ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH

The Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (ASTEM), one of five academies at GRPS’s Innovation
Central High School (ICHS), is a program designed to instill into ASTEM students the knowledge, skills, curiosity,
and excitement to propel them into STEM-related professions and careers after high school, whether they
major in one of these fields in college or enter the workforce right after graduation.

ASTEM CURRICULUM & COURSES

The ASTEM program utilizes the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum, which is a series of nationally recognized
classes that build upon each other as students move from 9th grade through 12th. The ASTEM program has two tracks
of classes, the engineering track and the biomedical track. The engineering classes are Intro to Engineering, Principles
of Engineering, and Civil Engineering and Architecture. The biomedical classes are Intro to Biomedical, Human Body
Systems, and Medical Interventions. We also offer an AP Computer Science Principles class to ASTEM students that
aligns directly with the engineering classes.

RESOURCES & MATERIALS

Students are able to access a wide range of high-tech equipment and resources in the ASTEM classes. Students in
engineering classes utilize Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Inventor software on laptops and desktop computers to construct
projects that can be sent to one of five 3D printers. Students in the biomedical classes utilize gel electrophoresis for
extracting DNA and Vernier data collection, tools, and software. All ASTEM students have access to a CNC mill, a metal
lathe, and a laser engraver- all state of the art equipment- to give students cutting edge training, which will enable them
to step right into the workforce or will support their learning in college. Students also utilize VEX Robotics components to
make a variety of solar-powered and hydrogen fuel cell mechanical machines and robotics.

For more information, go to: www.grps.org/innovationcentral-ame

Academy of ASTEM@ Innovation Central

By Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation

Academy of ASTEM@ Innovation Central

ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH