Conroe ISD Academy of Science and Technology
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The Conroe Independent School District Academy of Science and Technology, in Conroe, Texas is a specialized magnet school in science and technology; also a member of NCSSSMST. It is currently spread between Oak Ridge High School and The Woodlands College Park High School and is being relocated to The Woodlands College Park High School. The transition will be complete by the school year 2007-2008.
Math, science, and electives in these areas are taught by the AST faculty, with most of these classes including students only from the Academy. All other courses are taken with the high school in the same way they are for students who are not in the magnet program.
In order to obtain membership to the Academy of Science and Technology, one must go through a process of applying, testing, essay reviewing, and eventually an interview with two members of the Academy of Science and Technology faculty. For each class, there are about 65 to 77 students accepted. There are currently a total of 270 students in the Academy (updated October 28, 2006).
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[edit] Academy Mission
| Our mission is to prepare students having a strong interest in mathematics, the sciences, and technology for success in college and life. We will provide a challenging and innovative program designed to develop student responsibility, motivation, and commitment to learning within an ethical learning community emphasizing trust and cooperation. |
[edit] Fish Camp
As a means of being "inducted" into the Academy, all incoming students are expected to attend a traditional three day camp. It is held about two weeks prior to the start of each school year and campers consist mainly of incoming freshmen, as well as newly accepted upperclassmen. AST upperclassmen volunteer and are selected to serve as counselors to the new students. Various outdoor activities take place in the three days, including the challenge course (high ropes and low ropes) and other teamwork building exercises. The purpose of this three day camp is for new students to meet upperclassmen, to interact with each other, and to promote the four virtues of teamwork, responsibility, integrity, and perseverance. Through writing a report on the experience, Academy students may earn their first 2 "Exploration credits" towards graduation from AST.
[edit] Additional AST Requirements
[edit] Research And Problems
Each AST student is required to complete a Research And Problems project for local credit each year; in the first year, all are required to do science fair. Many proceed to the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston after district competition, and the Academy of Science and Technology has a strong record of having students in all grades proceed to the ExxonMobil Texas State Science and Engineering Fair and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Other options for Research And Problems include BEST Robotics, Destination Imagination, Engineering Competitions, Biotechnology, and Environmental Competitions.
[edit] Internship
All students are also required to complete an internship in the technical, medical, or scientific community of at least 80 hours. Students have completed internships at NASA, Memorial Hermann hospitals, and the National Zoo, among many others. The internship is normally done in a student's junior or senior year.
[edit] Explorations
14 "Exploration credits" must be earned by each student for local credit, to graduate from the AST, and to begin his or her internship. These credits are earned through several means: Job shadowing in a technical, scientific, or medical field; documented and researched exploration trips to places such as Alaska or the Galapagos Islands; and approved student-proposed explorations that are relevant to scientific fields.
[edit] Other Activities
AST students are omnipresent in such clubs as Mu Alpha Theta and Leo Club; in addition, they participate in the parent school's activities, including band, drama, and athletics.
[edit] External links
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