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Parkville Middle School and Center of Technology offers a unique exploratory magnet program for students in grades six, seven, and eight. Students in grade six spend one quarter of the school year in each of the four magnet courses: Applied Engineering, Environmental Science, Mass Communication, and Visual & Graphic Arts. Seventh grade students narrow their course of study to two of the four magnet strands, spending one semester in each. Eighth grade students select one magnet course for a concentrated year of study.
BCPS Magnet Office
The Mass Communication program challenges students to develop skills needed for effective written, oral, and visual communication. The program provides experiences with the technology used for television, radio, and computer-based publications. Students design and produce projects such as journals, newsletters, newspapers, as well as radio and television broadcasts. Students apply their skills in reading, analysis, investigative research, narrative and persuasive writing, and critical thinking. Programs in Mass Communication, Television and Radio, and Multimedia exist at the high school level. In addition, students will be prepared to participate in high school journalism, yearbook, debate, and mock trial programs.
Instructor: Shane Kress
The Applied Engineering program provides students with a range of experiences in the application of scientific and mathematical principles combined with computer science and technical skills. Students gain opportunities to explore the many aspects of engineering, both in theory and in practical applications. Students study electricity, hydraulics, aeronautics, buoyancy, magnetism, construction, and many other topics. The engineering program emphasizes problem solving, critical thinking, and application of knowledge in real-world situations. This program provides a foundation for students who wish to continue in a high school magnet program in engineering, science, or math.
Instructor: Bruce Kopp
The Visual & Graphic Arts program emphasizes creative and critical thinking abilities of students through problem solving as they explore the many facets of the world of art. In addition to the development of skills in the areas of drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, students use computer technology to expand their design capability. Students explore the function of art in today's society through advertising, graphic design, and illustration. Students are encouraged and assisted in the development of portfolios that they may use to audition for high school magnet art programs at Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts and Carver Center for Arts & Technology.
Instructor: Linda McConaughy
The Environmental Science program benefits from the unique features of the Parkville Middle School and Center of Technology campus. The program enables students to study a closed ecosystem (an aquarium) and apply what they learn to the study of life in the pond, courtyard, and greenhouse located on school grounds. Students also study Parkville Run, as it flows into Stemmers Run in Double Rock Park, all of which are within walking distance. The environmental science program is designed to allow students the hands-on experiential learning that will enable them to understand the increasingly delicate balance between people and their environment. At the end of eighth grade, students will have the opportunity to take the high school exam for Environmental Science and receive high school credit. This program provides a foundation for students who wish to continue in a high school magnet program in any of the sciences.
Instructor: Erin Epple
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