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Mount Vernon STEAM Academy students begin crime scene project in Principles of Biomedical Science

Students kneeling to look at dead body.
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy students begin crime scene project in Principles of Biomedical Science

Students in Principles of Biomedical Science at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy are embarking on a semester-long project where they are examining the scene of a fictional death to learn about different biomedical concepts. This course, taught by T.J. Pufahl, is a Project Lead the Way course, which are specially designed STEM classes with hands-on, real-world learning experiences.

The project starts with a fictional character found dead in a science lab. Students begin examining the crime scenes and find out medically how she died. As they learn about different medical principles, they utilize those to develop theories about the crime scene. Some of the concepts they will learn about are hair follicles, fingerprints and testing DNA.

“It’s their job as forensic scientists to biomedically figure out how she died,” said Mr. Pufahl. “So, we analyze blood spatter evidence; we learn about blood typing, fingerprints, DNA evidence, hair samples — amongst a number of other various pieces of evidence. We learn about those things in depth using high-tech, college-level equipment. Then we apply that to the crime scene and try to figure out medically how she died. She dies differently in every single course, every single year.”

The crime scene was showcased at STEAM’s meet-and-greet night on Thursday, September 27, 2024.

Teacher around lab equipment pointing out things.
Students standing around lab equipment and taking notes.
Students kneeling and viewing dead body.


 

Leonard and Isaac
How STEAM students continued their academic progress in the summer

For many students, the summer break is a recess from their academic journey, in which they can relax and focus on having fun and other endeavors. However, these Mount Vernon STEAM scholars chose to focus on pursuits that were both fun and educational for their futures.

Four students presenting project.
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy students present crime analysis in forensics class

Students in Karl Nifontoff’s forensics class at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy became investigators for their latest project, which they presented on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Students reviewed a case study of a murder and used deductive reasoning to determine the timeline of the crime, who the killer was and what the motive was.

Valedictorian receiving diploma.
Class of 2024 at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy graduates 153 students

In front of a crowd of cheering family members, 153 students graduated from Mount Vernon STEAM Academy’s Class of 2024 on Monday, June 24, 2024. The commencement ceremony was held at Mount Vernon High School, and Stephen Ball, Harvard Law School Dean of Students, delivered the keynote speech. 

Valedictorian accepting award
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy holds the annual Senior Awards Convocation

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy held its annual Senior Award Convocation event to celebrate high-achieving seniors of the class of 2024. Awards, many of which were monetary, were given to various hard-working seniors for their commitment to academic achievement, community service and sports. Families dressed up and supported their children in being recognized for their accomplishments over the past four years.

View full photo gallery here!

MV STEAM val/sal
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The highest honors a student can receive at the end of their high school career is being titled valedictorian or salutatorian, an accomplishment given to those who have worked hard to maintain one of the two highest GPAs in their graduating class. Mount Vernon STEAM Academy has named Damaris Ferrer as its valedictorian and Margaret Djamongue as its salutatorian. 

Instructor teaching students lesson.
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy students compete in Army fitness test

Mount Vernon STEAM Academy students competed against each other in a series of physical fitness tests administered by members of the U.S. Army on Friday, May 31, 2024. Classes split up into groups of six, and soldiers guided participants through three workout stations. Students on the winning team were awarded with t-shirts.

Students coloring.
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy holds the Zenbrary wellness fair

Calming sounds and the soothing smells of aromatherapy emanated from the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy library, as students and staff participated in mental wellness activities. For the culminating activity of Mental Health Awareness Week, the school hosted a wellness fair called the “Zenbrary,” on Friday, May 24, 2024.