Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MST) Program

L'Anse Creuse students will take the NWEA test during the month of February at their middle schools, and those scores are considered as part of the application process.

NWEA testing for those not currently enrolled in L'Anse Creuse Public Schools will be February 27, 2024 at the Frederick V. Pankow Center, 11:30 am.

Once the applications and test scores have been thoroughly reviewed, all applicants (accepted, wait-listed, or otherwise) will be notified of their status by the end of February by email.

The MST Program is a specially designed, four-year program for students in grades 9-12 who wish to excel in the areas of math, science, and technology. Students are enrolled as a "cohort" so that they complete their coursework with the same core group of students throughout the four years. Drawing students from each of the two L'Anse Creuse high schools, students enrolled in the program share a commitment for rigorous academics, advanced math/science course offerings, integrated technology, real-world job experiences, leadership opportunities, and innovative methods of teaching and learning.

As an accelerated program, MST courses often move at a faster pace and go into more depth than typical high school courses. With flexible scheduling and a team-teaching approach, the goal of the program is to help each student reach his or her own maximum potential. Special emphasis is placed on developing critical thinkers, large-scale problem-solvers, and compassionate leaders of tomorrow. 

MST students take their math and science courses at the L'Anse Creuse F.V. Pankow Center for a two-hour block of time. The Pankow Center offers flexible scheduling, hybrid courses, large spacious classrooms, computer labs, and other advanced-level technologies to better help prepare students to become leaders in our fast-paced, ever-changing world. Participation in the MST Program allows students to experience the best of both worlds: Students have the opportunity to be part of a small school cohort-environment for part of their day, while still enjoying a traditional high school experience.

We want you to be part of the MST Program! Please call to request a visit or to learn more about the program.

The L'Anse Creuse MST Program provides an integrated math, science, and technology experience at each of the four grade levels. Students test into the program in 9th grade but may be admitted to the program at a later grade if academically prepared. The academic, job shadowing, and technology components of the program, combined with academic events, extra-curricular clubs and activities, field trips, and college planning, all help make the MST Program a unique experience.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Students enrolled in the MST Program must elect at least one MST Math and one MST Science course each year. Students also may choose to enroll in additional advanced courses within the program during their 10th, 11th, and/or 12th grade years. The MST Program also offers some advanced-level math and science courses that are not available at the home schools.

Credits and grades earned each year:

• 1 math credit and grade
• 1 science credit and grade

JOB SHADOWING REQUIREMENT

MST students also are required to accumulate 15 hours in a job-shadowing experience prior to the start of their senior year. This component provides an opportunity for each student to learn more about a job or career area that might be of interest. Students are encouraged to network with friends, family, and community members to secure a meaningful placement and experience. Students are expected to complete their job-shadowing experience on non-school days during their junior year or during summer break between their junior and senior years. Detailed information on the job shadowing component can be found on the Job Shadowing page.

INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY COMPONENT

Technology is an integral part of the MST Program. From innovative teaching methods to creative student projects, MST students are immersed in technology on a daily basis. MST students and teachers regularly utilize SmartBoards, graphing calculators, Chromebooks, digital software, smartphones, and other related apps to assist in the teaching and learning process. MST students also will be well-versed in using Microsoft Office products, Web 2.0 technologies such as Google drive and Google forms, online homework services, and other relevant online learning management systems. Additionally, MST students will enjoy a network of connectivity with their classmates and teachers via social media sites such as Remind.

MST students must take at least one math and one science course each year. After 9th grade, students may elect additional advanced courses. Beginning in 10th grade, students may "double up," taking more than one MST Math or MST Science course each year.

MST MATH AND SCIENCE COURSES

* Optional elective

MST Honors Geometry (9th grade) - Geometric thinking offers alternate ways of reasoning mathematically beyond Algebra, including analytical and spatial reasoning. This course includes the study of points, lines, planes, angles, reasoning, proof, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, relationships in triangles, proportion, similarity, right triangles, trigonometry, quadrilaterals, transformations, circles, areas of polygons, areas of circles, surface area, volume and constructions. Students will be actively engaged in investigations through lecture and cooperative groups. Algebraic concepts are frequently integrated into this course. Technology includes the use of scientific calculators and graphing calculators, with an emphasis on learning skills that will be applied in Algebra 2, Precalculus, and AP Calculus.

MST Honors Algebra 2 (10th grade) - The increasing use of quantitative methods in all disciplines has made Algebra the fundamental tool for mathematical applications. This course builds upon concepts presented in Algebra 1 and introduces new topics that will be studied in Precalculus. Students are expected to have a firm understanding of linear functions and linear systems and be familiar with quadratic and exponential functions. More advanced studies include absolute value, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational, radical, and trigonometric functions. Other topics include matrices, conic sections, probability and statistics, and sequences and series. Students will be actively engaged in investigations through lecture and cooperative groups. Technology includes the use of scientific calculators and graphing calculators, with an emphasis on learning skills that will be applied in Precalculus and AP Calculus.

