STEAM AHEAD NH
Manchester High School West STEAM PROGRAM

STEAM is a contextual curriculum where the subjects are coordinated with each other
under a project and inquiry-based educational structure. Science, technology,
engineering, mathematics and the broad spectrum of the arts all relate to one another in
reality. STEAM students are given the opportunity to better learn academic and life
skills in a standards-backed, realistic-based, personally relevant exploratory learning
environment. It delivers high quality team-based education to all students. Preparing
students for a growing variety of careers is important to advance the global society and
economies. Students evaluate needs, wants and opportunities in order to be informed
users, responders and innovators. It prepares students to be life-long learners who live
well-balanced, whether they pursue college, a skilled trade, or potentially unknown
career path.

STEAM STUDENT ARE…

 Problems Solvers
 Investigators
 Collaborators
 Perspective Takers
 Presenters
 Self-Directed Learners and Hands-On Learners
 Team Players
 Good Citizens
 Embracing of Technology
 Thinkers
Imagine a classroom where students can take a problem that is facing the world
and solve it! In a STEAM classroom students will have the opportunity to obtain
21 st Century Skills:
 Students will be able to reason effectively, planning decisions as they analyze
implications of those decisions. This will lead to the analyzation and evaluation of
evidence, claims or beliefs in order to draw conclusions that will solve problems by
identifying various points of view to find the best solution
 Students will be able to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written
and nonverbal communication skills. In addition, they will be able to actively listen
to decipher meaning and intent in order to communicate for a range of purposes (to
inform, instruct, motivate and persuade).
 Students will be able to work efficiently and respectfully with diverse groups of
people, demonstrating flexibility and the ability to compromise towards completion
of a common goal. This will produce an innate sense of shared responsibility and

the ability to value the contributions made by others.
 Perhaps most importantly, students will be able to use content knowledge to create
new and worthwhile ideas and solutions to problems in the REAL WORLD

STEAM Important Facts and FAQ’S

FACTS…
 Students have some of highest grade point averages in their class!
 Students are well prepared for and excel on the PSAT/SAT!
 Students have opportunities to earn college credit at West High School through
Running Start, Dual Enrollment and TAKE Early College Classes on the campus
of Manchester Community College at NO Cost !
 Students move on to take Advance Placement classes and STEAM pays for the
exam fee ($90)!
 STEAM and Manchester High School West engages in partnerships (Catholic
Medical Center, UNH – Manchester – STEM Fellowship Program, and community
internships.)
Many STEAM students’ career interest fields include (but not limited to):
Medical (Physician, Nurse, OT, PT, Speech Pathologist)
Genetics
Biology
Accounting
Architecture
Graphic Design
Computer Science
Forensics
All Engineering fields(Civil, Mechanical, Ocean)
Manufacturing (high demand career field)
Education
Career Technical Fields – HVAC, Electrical, Automotive, Robotics
Many STEAM students are involved with Sports, Theater or ROTC at West – in addition
to being part of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and the many
other clubs and organizations West offers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. Do STEAM students need to be ready to take Algebra I in grade 9? YES they do!
2. Is there homework for students who are in the STEAM program? YES there is!
3. Are STEAM courses academically rigorous? Absolutely!

4. If I am a student who does well in a more traditional learning environment might I still
excel in the STEAM Program? Yes, but keep in mind this is a project-based/inquiry-
based model of teaching and learning.
5. What is project-based and inquiry-based learning?
Definition: Project-Based Learning – Project Based Learning is a teaching method in
which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to
investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or
challenge. Elements include: Key knowledge/understanding, challenging
problem/question, sustained inquiry, authenticity, student voice/choice, reflection,
critique/revision, and a public product.
Definition: Inquiry-Based Learning – A form of active learning that starts by posing
questions, problems or scenarios—rather than simply presenting established facts or
portraying a smooth path to knowledge. Inquiry-based instruction is closely related to the
development and practice of thinking skills.

