The Geomatics Academy is a non-profit after-school program funded through the MHEC 'College Preparation Intervention Program', in conjunction with the Maryland Board of Education 'GEAR-UP Focus on Math' program, which is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Geomatics Academy, a College Preparation Intervention Program partnership between Fairmont Heights High School and Towson University, is designed to help strengthen students' understanding of Algebra I / Data Analysis concepts, promote college awareness, and introduce students to a variety of careers within the environmental sciences through a series of Thursday / Saturday Activity Days. The integration of mathematics, geography, and environmental science is a novel, engaging approach to generate enthusiasm for learning through hands-on, real-life activities that utilize a variety of technologies (graphing calculator, Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and spreadsheet software), all of which students will continue to have access to after the completion of the project. Mathematics enrichment experiences are aligned to Maryland's Voluntary State Curriculum for Algebra I and Data Analysis. Students will connect to their local environment as they collect and analyze data from Beaverdam Creek, utilize geometric properties of the layout of Washington, D.C. to develop and strengthen understanding of algebra concepts, and learn navigation skills on the Chesapeake Bay. Students will prepare for the college admission process through resume writing, an analysis of varying costs of a college education, mock interviews and a GPS-guided tour of Towson University. Parents/guardians will also participate in college awareness activities. Teachers will participate in the Activity Days and improve skills to incorporate hands-on, technology-integrated activities. The Geomatics Academy is a community of learners comprised of FHHS students, teachers, and parents/guardians and five faculty members from Towson University's Mathematics and Geography Departments. hide