MST AP Precalculus (11th grade) - is designed to be the equivalent of a first semester college precalculus course.  AP Precalculus provides students with an understanding of the concepts of college algebra, trigonometry, and additional topics that prepare students for further college-level mathematics courses.  This course explores a variety of function types and their applications – polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, polar, parametric, vector-valued, implicitly defined, and linear transformation functions using matrices.  Throughout the course, the mathematical practices of procedural and symbolic fluency, multiple representations, and communication and reasoning are developed.  Students experience the concepts and skills related to each function type through the lenses of modeling and covariation and engage each function type through their graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal representations.  Technology includes the use of graphing calculators.  Successful completion of this course will prepare to take the AP Precalculus exam.  Students who receive a passing score on this exam may earn college credit.  Upon completion of this course, students will have a 0.5 honor point added to their grade.

MST AP Calculus BC (12th grade) - is equivalent to a first-year college-level calculus course. AP Calculus is primarily concerned with developing students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Technology will be used regularly, so a graphing calculator is required. This course is taught at a college level, and students should be prepared for the rigor. AP Calculus begins with the study of functions, graphs, and limits. These topics provide the foundation for the in-depth study of derivatives, integration, and their applications. AP Calculus BC also incorporates the study of parametric, polar, and vector derivatives, as well as a study of sequences and series from a calculus perspective. Successful completion of this course will prepare students to take the AP Calculus BC exam. Students who receive a passing score on this exam may earn college credit. Students electing this course should be highly motivated, self-disciplined, and inquisitive. Upon completion of this course, students will have a 0.5 honor point added to their grade.

MST AP Calculus AB (12th grade) - is equivalent to a one-semester college-level calculus course. AP Calculus is primarily concerned with developing students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Technology will be used regularly, so a graphing calculator is required. This course is taught at a college level, and students should be prepared for the rigor. AP Calculus begins with the study of functions, graphs, and limits. These topics provide the foundation for the in-depth study of derivatives, integration, and their applications. Successful completion of this course will prepare students to take the AP Calculus AB exam. Students who receive a passing score on this exam may earn college credit. Students electing this course should be highly motivated, self-disciplined, and inquisitive. Upon completion of this course, students will have a 0.5 honor point added to their grade.

MST AP Statistics (11th or 12th grade) - The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Unlike other traditional courses in mathematics, writing skills are utilized frequently in order to support those conclusions. Technology will be used regularly, so a graphing calculator is required. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: (1) Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns; (2) Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study; (3) Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation; and (4) Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses. Successful completion of this course will prepare students to take the AP Statistics exam. Students who receive a passing score on this exam may earn college credit. Students electing this course should be highly motivated, self-disciplined, and inquisitive. Upon completion of this course, students will have a 0.5 honor point added to their grade.

MST Honors Biology (9th grade) - is an advanced-level introductory biology course. This freshman-level course meets and expands upon the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in biology. Topics of study include how living things assimilate and use energy, respond to their environment, maintain a relatively constant internal environment, possess an inherited information base encoded in DNA, reproduce, are composed of one or more cells, and are highly organized compared to inanimate objects. This course is designed to prepare students for the successful transition to MST AP Biology. In addition, MST Honors Biology incorporates scientific research, technical writing, and advanced-level technologies.

MST Honors Chemistry (10th grade) - is an advanced-level introductory inorganic chemistry course. This sophomore-level course meets and expands upon the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in chemistry. Topics of study include atomic structure, scientific measurement, chemical nomenclature, chemical bonding and classification, stoichiometry, chemical forces, gas laws, acid-base reactions, kinetics, electrochemistry and thermochemistry. This course is designed to prepare students for the successful transition to MST AP Chemistry. In addition, MST Honors Chemistry incorporates scientific research, technical writing, and advanced-level technologies.

MST Honors Physics (11th grade) - is an advanced-level introductory physics course. This junior-level course meets and expands upon the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in physics. Topics of study include kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, heat/thermodynamics, electricity/magnetism, waves, sound, light, optics, and atomic/nuclear physics. This course also focuses on the problem solving, data analysis, and technical writing skills necessary for a smooth transition into AP Physics C.

MST AP Biology (10th, 11th, or 12th grade) - is equivalent to a first-year college-level introductory biology course. Topics covered support the four Big Ideas and seven Science Practices required by the AP College Board. These topics include evolution and diversity, energy and molecular structure, living systems and life processes, and biological systems. This course will help students develop critical thinking, technical writing, and problem solving skills through inquiry methods. Laboratory experiments and scientific investigations using advanced-level technologies are integral components of this course. Successful completion of this course will prepare students to take the AP Biology exam. Students who receive a passing score on this exam may earn college credit. Students electing this course should be highly motivated, self-disciplined, and inquisitive. Upon completion of this course, students will have a 0.5 honor point added to their grade.