STEAM COURSE OFFERINGS

FRESHMAN STEAM TEAM

STEAM ENGLISH 1 (2937/2938) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.
The STEAM English course is for students who express interest in pursuing an
education and/or career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics) field.  Topics are applied throughout the year to situations in the other
STEAM courses (Biology, Engineering, English and World Geography).  STEAM
English will focus on project and inquiry-based learning.  Driven by Essential Questions,
students will focus on literary genre of fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry, as well as
the writing process for fiction and nonfiction.  Emphasis will also be placed on
presentation and communication skills. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are
incorporated throughout the course.  Students are expected to produce individual and
group project and must be willing to work with all peers in the STEAM program.

STEAM ENGLISH 1 (2939/2940) Honors.Year, 1 credit.
The STEAM English course is for students who express interest in pursuing an
education and/or career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics) field.  Topics are applied throughout the year to situations in the other
STEAM courses (Biology, Engineering, English and World Geography).  STEAM
English will focus on project and inquiry-based learning.  Driven by Essential Questions,
students have the expectation of independent, extended learning, in addition to focusing
on literary genre of fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry, as well as the writing process
for fiction and nonfiction.  Emphasis will also be placed on presentation and
communication skills, in addition to intensive discussion-based classroom discussion.
Problem solving and critical thinking skills are incorporated throughout the course.  Students are
expected to produce individual and group project and must be willing to work with all peers in
the STEAM program.

STEAM WORLD GEOGRAPHY (2933/2934) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.

This course is a hybrid world history and world geography course. Through inquiry
learning, creative projects, research, and presentations, students will gain deeper
understandings of the impact that  humans have on the world. Content explorations will
focus upon understanding the decisions that humans make regarding control over
natural resources, the technological changes that have led to better efficiency in the
production of goods and services, and the influences that environments have on human
creativity and relationships.

STEAM WORLD GEOGRAPHY (2935/2936) Honors. Year, 1 credit.
This course is a hybrid world history and world geography course. Through inquiry
learning, creative projects, research, and presentations, students will gain deeper
understandings of the impact that  humans have on the world. Content explorations will
focus upon understanding the decisions that humans make regarding control over
natural resources, the technological changes that have led to better efficiency in the
production of goods and services, and the influences that environments have on human
creativity and relationships.

STEAM BIOLOGY (2921/2922) College Prep. Year, 1.5 credits.
This STEAM Biology course is for students who express interest in pursuing an
education and/or career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics) field.  Topics are applied throughout the year to situations in the other
STEAM courses (Biology, Engineering, English and World Geography).  This project
based course allows students the opportunity in class to investigate concepts from
molecular biology, genetics, biodiversity, evolution and ecology. Students are expected
to produce and present individual and group projects. Students must demonstrate a
willingness to work with all peers in the STEAM program. Successful completion of this
course satisfies the biology requirement for graduation.

STEAM BIOLOGY (2923/2924) Honors. Year, 1.5 credits.
This STEAM Biology course is for students who express interest in pursuing an
education and/or career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics) field.  Topics are applied throughout the year to situations in the other
STEAM courses (Biology, Engineering, English and World Geography).  This project
based course has the expectation of independent, extended learning in addition to the
opportunity in class to investigate concepts from molecular biology, genetics,
biodiversity, evolution and ecology. Students are expected to produce and present
individual and group projects. Students must demonstrate a willingness to work with all
peers in the STEAM program. Successful completion of this course satisfies the biology
requirement for graduation.

STEAM ALGEBRA 1 (2905/2906) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.
The STEAM Algebra course is for students who express interest in pursuing an
education and/or career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) field.  Topics are applied throughout the year to situations in the other
STEAM courses, Biology, Engineering, English, and World Geography. Topics include
properties of real numbers, solving linear equations, inequalities, literal equations,
quadratic equations, and systems of equations; graphing linear functions, inequalities,

and systems of inequalities; operations on polynomials, rational and irrational numbers;
as well as an introduction to functions and data analysis. Problem solving and critical
thinking skills are incorporated throughout the course. Students are expected to
produce individual and group projects and must be willing to work with all peers in the
STEAM program.  Successful completion of this course satisfies the   Algebra 1
requirement for graduation.

