Science Academy

About the Program

Consistent with 21st-century learning, we believe that the process of doing science is more important than simply remembering scientific facts. One concern expressed by universities is that many students entering the field of science do not have the ability to transfer knowledge outside the classroom. As a result, they often don’t see the connections between mathematics and science. Furthermore, many secondary students who take university-equivalent courses like AP Chemistry or AP Physics have acquired scientific facts, but in most cases, they don’t have the scientific skills essential for success in a university course. For this reason, Fraser Heights Integrated Mathematics and Science Academy has developed a model that aims to address these concerns.

Program Goals

Promoting a community of learners to engage in creative and meaningful questions in the field of mathematics and science.
An opportunity for students to better appreciate the process of acquiring scientific knowledge.
Allowing students to inquire, seek answers and defend their findings by effectively communicating their ideas.

Why Our School?

One of a handful of schools in BC that offer the AP Calculus BC course, and 80% of the students score a 4 or 5 on the AP Exam.
Consistently ranked one of the top schools in BC each year on the Canadian Mathematics Contest.
Many of our students go to top schools domestic and international, including McGill, Queens, U of T, UBC, SFU, Waterloo, Harvard, Yale, Cornell, UC Berkeley, Penn State, Duke, John Hopkins, U of California, U of Washington, Carnegie Mellon, KAIST, and the University of Taiwan.

Application Requirements and Recommendations

This program's goals are designed to build a community of learners focused on developing strong work ethics and character through problem-solving in math and science. Students should have a growth mindset when it comes to academic and emotional learning. This includes not being afraid of challenges they may face with an increased workload and being encouraged to step out of their comfort zones regarding learning styles and community. In recent years, the number of applicants has far exceeded the number of seats available in our program. After applying, students will complete a Scientific Task and a Practical Lab activity. Here is a sample Scientific Task. The Practical Lab activity is not meant to be studied for; it will test the student's ability to communicate their scientific thinking and work with others.

Pre-requisites

Pre-Calculus 11 – This course needs to be completed by the end of June in their grade 10 year.*
Science 10.
Scientific Task and Practical Test- usually done at the end of February.

* In previous years, we have allowed students to complete Pre-Calculus 11 at summer school or during the summer if they were taking it online. Unfortunately, because of the number of suitable applicants, we are asking students to complete Pre-Calculus 11 by the 2nd semester of their grade 10 year.

Other Considerations - Other factors that have helped student’s applications.

Overall GPA - Although there will be a focus on the Math and Science courses, we are looking for well-rounded studious students
Extra-Curricular Involvement (Clubs, Athletics, Interests) that demonstrate leadership and the ability to work effectively in groups.
Math Contests Results
References (if necessary)

We are also asking students not to take Chemistry 11 or Physics 11 ahead of time. We have found that students who do this often miss important learning opportunities at the beginning of the program, which may impact their success in their grade 12 year. Students will be asked to audit or repeat the course.

Why Science Academy?

The Science Academy program offers a holistic educational experience, seamlessly blending mathematics and science. This intensive program allows students to cover more ground swiftly, also providing avenues to earn university credits and polish their lab skills. Outside conventional learning, students benefit from science-themed excursions, teamwork with fellow enthusiasts, and hands-on, inquiry-based activities. The inclusion of technology and design further enriches their academic journey.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Integration of Mathematics and Science topics, enhanced by technology and basic coding.

Accelerated Learning & University Opportunities

Compressed curriculum with the chance to earn university credits and develop advanced laboratory skills.

Experiential Learning

Science-focused field trips, collaboration with passionate peers, and open inquiry-based learning.

Program Logistics

The program is a two-year commitment for students starting in their grade 11 year. Each semester, half of their timetable—two blocks (morning or afternoon)—will be designated for the Science Academy. This continues over the four semesters of their grade 11 and 12 years. The other two blocks will be timetabled with all other Fraser Heights students, allowing them to take English 11 and 12, Social Studies 11, electives, and other courses needed to graduate within the school community.

During their two blocks of Science Academy, students will be in their cohort with a flexible instructional schedule designed by their instructors. The two and a half hours each day can be used for lectures, labs, group work, and/or independent studies. With this flexible schedule, it is hoped that the curriculum can be compressed, integration between mathematics and science is better achieved, and the scientific process can be modeled and reinforced within a secondary school setting.

In the first year of study, students will be instructed in Pre-Calculus 12, Chemistry 11 and 12, Physics 11, Industrial Coding and Design 12, and open inquiry to help students prepare for their Capstone Project. This includes the use of technology in a laboratory setting to model the scientific process. Furthermore, field trips will be taken, and opportunities to attend conferences and enter competitions will be available to reinforce the process of acquiring scientific knowledge.

In the second year of study, students will be instructed in AP Calculus BC, Physics 12, and a choice of SFU Chemistry 121, 122, and 126 or Computing Science 130 and 135. The SFU courses will be available to our students at SFU Surrey, as careful consideration has been made to match our timetable with SFU to accommodate this.

Course Name	Highschool Credits	University Credits
Pre-Calculus 12	4
Chemistry 11	4
Chemistry 12	4
Physics 11	4
Physics 12	4
Industrial Coding and Design 12	4
AP Calculus BC	8	6
SFU Chemistry 121	4	4
SFU Chemistry 122	2	2
SFU Chemistry 126	2	2
SFU Computer Science 130	4	3
SFU Computer Science 135	4	3
Total	40	12 or 14

Students

Graduates

Hours Of Instruction

Program

Teachers

Mr. Ahn

Program Coordinator & Maths Teacher [email protected]

Mr. Ahn is the Program Coordinator for the Integrated Math and Science Academy. He is also the Academy's Senior Mathematics Teacher as well as the AP Calculus teacher.

Ms. Davis

Senior Chemistry Teacher [email protected]

Ms. Davis is our senior chemistry teacher at the Integrated Math and Science Academy. She is responsible for all the chemistry laboratory work as well as teaching Chemistry 11 and Chemistry 12.