Science and Technology Program
The Science and Technology Program (STP) is a highly structured, four-year academic program. Of twenty-eight possible credits, a student is required to obtain a minimum of thirteen credits in specific mathematics, pre-engineering technology, research and science courses. In grades nine and ten, the program consists of common experiences courses for all student. In grades eleven and twelve, each student must choose course work from at least one of four majore study areas. Students are expected to be enrolled in a full schedule of classes during the entire four-year program. External experiences are possible and encouraged, but must be a direct extension or enrichment of the Science and Technology Program, and have the recommendation of the Science and Technology Center Coordinator prior to approval by the principal.
The program was established in 1976, and is offered at three centers: Oxon Hill (serving the southern part of the county), Eleanor Roosevelt High School (serving the northern area of Prince George's County), and Charles Herbert Flowers High School (serving the central part of the county). Each school is a four-year comprehensive high school, as well as a Science and Technology Center. Each STP is an active member of the National Consortium of Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology (NCSSSMST).
Currently, five-hundred and twenty-five students (between the four grade levels) are enrolled in the program. This is roughly 23% of the student enrollment of about twenty-three hundred. Students have consistently performed at a high level of success on the Scholastic Achievement Tests, with many being identified as National Merit Scholars and National Achievement Finalists.
Admission to the program is highly competitive, and students represent the top 5% of the county. Each year up to 2,000 students test for the 500 to 525 seats. Students are admitted by a combination of earned grades and a two-part comprehensive examination. The average of grades in English, social studies, mathematics and science is computed per quarter at the end of each student's preceding grade level. LIkewise, the first quarter grades of his/her current grade level is put into consideration. A standardized verbal and numerical ability test will be administered as a two-part competitive examination. The rest is administered at the Science and Technology high schools, and at several area middle schools each December.
At the end of tenth grade, students choose one major study area: pre-engineering technology, biological sciences, physical sciences, or science and technology exploration (i.e. computer science). The following course requirements correspond with each area of study:
Pre-engineering technology (PET)
- One advanced technology STP course: electronics/energy systems or production/statics systems
- One drafting and design STP course: engineering or architectural drafting and design
- One dpecific dcience elective
- Mathematics through pre-calculus
- Research practicum
Biological science
- One advanced chemistry course: AP chem or bio-organic chem
- AP biology
- One specific science elective
- Mathematics through pre-calculus
- Research practicum
H.S.L Physical science
- AP chemistry
- AP physics
- One specific science elective
- Mathematics through calculus
- Research practicum
Computer science
- Computer mathematics
- AP computer science
- One specific science elective
- Mathematics through pre-calculus
- Research practicum
Read more about this topic: Oxon Hill High School
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