STEAM ALGEBRA 1 (2943/2944) Honors. Year, 1 credit.
The STEAM Algebra course is for students who express interest in pursuing an
education and/or career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) field.  Topics are applied throughout the year to situations in the other
STEAM courses, Biology, Engineering, English, and World Geography. Topics include
properties of real numbers, solving linear equations, inequalities, literal equations,
quadratic equations, and systems of equations; graphing linear functions, inequalities,
and systems of inequalities; operations on polynomials, rational and irrational numbers;
as well as an introduction to functions and data analysis. Problem solving and critical
thinking skills are incorporated throughout the course. Students are expected to
produce individual and group projects and must be willing to work with all peers in the
STEAM program.  Successful completion of this course satisfies the   Algebra 1
requirement for graduation.

STEAM INTRO TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (2925/2926) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.
Topics include geometric constructions, orthographic projections, pictorial drawings, and
computer-aided design and drafting.  The course is designed as an interdisciplinary
course that incorporates hands-on activities to make connections among science,
technology, engineering, the arts, and math.  Collaboration and communication skills
will be emphasized to provide students with real-world applications of the curriculum.

STEAM INTRO TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (2927/2928) Honors. Year, 1 credit.
Topics include geometric constructions, orthographic projections, pictorial drawings, and
computer-aided design and drafting.  The course is designed as an interdisciplinary
course that incorporates hands-on activities to make connections among science,
technology, engineering, the arts, and math.  Collaboration and communication skills
will be emphasized to provide students with real-world applications of the curriculum.

SOPHOMORE STEAM TEAM

STEAM ENGLISH 2 (2941/2942) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.

This course is focused on project and inquiry-based learning. Driven by Essential
Questions, students read and analyze both fiction and nonfiction texts connected to the
course theme. They conduct and demonstrate in-depth research projects, generate
EasyBib-based annotated bibliographies and create digital portfolios. Learning
exhibitions and collaborative demonstrations will showcase what is learned in class.

STEAM ENGLISH 2 (2943/2944) Honors. Year, 1 credit.

This course is focused on project and inquiry-based learning. Driven by Essential
Questions, students read and analyze both fiction and nonfiction texts connected to the
course theme. They conduct and demonstrate in-depth research projects, generate
EasyBib-based annotated bibliographies and create digital portfolios. Learning
exhibitions and collaborative demonstrations will showcase what is learned in class.
STEAM AMERICAN SYSTEMS (CIVICS/ECONOMICS) (2959/2957)

College Prep. Year, 1 credit.
STEAM American Systems is a combination of American Civics and Economics which
centers around Project Based Learning, Essential Questions, and Student Choice. The
portion of the course that fulfils the American Civics requirement emphasizes reading
and writing skills in the citizenship context, and includes the study of the Constitution,
the election process, and the three major branches of government: legislative,
executive, and judicial. State, county, and local governments, as well as current events,
are discussed throughout the course and will be explored through the study of national
and international events. In meeting the Economics requirement, students will be exposed
to the basics of economics such as factors of production, economic questions, and
economic systems. Students will also learn and practice personal finance skills which
will prepare them for life beyond school as a twenty-first consumer.

STEAM AMERICAN SYSTEMS (CIVICS/ECONOMICS) (2960/2958)
HONORS. Year, 1 credit.
STEAM American Systems is a combination of American Civics and Economics which centers
around Project Based Learning, Essential Questions, and Student Choice. The portion of the
course that fulfils the American Civics requirement emphasizes reading and writing skills in the
citizenship context, and includes the study of the Constitution, the election process, and the
three major branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. State, county, and local
governments, as well as current events, are discussed throughout the course and will be
explored through the study of national and international events. In meeting the Economics
requirement, students will be exposed to the basics of economics such as factors of production,
economic questions, and economic systems. Students will also learn and practice personal
finance skills which will prepare them for life beyond school as a twenty-first consumer. Honors
students in this course will conduct rigorous research and participate in project
development as well as teach pertinent lessons with instructor guidance and
collaboration.

STEAM PHYSICAL SCIENCE (2949/2950) College Prep. Year, 1.5 credits.
This is a laboratory course that is designed as an introduction to basic physics and
chemistry concepts addressed in the Next Generation Science Standards. Topics will
include: properties of matter, motion, energy, magnetism, and waves. Emphasis will be
placed on the science and engineering processes and inquiry learning. This course is
designed to deepen your understanding of basic physics and chemistry to increase your
confidence by teaching these subjects in inquiry-based ways.

