Magnet Courses

Course Overview

Mathematics

Science

Computer Science

Interdisciplinary


Research and Experimentation for Problem Solving 1A/B

  • Grade Level: 9
  • Corequisite: Advanced Science 1, Physics/Advanced Science 2, Chemistry
  • 0.25 credit per semester

Despite the hundreds of able, gifted students that have walked the halls of Montgomery Blair High School, no one has yet succeeded in measuring the exact height of the school's huge and mysterious steeple. Magnet students try every year, constructing rudimentary measuring devices and implementing trigonometry to wager a guess, but an estimate of a mere five feet is not unusual in spite of their best attempts. The mantra of "try, try again" is one that Magnet students learn to embrace early on in high school, as they enter the dusty Research and Experimentation classroom. From building trebuchets to conducting Chemistry experiments, students utilize and hone their problem skills while exposing themselves to the real-life applications of the concepts learned in other interdisciplinary Magnet classes. So don't be alarmed if you happen to hear the high-pitched squeal of a band saw while walking down the 210s hallway - it's just the sound of learning, Magnet-style.

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This is an engineering, laboratory-based course in which students study, research, and apply concepts studied in their magnet science, mathematics, and computer science classes to solve real-world problems. Topics in Grade 9 include, but are not limited to, indirect measurement techniques and devices, data analysis, computer-aided drawing, materials science, research, and scientific instrumentation.

Research and Experimentation for Problem Solving 2

  • Grade Level: 10
  • Prerequisite: Research and Experimentation for Problem Solving 1 A, B
  • Corequisite: Advanced Science 3, Earth/Space Sciences
  • 0.25 credit per semester

The main focus of R&E in tenth grade is Mission Possible, a project heavily linked with Earth Systems Science, where students solve problems in areas related to engineering design and construction of robots, remote sensing and data collection with scientific instruments. R&E is probably the first and only time that students will have the opportunity to play with Legos for a school project. Students also practice their oral presentation skills by giving a final report on the successes and failures of their project and apply computer aided drafting techniques to draw a final sketch of their robot. By the end of the semester, students come to realize that Mars is nothing compared to TerraBlair.

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In Grade 10, the R and E course is linked instructionally to the magnet Earth and Space Science course. Topics include, but are not limited to, engineering design and construction, robotics, remote sensing, data collection with scientific instruments, and data analysis. Teamwork and research skills are emphasized.

Research Project A/B

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Research Design
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Research Project is the class for the famous Senior Research Project (SRP). In order to get a magnet research seal on your diploma, each Magnet junior must do a research project under the mentorship of a scientist. In SRP A (for second semester juniors) you'll learn how to submit a proposal, get a mentor, keep a detailed lab notebook and write all sections of a research paper. Over the summer you'll conduct your project and when you return first semester senior year, you'll enter SRP B. SRP B is for the actual paper-writing process. You'll get drafts edited, learn how to make a poster and presentation of your work, and have the opportunity to enter your project in various competitions. It is highly recommended because research is such an integral part of the magnet program.

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Students conduct research projects based on an approved proposal. All students work either independently or on a team, with the guidance of their faculty advisor or mentor and the project coordinator. Students may elect to work outside of the school facility. Requirements include the completion of a journal, project display, oral presentation, and final paper. Students begin their projects in the spring of their junior year and continue into the fall of their senior year.

Research Design

  • Grade Level: 11
  • Prerequisite: Research and Experimentation for Problem Solving 2
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Developing intriguing ways to save lives is just part of life in the Magnet program. In Research and Design classes in eleventh grade, students propose ideas for novel devices that improve our safety from a spinning candleholder to an attachable leg on a crutch. After a thorough investigation of existing patents, students work in groups to actually construct their safety devices and present them in front of an audience of several grade levels. Later on in the semester, students engage in discussions on ethics in research and engineering and analyze an emerging or future technology for entry into the Toshiba ExploraVision Competition. The skills acquired in this course build upon those introduced in ninth and tenth grade and prepare students for their independent senior research projects.

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Students explore various research methods used in science and technology to bridge the gap between classroom laboratory exercises and real-world research project design and implementation. Through a series of interdisciplinary mini-projects, students gain hands-on experience in developmental, historical, and analytical research. Students discuss ethics in research and analyze oral presentations and research papers as well as the qualities that make an effective team.

Research and Experimentation: Engineering for Problem Solving (Robotics)

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Attainment of the outcomes of Research Design or teacher recommendations
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Engineering for Problem Solving is an 11th or 12th grade Research and Experimentation elective currently focused on robotics. Students are currently working on developing their own Segway-type vehicle (dubbed the K-Way after Mr. Kaluta, the teacher of the class). Students design and build all parts of robots including any welding, wiring, and programming necessary. In the past, among other projects, students have created a 3d printer.

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Students select thematic studies and structured projects that are related to the various fields of engineering.

Guided Research A/B

  • Grade Level: 11 - 12
  • Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and coordinator permission
  • 0.5 credit per semester

Guided Research is merely the formal name of Sports Statistics (a Math course) and 3-D Computer Graphics (a Computer Science course). Please see either the Math or Computer Science Courses page for more details on the respective courses.

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This is an individualized course that addresses the research interests of students who are advanced in a particular subject area. Arrangements are made with a sponsoring teacher for in-depth work in an area of interest, typically involving equipment or materials that go beyond what is available in the classroom. The advisor and student set individual goals and expectations.