remember that both experience and education are important to employers! We prepare our students in many ways as they approach graduation, and here is the layout of one of them - Get Hired Workshops:

Professional Behavior and Attire - Students learn understand appropriate workplace behavior and dress. In this workshop, students will:

• Describe professional behavior.
• Discuss and assess communication skills appropriate/not appropriate for the workplace.
• Identify appropriate times and uses of technology.
• Compare and contrast different occupations and professional attire related to the occupations.
• Define time management in relation to the work setting.

Cover Letter, Resume, and Thank You Letter Writing - Students develop understanding the importance of well composed cover letters, resumes, and thank you letters relevant to specific occupations. In this workshop, students will:

• Identify exemplary letters and resumes.
• Discuss and prepare different letters and resumes.
• Evaluate and provide feedback on letters and resumes composed by classmates.
• Explain formats, effective wording, length, and time of completion.

Interviews - Students learn to understand types of interviews, how to prepare their interview skills, be critiqued, and provide constructive feedback to classmates. In this workshop, students will:

• Identify different types of interviews.
• Explain different interviews, appropriate behavior and attire.
• Prepare for and practice different styles of interviews.
• Critique classmates via live observation and videotaped interviews.
• Evaluate self through watching taped interviews.

Panel Presentation and Discussion - Listen to a panel of experts on the dos/don'ts of presenting self through letters, resumes, and the interview process. There will be time for questions and one-one work with panelists to provide feedback on letters and videos. In this workshop, students will:

• Review job search process with experts in the field.
• Incorporate panelists’ input into draft letters and resumes.
• Break down practice interviews and continue to refine skills.

Upcoming Opportunities: 

We’re very excited to announce upcoming sessions of the Perry Virtual Experience. The Perry Virtual Experience is a free, 2.5-hour, interactive online experience for high school and college-aged women who gender-identify as women or nonbinary and are interested in pursuing careers in orthopedic surgery and engineering. Participants will hear from women leaders in these fields and dive into online orthopedic simulations and biomechanics experiments.  Women in high school and college who have an interest in science, medicine, and/or engineering are now invited to register for a session of the Perry Virtual Experience. We would appreciate it if you could pass along this information to any educators or students you may know. Students should be directed to fill out the online registration for one session that best fits their schedule. Most sessions are available to participants in any location, but some sessions are for a focused geographic area. The upcoming virtual program dates are: March 21, April 11, April 29.  A live Perry Outreach event is taking place in Rochester on June 10.  Click HERE for more on that live event. 

Details for each session can be found at: https://perryinitiative.org/calendar/

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University of Minnesota Mini Medical School: Join Us for One or More Sessions. Wednesdays, April 5, 12, and 19. 5-6 p.m. Central Time via Zoom. This event is virtual, free, and open to the public.  There is no doubt that aging affects us all. We are confronted with learning to care for older loved ones and considering our own futures as we age. Aging and Health explores how aging healthily isn’t just a personal issue; it is also one of the most pressing health concerns. REGISTER HERE

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2023 Data Derby, Saturday, April 8:  Do You Have Passion For Data & Analytics? 

A 1-day competition for individuals or a team to solve questions using provided datasets. This competition will be held on April 8th. Location: Hennepin Technical College – Eden Prairie. Competition Theme: Food Costs. No experience is required. There will be a high-school level so you will be competing against other high school students.  Register HERE. What is data analytics? Watch this video.

• Individual or a team (2 to 4 students)
• High School, Undergraduate, or Graduate students
• If under the age of 18, need parental approval

Nice Skills to Have:  You can address data challenges in any way you know how. Programming or SQL knowledge is helpful, but not essential to win. Any openly available tool or application is allowed including:

• Spreadsheets
• Statistical packages
• Common programming language (such as Java, Python, and SQL)
• Visualization tools (such as Tableau, and SAP) packages
• Common Office Productivity Tools (such as Microsoft Office Suite)

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Unisys Career Exploration Field Trip: April 13 from 10:50 am - 2:00 pm.  Sign up HERE.  We can take up to 30. We will be stopping near in Unisys in Eagan for lunch at a location with multiple options.  Bring money for lunch if you bring a bag lunch. 

Unisys Corp (Unisys) is a provider of information technology solutions. The company offers digital transformation and workplace services; industry applications and services; security software and services; application services, security solutions, cloud and infrastructures, and enterprise computing.

What are the products of Unisys?

• Cloud Management Platforms.
• Data Recovery.
• Enterprise IT Management.
• Enterprise Mobility Management.
• Incident Management.
• IT Asset Management.
• Mobile Device Management (MDM)
• Process Automation.

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2023 Data Derby, Saturday, April 8:  Do You Have Passion For Data & Analytics? 

A 1-day competition for individuals or a team to solve questions using provided datasets. This competition will be held on April 8th. Location: Hennepin Technical College – Eden Prairie. Competition Theme: Food Costs. No experience is required. There will be a high-school level so you will be competing against other high school students.  Register HERE. What is data analytics? Watch this video.

• Individual or a team (2 to 4 students)
• High School, Undergraduate, or Graduate students
• If under the age of 18, need parental approval

Nice Skills to Have:  You can address data challenges in any way you know how. Programming or SQL knowledge is helpful, but not essential to win. Any openly available tool or application is allowed including:

• Spreadsheets
• Statistical packages
• Common programming language (such as Java, Python, and SQL)
• Visualization tools (such as Tableau, and SAP) packages
• Common Office Productivity Tools (such as Microsoft Office Suite)

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TEEN JOB FAIR - SATURDAY, APRIL 15 FROM 10 - 2:  Galaxie Library. Free event designed for teen aged 16+ and young adults along with parents are welcome to attend. Meet with many employers who are hiring. Event FLYER.