STEAM PHYSICAL SCIENCE (2951/2952) Honors. Year, 1.5 credits.
This is a laboratory course that is designed as an introduction to basic physics and
chemistry concepts addressed in the Next Generation Science Standards. Topics will
include: properties of matter, motion, energy, magnetism, and waves. Emphasis will be

placed on the science and engineering processes and inquiry learning. This course is
designed to deepen your understanding of basic physics and chemistry to increase your
confidence by teaching these subjects in inquiry-based ways.

STEAM GEOMETRY (2913/2914) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.

The STEAM Geometry course is for students who express an interest in pursuing an
education or career in the STEM (Science, Engineering, and Mathematics ) field.
Topics are applied throughout the year to situations in the other STEAM courses. This
course covers the fundamental Geometry concepts including parallel lines, triangles,
quadrilaterals, other polygons, similarity, congruence, circles, perimeters, areas,
volumes and an introduction to Trigonometry basics. This course will include proofs but
is not the main emphasis. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are incorporated
throughout the course. Students will be expected to produce individual and group
projects. They must be willing to work with all peers in the STEAM program.

STEAM GEOMETRY (2945/2946) Honors. Year, 1 credit.

The STEAM Geometry course is for students who express an interest in pursuing an education
or career in the STEM (Science, Engineering, and Mathematics ) field. Topics are applied
throughout the year to situations in the other STEAM courses. This course covers the
fundamental Geometry concepts including parallel lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, other
polygons, similarity, congruence, circles, perimeters, areas, volumes and an introduction to
Trigonometry basics. This course will include both informal and formal proofs. Problem solving
and critical thinking skills are incorporated throughout the course. Students will be expected to
produce individual and group projects. They must be willing to work with all peers in the
STEAM program.

PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING (1669/1670) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.
A STEAM course that explores basic engineering concepts in an exciting, hands-on
environment. Topics included simple machines, strength of materials, robotics,
structure strength and failure, problem solving, invention, basic machining, career
options, and much more. This course has fun and challenging projects that compliment
the material covered.

JUNIOR YEAR STEAM OFFERINGS

STEAM AMERICAN STUDIES (2981/2982)(2995/2996) College Prep. Year, 2 credit.

Taught simultaneously, English 3 & U.S. History, are taught as a year long theme-
based course which provides insight into the development of our uniquely American character
and identity. Students explore both written and film fictional classics as well as
numerous non-fiction texts, conduct research, answer Essential Questions and
demonstrate their learning in ways that connect the history and literature of their country
to their world today.

STEAM AMERICAN STUDIES (2983/2984)(2997/2998) Honors. Year, 2 credit.

Taught simultaneously, English 3 & U.S. History, are taught as a year long theme-
based course which provides insight into the development of our uniquely American character
and identity. Students explore both written and film fictional classics as well as
numerous non-fiction texts, conduct research, answer Essential Questions and
demonstrate their learning in ways that connect the history and literature of their country
to their world today.

STEAM CHEMISTRY (2953/2954) College Prep. Year, 1.5 credits.
This is a laboratory course designed to introduce the student to chemical principles and
concepts which are developed from observations and data; to understand and apply
ordinary chemical and scientific phenomena encountered in everyday activities; and to
assist the student in appreciating the role of the chemist and the chemical industry in
the development of our present day highly technological society. Emphasis is placed on
experiments yielding data, that when analyzed and interpreted; reveal important
relationships such as trends and regularities, which can be used as a basis for
developing unifying principles and concepts.

STEAM CHEMISTRY (2955/2956) Honors. Year, 1.5 credits.
This is a laboratory course designed to introduce the student to chemical principles and
concepts which are developed from observations and data; to understand and apply
ordinary chemical and scientific phenomena encountered in everyday activities; and to
assist the student in appreciating the role of the chemist and the chemical industry in
the development of our present day highly technological society. Emphasis is placed on
experiments yielding data, that when analyzed and interpreted; reveal important
relationships such as trends and regularities, which can be used as a basis for
developing unifying principles and concepts.

