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STEM Program

The Bergenfield STEM Program offers specially designed curriculum tracks for the most promising high school students in our district who are seriously considering a career in the STEM fields. If accepted into the STEM Program, students will be required to; maintain a “B” or better average in a set curricula of advanced coursework, work with an advisor over a 4-year period to design, conduct, and present the findings of a technical research project, and participate in at least one related state or national competition.

The primary goal of the STEM Program is to offer an accelerated curriculum track for our gifted students who are considering careers in the life science and engineering fields. The STEM program will prepare students for engineering-oriented colleges and eventually, successful integration into today’s ever-changing technological job market.

Students must apply for acceptance into STEM. Enrollment will be limited to 10-15 students per grade level. STEM students will be given priority in ensuring enrollment in STEM courses.

Minimum qualifications and entrance criteria for admission into the STEM Program:

  • Successful completion of Algebra 1 (B or better)
  • NJSLA scores and math/science/technology grades
  • Teacher recommendation
  • Successful panel interview

Required Coursework : Research Project

  1. General: STEM students must work with an advisor over a 4-year period to design, conduct, and present the findings of a technical research project.
  2. Portfolio, Journal, and Work Log:
    • Students must maintain an organized portfolio of all research-related work performed throughout his/her experience. This will include any notes, interviews, activities, research studies, etc. as they pertain to the project.
    • A running journal is also required and will serve to help organize the work.
    • It is the student’s responsibility to document his/her hours or research-related study in a work log book.
    • Advisors will assist students in setting up their individual portfolios, journals, and work log books.
  3. STEM Pass/Fail Marking Period Grade:
    • Assessed by a mentor-created rubric system, students will receive a pass/fail grade each marking period based on, but not limited to, their portfolio, journal and work log submissions. Students will be receiving 1.0 credit hour per year through a BHS Independent Project (IP), weighted as an honors course.
    • Along with ongoing formative assessment of students. Progress advisors will provide their students with a summative assessment at the end of each marking period.
  4. Deliverables and Deadlines:
    • Year 1 - Investigation and Selection of Research Topic: Students will work both independently and under the direct supervision of their mentor for a minimum of 3.5 hours per week to investigate and select a primary research question. A summary report (5-10 pages) must be submitted to the mentor by the last week of the 2nd marking period. Students will then conduct an extensive literature search of a topic of interest. Students must log all time spent on this effort in order to receive credit for this effort.
    • Years 2 & 3 - Essay Defense / Project Design & Research: Students will prepare and defend a topic-related critical essay (15 – 20 pages) to a committee of STEM mentors during the second marking period of their second year. In the remainder of their second and third year, students will work with their mentor, and possibly, outside experts to design and conduct a technology-based research project. Students will be encouraged to work with affiliate colleges and/or universities. Students will continue to provide their mentors with on-going reports documenting efforts (minimum 3.5 hrs/week) and research findings in order to receive credit.
    • Year 4 - Presentation of Research Findings: 12 In their final year, students will work with their mentor to compile their research findings (Thesis: 20 – 30 pages) and present them in a “defense-style” dissertation before a panel of STEM Mentors and outside experts. Work logs must document efforts of no less than 3.5 hours/week.

Special Priority Requirements

  1. Monthly Priority Day: On the first Tuesday of the month, ALL STEM students will be required to meet as a group (3:05pm – 4:05pm) in room 231. The purpose of these sessions is to ensure that all participants are aware of, and keeping pace with, requirement deadlines.
  2. Technology Seminars: All first year STEM Students must attend a minimum of five technology and engineering seminars to be held at FDU’s Teaneck Metropolitan Campus. These sessions are run on Saturday mornings during the spring semester.

Competition Requirements

  1. General: Students will be required to participate in at least one State or National Competition.
  2. Options: Students may choose from the following:
    • Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at Rutgers
    • STEM C2 Research Summit at Bergen Community College
    • Chemistry Olympics
    • North Jersey Regional Science Fair
    • Other recognized STEM Competitions