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Northland Hackathon - Saturday, April 15 from 10 - 5.  REMOVE/FREE!

LEARN MORE HERE AND SIGN UP

What is a hackathon?  A chance to learn more about building things on the internet, writing code, and exploring careers in tech. Northland Hackathon will take place throughout the day, bringing together mentors and students around the state in a fully remote capacity.  View videos to learn more:  Video #1, Video #2

Why?  Minnesota is last in the nation for offering computer science classes in high school - source.

What happens?  It's a day of building, but we also have talks with career & college advice from tech insiders. Get the cal here to see our schedule.

Who is this for?  Northland Hackathon is for high school students in Minnesota who want to learn how to make their own apps, websites, or learn more about tech -- all welcome. You can be interested in how to code, wanting to design websites or apps, or just looking to learn more about what working at snap, meta, tiktok, microsoft looks like.

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Dougherty Family College (DFC) (University of St. Thomas) tour. April 17.  9:00 - 1:30. Dougherty Family College provides students with the academic, personal and financial support to earn an associate degree and a clear pathway to achieve a four-year college degree. We can take up to 16 students on this tour. We will stop for lunch on the way back to school.  Bring money for lunch or a bag lunch. Details below.  SIgn up HERE.

10:15 AM	Admissions Presentation with Q&A - Your visit will start with a presentation on the Dougherty Family College where you'll learn about academics, campus life, the application process and financial aid. You'll have time to connect with an admissions representative and ask questions about our 2-year program. The presentation will last about 1 hour.	Terrence Murphy Hall (TMH)
11:00 AM	Campus Tour	Terrence Murphy Hall (TMH)
11:15 AM	Depart Campus

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Augsburg University College Tour: April 19. 9:40 am - 2:00 pm.  We can take up to 9 students on this tour. The tour runs from 11:00 - 12:00.  We will stop for lunch after the tour in Eagan. Bring money for lunch or a bag lunch.  Sign up HERE.

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Experience Aviation Careers Field trip. Mankato Regional Airport. April 26 from 7:40 am - 2:00 pm. Meet aviation professionals, learn about educational programs and careers in aviation, tour airport facility. Room for 25 students. Sign up HERE.  Flyer.  View schedule below: 

• 8:00 AM: Departure from District 196
• 9:30 AM: Arrival at MN State – Mankato
• 9:30 – 11:30 AM: Aviation program
• 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Lunch with aviation professionals and students mixed up for informal discussions about careers in aviation.
• 12:15 PM: Departure from MN State – Mankato
• 1:45 PM: Arrival back in District 196

 

 

 

 

 

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SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS: 

• Most Prestigious and Competitive Summer Programs: Listing of the most competitive and prestigious STEM summer programming.
• STEM Summer Camps & Programs in or Near Minnesota:  Programs covering multiple areas of interest. 
• STEM Summer Internships and other programs: Listing of virtual and live opportunities. 

 

Ongoing Opportunities:

MSP Women in STE[A]M: Sign up to connect with a BIPOC woman working in a STEM field for mentoring.  Sign up HERE.  Youtube promo video.

Perry Virtual Experience: The Perry Virtual Experience is a free, 2.5-hour, interactive online experience for high school and college-aged women who are interested in pursuing careers in orthopedic surgery and engineering. Participants will hear from women leaders in these fields and dive into online orthopedic simulations and biomechanics experiments. Additional information can be found on our website: https://perryinitiative.org/pve/.  APPLY HERE.   

TRIA - A Day in the Life of an Orthopedic Specialist Program: This program is intended to provide you with information about various orthopedic professions. Each presentation might include details on schooling/program, requirements, getting into practice/the workforce, salary, and what a typical day is like for an orthopedic specialist at TRIA. We will also touch base on TRIA’s philosophy on patient-centered care, learn about a few of our unique programs, and even view a previously recorded ACL reconstruction surgery. After attending TRIA Day in the life, you will receive an evaluation of this course. We would really appreciate you taking the time to let us know your thoughts. Learn more HERE.  

Upcoming Program Dates: (Note, due to COVID, these will be virtual events).  If you register for one of these, contact Mr. Lynch to be excused from class to attend. 

Video presentations from BIPOC technology professionals working in key STEM career fields to inspire students. PowerUP IT – a program offered by the Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence, invites high school educators throughout Minnesota to utilize assembled and cataloged video content featuring Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) technology professionals discussing their IT roles, technical interests, educational and career paths, and providing professional development guidance.  The program is offered in collaboration with the Minnesota STEM Partnership. Search for and learn about a wide variety of BIOPOC STEM professionals HERE.

STEM Professional Informational Interview:  Want to talk to a professional working in a STEM career of interest for you?  We can make this happen.  Contact Mr. Lynch on Schoology or through email (james.lynch@district196.org) and let him know you which type of STEM professional you would like to meet.  This will be a Zoom session during the pandemic.  Parents, we are always seeking more STEM professionals to help with these and other career exploration activities.  

What is an apprenticeship? : Customized and hands-on, apprenticeships allow you to learn and earn. Your wages increase as you master job-specific skills through classroom and on-the-job training. Apprenticeships offer rewarding careers and flexible work/life balance. To obtain an apprenticeship, apply directly to the employer's personnel or hiring office using this comprehensive sponsor directory. DLI is available for questions and support, but does not supply apprenticeship jobs directly. Apprenticeship. Your path to success.  Learn more here and find apprenticeship programs. 

Not a field trip but still a great way to explore engineering!  Consider joining the AVHS Rocket Team.