Math, Engineering, Technology and Science Academy (METSA)

We believe in each student’s ability to create positive world impact, and that METSA is uniquely positioned to empower students to reach their full potential. At METSA, we challenge the traditional educational status quo through applied, authentic, and active learning experiences that foster critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and literacy in a technology rich learning environment. We create a safe learning environment, in which students graduate on time aware, eligible, and prepared for postsecondary pursuits in STEM fields.

METSA opened its doors in 2007 and by 2008 it became and has consistently held a Texas-STEM designation through the Texas Education Agency. METSA has also partnered with the New Tech Network to support our STEM and technology initiatives to expand the educational opportunities for our students and staff.

METSA courses are taught with wall to wall PBL (project based learning) and each classroom has a 1:1 ratio of computers to students. By participating in authentic PBL, formal presentations to expert panels, regular academic and behavioral reflection, internships, digital portfolio construction, and community outreach, METSA students meet or exceed state educational requirements, graduate with real-world, future-ready skills surrounding STEM fields, and are inspired to become lifelong learners.

Strands

Biomedical Science

Computer Science

Computer science develops students’ computational and critical thinking skills and shows them how to create, not simply use, new technologies. This fundamental knowledge is needed to prepare students for the 21st century, regardless of their ultimate field of study or occupation.

Aerospace Engineering

This engineering field is concerned with the design, development and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and all related systems and equipment. In this pathway you will practice skills such as: Designing and building rockets, Launching multiple types of rockets, and Astrophysics.

Electrical Engineering

This field is concerned with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. In METSA, learners work with Computer hardware, Popular electronic devices, Control switches and Circuit boards.

Engineering Design

This field focuses on processes for innovation across multiple fields. Going through this program provides students with the ability to synthesize engineering, business, and societal priorities. Student will be able to do this through multiple ways including work with RC race cars, Marketing, Sponsorship, Competitions, Drone drones, and Furniture design.

General Engineering

General Engineering is for students that would like to explore multiple types of engineering before leaving high school. They may try out multiple courses in engineering to decide their pathway after high school.

Manufacturing Technology

Manufacturing Technology focuses on using innovative technology to improve products or processes. Skills built in this pathway include General building, Metal and woodworking, Robotics, 3D Printing, CNC machining, Wood Milling, and Lathing.

Renewable Energy

Learn about solar, wind, and water powered equipment and much more. As they learn about the varying types of energy, they will develop skills for Assembly, Maintenance, Inspection, Repair andInteract with local companies.

Robotics

Courses

Biomedical Science

Biomedical Science Strand Courses

Principles of Bioscience (9th)

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Biotechnology 1 (10th)

Biotechnology 1 combines Engineering Design processes and the medical field. The study of genetics also leads to further learning such as how we can use genetics to improve agriculture, energy, and fields other than medical studies.

Scientific Research and Design 1 (11th)

This course offers the opportunity of earning college credit through a skills curriculum designed by the University of Iowa (STEM Innovator). If you have ever wanted to be an inventor, this course is right for you.I t is not content specific and it allows you to blend STEM with Entrepreneurship. You will learn to design, innovate and create a lean business canvas plan with the possibility of applying for patent protection. It is like preparing yourself to be on an episode of “Shark Tank.”

STEM Practicum (12th)

This course allows you to either intern with a STEM-related company to learn job skills or choose to participate in a capstone project of your choice. It is self-directed, so it takes a lot of time management skills and self-motivation, but you are given the freedom to let your imagination run wild.

Computer Science

Computer Science Strand Courses

Computer Science I (9th)

This course is designed to offer an introduction to computer science. The course is graphics-based and uses the Python programming language.

AP Computer Science Principles (10th)

This course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.

AP Computer Science A (11th)

This course is an introductory college-level computer science course. Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. AP Computer Science A can count as an upper-level Math.

STEM Practicum (12th)

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering Strand Courses

Principles of Applied Engineering(9th Option 1)

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Introduction to Engineering Design (9th option 2)

IED is an introductory course for students entering any engineering pathway. In this class you will use critical thinking skills to solve real world problems. You will begin to learn about theEngineering Design Process and other fundamental ideas concerning engineering. You will also learn to use computer-aided designs to heighten your understanding engineering.

Scientific Research and Design - Aerospace (10th)

This course is getting a slightly new name, but the same fun experience. Students master problem solving skills while working within the four main energy systems: mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal. In addition, students are introduced to and sharpen workforce/life skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, design and development, testing and analysis, documentation, and others. The culminating project of the second semester is to utilize the RD&D Loop to design and build a rocket with the following criteria: rocket on the pad by the scheduled date, flight performance that gets a 1.0-lb research package to an altitude of 5,280-ft with close proximity, intact recovery.

