STEM education can be an interdisciplinary or trans-disciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world problem-based and performance-based lessons. At this level, STEM education exemplifies the axiom "the whole is more than the sum of the parts."
STEM education is a sequence of courses or program of study that prepares students:
- for successful employment, post-secondary education, or both that require different and more technically sophisticated skills including the application of mathematics and science skills and concepts, and
- to be competent, capable citizens in our technology-dependent, democratic society.
Taken separately, the four STEM subjects are defined by the National Research Council as:
Science is the study of the natural world, including the laws of nature associated with physics, chemistry, and biology and the treatment or application of facts, principles, concepts, or conventions associated with these disciplines. Chandler High School offers courses in Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering. There are AP and IB level courses offered in Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science.
Technology comprises the entire system of people and organizations, knowledge, processes, and devices that go into creating and operating technological artifacts, as well as the artifacts themselves. At Chandler High School our students have access to a state-of-the-art CTE building and they can take classes in Computer Science (4 levels),Agricultural Engineering, Software/App Design, Digital Printing, Woods, Automotive Technology and Audio Visual Technology.
Engineering is a body of knowledge about the design and creation of products and a process for solving problems. Engineering utilizes concepts in science and mathematics and technological tools. Students at CHS can currently take two years of Engineering: Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering. Students can earn Dual Credit through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with the support of Project Lead the Way curriculum.
Mathematics is the study of patterns and relationships among quantities, numbers, and shapes. Mathematics includes theoretical mathematics and applied mathematics. The Chandler High mathematics department offers courses covering Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Pre-Calculus as well as three levels of Calculus (Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Differential Equations). Students can earn dual credit, take AP exams and IB exams.