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.

College STEM Programs:

Data Science Programs:  Information about a number of college programs in Data Science.

Somic Packaging Corporation Apprenticeship program: Somic is offering a tremendous opportunity to earn while you learn. This is a 3-year program that combines a mix of coursework in mechatronics at Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie with work experiences at Somic. Somic Packaging will pay for your college coursework AND pay you during the work portion of the experience. Your commitment will be to work at Somic Packaging for two years after completing this program. Mechatronics technicians start at around $26/hour and can earn about much as $50/hour as they gain experience. This program is part of the ICATT Apprenticeship program.  View these documents for more details:  Top 5 Questions about the ICATT Apprenticeship Program, ICATT Program Virtual Info Session Slides. 

Contact Ken Williams to find out more and apply to the program: k.williams@somic.us. 

• Earn while you learn at e nationally credentialed college program. 
• No college debt
• Receive quality pay 
• Work at a hands-on problem solving job

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.

SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS: 

• The Global Leadership Conference at John Hopkins University: The Global Health Leaders Conference at Johns Hopkins University is a leading global health education program open to students of any nationality in grades 9-12 (high school / secondary school). Through our international conference, students learn about issues in global health, public health, and medicine directly from world leaders in these fields through engaging lectures, forge connections with like-minded exceptional students from around the world, and share their own work and ideas on global health topics by having the opportunity to present in our Student Speaker Series.  The GHLC at JHU is a virtual summer program held via Zoom. Typically, programming starts in June and ends by August, with 1-2 virtual events per week. To clarify, the program is a series of virtual events mostly held on weekends. If an admitted student cannot attend parts of the programming synchronously/live, there will be asynchronous options for students to watch the content they miss.  APPLY HERE..Early application deadline = Jan. 20. Final deadline = March 1. 

• Most Prestigious and Competitive Summer Programs: Listing of the most competitive and prestigious STEM summer programs.
• 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. 

Upcoming Opportunities: 

University of MN - Rochester Tour: Dec. 12 from 7:40 am - 2:30 pm.  UM-R is a highly specialized university that offers only 2 majors. These are Health Science and Health Professions. UM-R is housed in an office building near the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It does not even look like a college.  It is NOT a great option for many students because it is so highly specialized.  It is GREAT option for students who are sure they want to pursue careers in healthcare and are ok going to a college that does not have a traditional campus.  I can take up to 9 students on this tour.  Complete the Google form to let me know who you are and why you want to attend.  If I select you to attend, i will send you the field trip permission form. 

American Academy of Physical Therapy (AAPT) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting , 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada).  Every month on the Third Tue, until Dec 19, 2023, 4 occurrence(s)

        Sep 19, 2023 06:30 PM. Nursing and Scholarship.  Other dates: Nov. 21, Dec. 19

Join Zoom Meeting.  Meeting ID: 893 5770 0997. Passcode: 442219

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89357700997?pwd=Uk9TL0ZuYmFMQWZ3Zkg5Zyt5SGpSdz09

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