Exploratory and Electives

Welcome to the FMS STEAM Exploratory Department!

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end result involves students who take thoughtful risks, engaging in experiential learning, persisting in problem-solving, embracing collaboration, and working through the creative process. These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century!

Our vision is to engage, inspire, empower a community of learners to think, collaborate, and innovate in a challenging learning environment and ensure students are well-equipped to meet the challenges in the 21st century.

All electives courses in the STEAM pathway will take the benefits of STEM and complete the package by integrating these principles in and through the arts.  Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) education creates an integrated, innovative, learning environment in every classroom. The STEAM approach facilitates a learning experience driven by problem solving, discovery, and exploratory learning.

STEAM takes STEM to the next level: it allows students to connect their learning in these critical areas together with arts practices, elements, design principles, and standards to provide the whole “ pallet” of learning at their disposal through hands-on learning and the use of technology.

Current semester-long classes: Exploratory Art, Exploratory Drama, and Exploratory Computer Applications.  Exploratory Option and are assigned randomly.  Students do not choose.

Year-long classes:  Advanced Choir, Intermediate & Advanced Orchestra, Intermediate & Advanced Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz, Advanced Art, Spanish 1A and 1B, Yearbook, Student Leadership and Media Production.  Students get to choose from these courses. Registration is a 2-step process:  Online elective choice form and application with grades (Semester 1) attached.   Applications are only considered when complete, legible and submitted on time during the registration window.

Signing up for Electives for the following school begins in Feb/March within a 2 week window.  Applications are posted online on the FMS Website during this window.  Teachers will announce in class, but it is the responsibility of the student to get the required documentation submitted on time.  Don't miss this important time period!