Bryan ISD Odyssey Academy is a Nationally Certified STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Academy. Founded in 2008 at Stephen F. Austin Middle School as an advanced academic program for 7th and 8th graders the program has grown and now also serves students in the 5th and 6th grades at Sam Rayburn Intermediate School. NASA Einstein Fellow Naveen Cunha is an 8th Grade Teacher who specializes in Robotics Programming & Design. He stopped by the KEOS studios to tell our listeners about Odyssey Academy. Students in the program learn by working together on projects in collaborative groups, and participate in UIL competitions to develop skills in problem solving, design, working with others in project teams and presenting, Using computer aided design tools they model and test ideas, then build prototypes. Following a “Mission to Mars” theme they work together through initial design, testing, and project presentation, developing skills that prepare them for college and careers that require excellent planning, problem solving and communication skills.
Admission to the Odyssey STEM Academy is available by application to any 5th, 6th or 7th grade student in the Bryan Independent School District. GT (Gifted and Talented) designation is not required. The application process is underway now. On January 14th at 6 P.M. there will be an online information session. An informational video about Odyssey STEM Academy as well as application information is available now on the Bryan ISD Odyssey STEM Academy page at
https://www.bryanisd.org/apps/pages/OdysseyAcademy. Questions can be submitted and will be answered in advance of the information session. Also available on the web site is a program handbook with detailed information about the curriculum and instructional staff.
For more information about Odyssey STEM Academy visit
https://www.bryanisd.org/apps/pages/OdysseyAcademy.