MST AP Chemistry (11th or 12th grade) - is equivalent to a first-year college-level inorganic chemistry course. Topics covered support the six Big Ideas and seven Science Practices required by the AP College Board. These topics include matter & chemical reactions, chemical structure, properties & forces, chemical changes & electron transfer, kinetics, intermolecular forces & dynamic equilibrium, and thermodynamics. This course will help students develop critical thinking, technical writing and problem solving skills through inquiry methods. Laboratory experiments and scientific investigations using advanced-level technologies are integral components of this course. Students are required to maintain a comprehensive lab notebook that is modeled after a college laboratory course. Successful completion of this course will prepare students to take the AP Chemistry exam. Students who receive a passing score on this exam may earn college credit. Students electing this course should be highly motivated, self-disciplined and inquisitive. Upon completion of this course students will have a 0.5 honor point added to their grade.

MST AP Physics C - Mechanics (12th grade) - is equivalent to a first-semester college course in calculus-based physics. This course is intended for students planning to major in science, engineering, or STEM fields at the college level. Topics of study include kinematics, dynamics, work, power, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation. This course will help students develop critical thinking, technical writing, and problem-solving skills through inquiry methods. Laboratory experiments and scientific investigations using advanced-level technologies are integral components of this course. Successful completion of this course will prepare students to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam. Students who receive a passing score on this exam may earn college credit. Students electing this course should be highly motivated, self-disciplined, and inquisitive. Upon completion of this course, students will have a 0.5 honor point added to their grade.

At the Pankow Center, students attend classes in a building that truly has a college-like feel, allowing them to focus fully on their coursework while enjoying the collegiate company of their classmates. Other benefits of the MST Program include:

• Enriched curriculum in areas of mathematics and science
• Cohort model with like-minded students in a small, collegiate environment
• Continued connection to home high schools through athletics, music programs, and other extracurricular activities
• Friendships with students from other schools to expand both social and academic support networks
• Innovative teaching methods
• Flexible scheduling; team-teaching approach
• Job-shadowing experience
• Additional Advanced Placement (AP) courses not offered at the home schools
• Integrated SAT test prep in all courses
• Built-in academic support structures
• Increased interaction among students and staff
• Student organizations (Leadership Council, Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honor Society)
• Visit to a college campus

WHAT DO STUDENTS SAY?

Each December, MST alumni are invited back to the Pankow Center to talk to current students about their college experiences and how MST helped them. These former students were asked, "What is one aspect of MST that you would definitely keep the same?" These are some actual responses from their completed surveys:

• The amount of homework is very similar to college life.
• The course difficulty prepared me well for my tougher courses.
• College was so much easier because of MST.
• Class sizes
• I'm very glad to have had the online homework.
• The "MST family" atmosphere...the teachers helped me so much even beyond the curriculum.
• The college visit...it was good to physically be on a campus.
• The job shadow really helped me discover how much I enjoy physical therapy.

In summary, one student summed it up like this:

• I really liked everything about MST!

Standardized test preparation is incorporated into all MST courses. Beginning in 9th grade, MST students start preparing for the SAT, which they will take in the spring of their junior year. Practice tests are given in the classroom, and review sessions may be held during the school day, after school, or in the evening to better help students prepare. MST students routinely score well above the state average on these standardized tests.

Additional Test Prep Practice

• Practice SAT Tests on College Board webpage
• Khan Academy SAT Test Prep

College Board SAT Information

• Everything you need to know about the SAT from College Board
• SAT Registration Dates and Deadlines

All students in the state of Michigan take the SAT for no cost during their junior year. However, MST students are encouraged to register for and take a "real" SAT test before then (consider at the end of sophomore year). Yes, there is a fee involved. But the benefits of understanding the time constraints and the possible fatigue when taking an examination of this length and magnitude are priceless!

Students enrolled in the MST Program also have the opportunity to engage in a variety of other co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to enhance their high school experience. Examples include:
 

• MST juniors visit at least one college campus to learn more about the college application and admissions process. Whenever possible, these visits are specially customized for MST students.
• The Pankow Leadership Council provides leadership, social, and community service opportunities for MST students. Past events have included the annual MST Talent Show, Movie Night, the MST Lock-In, a school supply drive, adopting local families at the holidays, and Algebra 1 tutoring at the middle schools. Contact Mrs. Tawney for information about Pankow Leadership Council.
• Qualifying students can join Mu Alpha Theta (MAT), a national Mathematics Honor Society. MAT students provide after-school tutoring in math every Tuesday from 2:45-3:30 for all Pankow students, and they also plan and facilitate Pi Week activities during the month of March. Students who participate in MAT and meet certain requirements are eligible for a scholarship. Contact Mrs. Duncan or Mrs. Magneson for more information about Mu Alpha Theta.
• Students who qualify also can join the Science National Honor Society (SNHS). Peer tutoring is available every Thursday, 2:45-3:30pm, to all Pankow students in the three major science content areas (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). Contact Mrs. Garmo for more information about SNHS.
• MST Alumni are invited back each year to share their thoughts and college experiences with current MST students and teachers. This event, called the MST Reunion, typically occurs the third week of December each year.
• MST students who successfully complete the requirements of the MST Program are awarded an MST medallion to be worn with their graduation gown.