Overview
Math and science are at the core of a curriculum designed for students interested in pursuing studies in these fields and many related ones. It is designed for students with high level academic skills and a high interest in fields such as engineering, marine science, medicine, electronics, computer science, biology, chemistry and physics that demand a solid background in mathematics and science. Students who enter the Math/Science Magnet should enter with thorough preparation in their preliminary studies so that they are ready to move as rapidly as they can through the intensive, demanding course of study that is prescribed by the program.
Configuration
The Math/Science Magnet draws its students from a large number of the District’s high school attendance areas. The school serves students in grades 9—12 and is located on the campus of Van Nuys High School at 6535 Cedros Avenue in the heart of Van Nuys. A distinctive feature of this Magnet is its ethnic mix of students and its outstanding record of student achievement. The total enrollment is 595 students and a substantial portion of them have been identified as mentally gifted. The Magnet student ethnic composition, as per the original court order and organizational chart, is 40% white and 60% minority.
Educational Philosophy
The Math/Science Magnet is for students who generally excel in the fields of Math and Science and are looking for a more competitive atmosphere and more advanced study. Teachers in the Magnet all teach in their field of specialization and present students with a course of study that meets and exceeds the requirements of the California Model Curriculum and the requirements for entrance into the University of California system.
The Magnet provides direction through academic and extracurricular activities for students with common interests, especially those that center around the fields of Math and Science. A solid program of academics is mandatory and participation in club related activities is encouraged. Each student must take at least one mathematics and at least one science course each semester. A student who enrolls in the program is academically oriented and prepared for advanced math and science classes that can be provided without fear of being canceled because of low enrollment. Competition is keen in a situation that simulates that faced by students at the university level. The stimulation of competition and the availability of advanced level classes make this a much sought-after Magnet center.
Magnet students are encouraged to participate in athletic, music and leadership activities as well as community service programs. The goal of the Magnet school is to offer students a well-rounded experience, while maintaining the standard of excellence expected by motivated students and knowledgeable staff in an integrated environment.
Differentiated Objectives of the Program
The curriculum of the Math/Science Magnet satisfies all requirements and objectives of the comprehensive high school and furthermore emphasizes the following:
Mathematics
- Students will progress rapidly in a program of increasing difficulty.
- Students completing math analysis in grade 10 will complete AP Calculus AB in grade 11 and will proceed to AP Calculus in grade 12.
- Students who will complete algebra 2 in Grade 10 will have completed Math Analysis AB and AP Calculus by grade 12.
- Students who will complete geometry in grade 10 will have completed Math Analysis on completion of grade 12.
- Students will conclude from deductions by identifying elements of algebraic problems, organizing data, and providing alternative solutions to problems. This process is introduced to Magnet students at the inception of the algebra course. Students are then expected to use initiative and technical skills to work independently with subject matter.
- Students will be challenged to approach and theorize solutions for unsolvable problems. These mental exercises will expand the students’ capacities for the use of mathematical concepts.
- Students will acquire verbal precision, a questioning attitude, and self-reliance, and they will gain mathematical maturity.
- Students will learn inductively and deductively.
- Students will become independent users of mathematical concepts. Students will be able to use their skills in computer programming and usage, science classes and writing classes.
SCIENCE
Students will
- Be prepared to take eight semesters o science (in integrated science, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science or physiology).
- Become conversant and literate in the use of scientific vocabulary.
- Learn to identify, classify and test, according to the principles inherent in scientific methodology.
- Initiate individual projects from the inception of the course, as opposed to group projects in the regular level classes.
- Gather, tabulate, organize and interpret data to hypothesize and evaluate.
- Apply mathematical analysis skills to scientific investigation.
- Combine their mathematical and scientific skills to initiate computer projects and research programs.
ENGLISH
Students will
- Develop critical thinking skills.
- Understand the scientific method and its application for use with all disciplines.
- Develop a technical vocabulary.
- Learn to analyze observe and draw conclusions through the study of literature and poetry.
- Learn techniques of research and documentation.
- Develop individual style through extensive writing.
- Be exposed to literary genres commensurate with their interests in the scientific field (including science fiction, and biography).
- Experience and understand peer editing.
- Engage in composition for personal growth.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Students will:
- Engage in one-on-one involvement in acquiring language, from the very first chapter.
- Expand and reinforce their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
- Understand and analyze short stories and interact through skits and reports by students on aspects of the culture associated with the language.
- Speak and read with increased fluency.
- At the advanced level, read newspapers and publication in the foreign language, and will be able to communicate in writing.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Note: The Math/Science student is a student likely to enter some field involving scientific exploration. The moral and ethical problems related to scientific responsibilities must be addressed. Throughout the curriculum the individual’s responsibility to society to self is explored and discussed. The relationship between scientific and historical development and the effects of one on the other are of primary concern to the teachers of Math/Science students.
Students will:
- Learn to make educated assumptions and will discuss the “ifs” of scientific development (E.G., the effects on society of the ability to predetermine gender).
- Learn to use correct essay format in their work.
- Orally discuss the significance of historical and scientific events.
- Understand the structure and function of the United States government.
- Integrate the events Of the past with the problems of the present and the projections of the future. This integration will highlight the scientific breakthroughs that may have solved one problem and precipitated others. (Examples: automation creates efficiency but eliminates jobs, pesticides increase productivity but affect health).
Multicultural Activities Curriculum
The multiethnic student body of the Magnet is strongly driven by the college admissions process as evidenced by the extremely high rate of college admissions, especially at the University of California level. This process encourages each student to develop a well-rounded resume of social and community service activities in addition to the curricular achievements. It is almost impossible to participate in the many extracurricular clubs, sports teams and other activities on the campus without forming multicultural groups.
Also due to the mixture of students in each academic class, any group activities will by necessity become multicultural. Participation in laboratory investigation groups, discussion groups, project groups (such as in journalism, yearbook and student council) is characteristically multicultural.
Special Curricular Emphasis
Students will:
- Be required to take a math class each semester
- Be required to take a science class each semester
- Accelerate through the math program to reach Advanced Placement Calculus (AB or BC)
- Be encouraged to enter science fairs and Science Bowl competitions.
Parental Involvement
The parents of students in the Math/Science magnet along with the parents of the Performing Arts and Medical Magnets have collectively formed the Van Nuys High School Magnet Parents Association, a non-profit organization for support and advocacy. Through rigorous fund raising they support a number of projects that cannot be funded by the district. They have been instrumental in the renovation of the auditorium and in acquiring board support on a number of relevant issues. The affairs of the group are managed by an elected board that meets once a month independent of the general body.
The group conducts monthly meetings that cover topics relevant to the magnet community. The meetings also allow parents to form connections. The organization also publishes a monthly newsletter that keeps parents informed of activities and important dates for the students. They also represent the magnet programs during the articulations with the middle schools during December and January.
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