South River High – Honors STEM Policy

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

0.5sem Students will work collaboratively to analyze current national and international STEM-related policies, study the role professional STEMists have in making these policies, review different perspectives on STEM-related public issues, and discuss the policy development process—including the role of the individual citizen—at the local, state, and federal levels. In this course students will create timelines, analyze reports and budgets, and interview stakeholders to research a contemporary local issue from a STEM perspective. Students will use their findings to collaboratively write an annotated executive STEM policy brief to be presented to a panel of experts. The course B84, Honors STEM Policy, is also in the BMAH program. \| NCAA | | | --- | | CO3 \| Honors System Science A (STEM) | | CO6 \| Honors System Science B (STEM) | This course is a two-year program in which the Core Learning Goals of Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry and Honors Physics are integrated based on topic and common assessment limits. The course is implemented using the Problem/Project-Based format based on the Buck Institute Model. In depth inquiry, student-driven research, and communication of results are interwoven into each module as appropriate. Nearly $4 0 %$ of class time is spent in lab-based experiences. By immersing our students in this rigorous program based on relevant challenges, laboratory experience and projects, we are fostering students who are engaging in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Each module affords itself to Differentiated Learning and Thinking Map implementation. The course is a pipeline at the end of the two years into AP Science programs. It is intended for advanced learners in the STEM Magnet Program.