A.C.E.S Wild: "Applied Concepts of Engineering and Science" Course Shakes Up Tradition

New articles are released regularly that talk of the plight of K-12 education in retaining student interest in STEM concepts and that document the fears of STEM - based employers that they will not have a workforce ready to handle the challenges of the new Global Economy. East Cobb Middle School has offered a course that connects the grade-appropriate science and mathematics concepts through engineering principles. Now, ECMS, in collaboration with Georgia Tech, is proposing to the State Department of Education the creation of three new middle school courses, one at each grade level, called Applied Concepts of Engineering and Science (A.C.E.S.). Each year the course would have a specific focus area, but maintain the same primary function--to connect the science and math concepts through engineering - based activities. The A.C.E.S courses would be considered an additional academic class that is required for all students.