Engineering Design and Problem Solving (11th)

The increased rigor of the course is evident in the student development of a mathematical flight profile for a transonic rocket using Excel. Students then present the flight profile to either NASA flight engineers or other engineering professionals justifying and explaining all mathematical concepts and equations. Students then use the RD&D Loop to design and develop a rocket with the following success criteria: rocket on the pad by scheduled date, flight performance to achieve transonic velocity with close proximity, intact recovery while staying under a 13,000-ft ceiling.

STEM Practicum (12th)

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering Strand Courses

Principles of Applied Engineering(9th Option 1)

Course information to come.

Introduction to Engineering Design (9th option 2)

Engineering Science (10th)

In this course, students learn to build structures, design robotic systems, factories and automated systems. Students also learn the principles of making things, designing products, and how things work.

Digital Electronics (11th)

This course includes topics such as combinational and sequential logic, and students are exposed to circuit design tools used in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices.

STEM Practicum (12th)

Engineering Design

Engineering Design Strand Courses

Principles of Applied Engineering(9th Option 1)

Course information to come.

Introduction to Engineering Design (9th option 2)

Engineering Design & Presentation I (10th)

In this course students use RC race cars to further their learning about the design process. They will learn how to improve upon products in various ways.

Engineering Design & Presentation II (11th)

This course is the second series of our RC race car innovation course. Students interested in engineering design will learn more about the inner workings of engineering including budgeting, design improvement, and a taste at their own capstone project. The course is inquiry and research-based that teaches students to improve upon designs of products. Explore the possibilities.

STEM Practicum (12th)

General Engineering

General Engineering Strand Courses

Principles of Applied Engineering(9th Option 1)

Course information to come.

Introduction to Engineering Design (9th option 2)

Engineering Science (10th option 1)

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (10th option 2)

This course covers everything that students need to know in order to ideate final products, machine them using the lathe and the mill and program these machines using CNC software.

Engineering Design & Presentation I(10th option 3)

In this course students use RC race cars to further their learning about the design process. They will learn how to improve upon products in various ways.

Project- Based Research (10th option 4)

Course information to come.

Digital Electronics (11th option 1)

Engineering Design and Problem Solving (11th option 2)

Engineering Design and Problem Solving (11th option 3)

Engineering Design & Presentation II (11th option 4)

STEM Practicum (12th)

Manufacturing Technology

Manufacturing Technology Strand Courses

Principles of Applied Engineering (9th)

Course information to come.

Diversified Manufacturing 1 (10th)

Course information to come.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (11th)

This course covers everything that students need to know in order to ideate final products, machine them using the lathe and the mill and program these machines using CNC software.

Practicum in Manufacturing (12th)

Course information to come.

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Strand Courses

Principles of Applied Engineering(9th Option 1)

Course information to come.

Foundation of Energy (9th option 2)

Course information to come.

Scientific Research and Design (10th)

Digital Electronics (11th option 1)

Engineering Design and Problem Solving (11th option 2)

STEM Practicum (12th)

Robotics

Expert Teachers

METSA facilitators belong to the New Tech Network and receive extensive training in project-based learning. Several of our teachers trained at the University of Texas at Tyler to be certified to teach Project Lead the Way courses. Our aerospace teacher trained with NASA and our Scientific Research and Design teacher trained with the University of Iowa. All educators at METSA were invited to train at the CCRSM Leadership Summit with the Texas Education Agency last summer.

Charli Shaw

Sylvia Bavarian

Jose Guerrero

Brian Morrill

Graham Warden

Connected Learners

Girls in STEM

This organization strives to create an inclusive environment for minorities (women) in the STEM industry. This group celebrates the accomplishments of women in STEM and provides an empowered community for its members and those working with them.

Computer Club

This club provides opportunities for students to code, develop simple video games, enter hacking competitions and more!

METSA Student Advisory Board

METSA SAB has a mission to advocate, represent, and value the diversity of the student body and give voice for its concerns, with leadership, honesty, and integrity. In addition to the mission, we like to make academy students feel welcomed and provide a sense of community by planning fun gathering that encourage students to be themselves and cultivate friendships with like-minded individuals

FastTrack RC Lions

This is a competitive team of Engineering Design students focused on innovating remote control race cars. The team has achieved national recognition in competitions.

STEM Abroad

These students attend summer trips out of the country in places like Europe and Asia with a curriculum carried out by a professional educational travel guide and international STEM professionals along with historians. These trips are geared towards STEM exploration while experiencing other cultures and historical monuments.

Benefits

Advanced Courses offer the chance to acquire many different certifications. Many of our students also obtain internships their senior year to gain industry experience.

Certifications Offered