STEAM ALGEBRA 2 & TRIGONOMETRY (2985/2986) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.
The STEAM Algebra 2 course is for students who express an interest in pursuing an education
or career in the STEM (Science, Engineering, and Mathematics ) field. Topics are applied
throughout the year to situations in the other STEAM courses. This course covers topics
involving linear equations, functions, inequalities, absolute value, compound inequalities and
systems of equations. It covers topics involving quadratic equations and functions including
various solving methods and graphing of quadratic functions. Right triangle Trigonometry will
be covered including the unit circle and radians. Topics also covered are polynomial functions,
rational functions, radicals, exponential functions, logarithmic functions and conic sections.
Graphing calculators are recommended but not required.

STEAM ALGEBRA 2 & TRIGONOMETRY (2987/2988) Honors. Year, 1 credit.
The STEAM Algebra 2 course is for students who express an interest in pursuing an education
or career in the STEM (Science, Engineering, and Mathematics ) field. Topics are applied
throughout the year to situations in the other STEAM courses. This course covers topics
involving linear equations, functions, inequalities, absolute value, compound inequalities and
systems of equations. It covers topics involving quadratic equations and functions including
various solving methods and graphing of quadratic functions. Right triangle Trigonometry will
be covered including the unit circle and radians. Topics also covered are polynomial functions,
rational functions, radicals, exponential functions logarithmic functions and conic sections.
Graphing calculators are recommended and will be used throughout the course.

SENIOR YEAR STEAM OFFERINGS

STEAM SOCIAL ISSUES IN LITERATURE (2993) College Prep. Semester, 0.5 credit.

This course is designed to heighten students’ awareness of literature as a means of
conveying the impact of various social issues, including the history of book banning,
censorship, and women’s issues. Emphasis will be on close reading of each text and
comparative analysis through written and oral expression.

STEAM COLLEGE COMPOSITION (2989) College Prep. Semester, 0.5 credit.

As the culminating writing course for STEAM, students will develop a formal research
question and conduct intensive semester-long research culminating in an appropriately
formatted and documented 10-12 page research paper. The course emphasizes writing
as a process that undergoes various stages toward completion and engages a variety of
rhetorical approaches. This process-writing method gives students critical skills that
underlie effective academic writing, including grammar and the conventions of standard
written English. Running Start qualified course.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & GENETICS (0929/0930) College Prep. Year, 1.5 credits.
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Chemistry are recommended.
Students selecting this level of biotechnology will learn about cellular biology, stem cell
research and cloning, classical and advanced genetics, molecular biology and DNA
informatics, and bioethics. Students will spend about 35% of the time doing elaborate
laboratory experiments and research projects practicing techniques used in industry.
This course is part of the Running Start program and may receive college credit.
NOTE: class meets seven (7) periods per week.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (0891/0892) College Prep. Year, 1.5 credits.
Prerequisites: Biology 1 and Chemistry (may be taken concurrently).
Major topics covered are physiology, histology, anatomical terminology, and
interrelationships of organ systems within an organism. The systems of the human body
will be covered in depth. Labs range from microscope slide work to a complete
mammalian dissection. This course utilizes college textbooks and college-level
laboratory activities for instruction.
NOTE: class meets seven (7) periods per week.

INTRODUCTION TO PRE-CALCULUS (0721/0722) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Geometry.
The course is designed to prepare students for college-level pre-calculus. Topics
include applications and graphs of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric
functions.

PRE-CALCULUS (0725/0726) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra 2 and Geometry.
Topics include analysis of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric
functions; sequences and series; and probability. Graphing calculators will be used
throughout the course. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are incorporated
throughout the course. Students are expected to clearly communicate their processes
and solutions. This course prepares students for Calculus.

PRE-CALCULUS (0727/0728) Honors. Year, 1 credit.
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra 2 and Geometry.
Topics include analysis of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric
functions; polar coordinates; statistics; probability; and an introduction to limits.
Graphing calculators will be used extensively throughout the course. Problem-solving,
critical thinking skills, and independent study are incorporated throughout the course.
Students are expected to clearly communicate their processes and solutions. This
course prepares students for AP Calculus.

FINITE MATH (0735/0736) College Prep. Year, 1 credit.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Geometry.
This course is designed for the student who is interested in pursuing a business or
liberal arts degree. Topics include linear systems, matrices, linear programming,
probability, statistics, and finance. Applications are drawn from the areas of the social
sciences and economics. Running Start credit may be available upon successful
completion.