Hutchinson's STEM Magnet Program is an introduction to engineering principles and a pathway into the Engineering Academy at La Mirada High School.
Our sequence of courses begins in 6th grade and have PLTW: Project Lead the Way component. If you would like to apply for our Magnet Program, the application is below.
You can submit an application through the link below beginning on March 1st, 2023 at 8:00 AM.
(Link will be live here on 3/1/23 at 8:00 AM)
STEM MAGNET PROGRAM
(FULL YEAR COURSES)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a nationally recognized computer science and engineering program. It provides transformative learning experiences by engaging students in hands-on activities, projects, and problems; empowering them to solve real-world challenges and inspiring them to re-imagine how they see themselves. The skills that our students develop here at Hutchinson Middle School align with La Mirada High School’s Engineering or Biomedical Science Pathways.
6th Grade: Environmental Engineering
This is a project-based course that offers students an opportunity to go deeper into science topics related to the environment. This course utilizes Whitebox Learning. Students design and model alternative energy sources and evaluate options for reducing energy consumption.
APPLICATION REQUIRED
7th Grade: PLTW Applications & Robotics and Structural Engineering
This is a project-based Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Automation and Robotics in which students will focus on the engineering design, mechanisms, development, building, and programming of robotics including behaviors, systems and control sensors. Students use the VEX Robotics platform to design, build and program real-world objects such a traffic lights, toll booths and robotic arms. The Structural Engineering course uses Whitebox Learning as a curriculum to create scale model structures and real-life applications for engineering principles.
APPLICATION REQUIRED if not enrolled in
6th grade Environmental Engineering
8th Grade: PLTW Design & Modeling and Medical Detectives (Option #1)
This year-long course consists of 2 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) modules: Design & Modeling and Medical Detectives. Design & Modeling focuses on the elements of engineering design including geometric shapes and form, perspective drawing, and scale and proportioning.
Using AutoDesk design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions.
In the Medical Detectives course, students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs.
APPLICATION REQUIRED if not enrolled in 7th grade PLTW Automation &
Robotics and Structural Engineering
8th Grade: PLTW Magic of Electrons and Flight & Space (Option #2)
This year-long course consists of 2 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) modules: Magic of Electrons and Flight & Space. The Magic of Electrons curriculum explores electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms and sensing devices. They learn knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them. Flight & Space explores the exciting world of aerospace. Students delve into the history of flight and space, discover the science behind aeronautics, and explore traveling & living in space. Students are then challenged to use their knowledge to design, build, and test an airfoil.
APPLICATION REQUIRED if not enrolled in 7th grade PLTW Automation &
Robotics and Structural Engineering