MASTER Program: Math, Applied Science, Technology, Engineering, Research

The MASTER
Program
Mathematics, Applied Science,
Technology, Engineering, & Research

Observe
Experiment
Innovate
The MASTER Program
Every student at Wheaton Academy participates in the
MASTER Program. By taking math and science classes
throughout high school, each student receives valuable
training in thinking quantitatively about the world,
asking insightful questions, and integrating math skills
and scientific insight in pursuit of a fuller understanding
of who God is and what He has made.
In addition to the core math and science classes, the
MASTER program also provides students with cutting
edge opportunities in robotics, technology, engineering,
and laboratory research. In doing so, we hope to train
leaders with the skills and wisdom to serve as God’s
people in some of the most exciting and innovative
fields in the world today.
Specifically, the MASTER program exists so that every
student
• Understands how God has patterned the natural
world
• Cultivates a vision for God’s Kingdom on Earth
• Speaks His truth as it is discovered in His creation
• Learns to serve others by applying new technologies
to persistent problems
Students
program
drones in the
IDEA Lab

A student who fully participates in all the MASTER
program has to offer can graduate from Wheaton
Academy having
• Taken multiple Advanced Placement math and
science courses for college credit
• Designed and created products using 3D printing
and CNC technology
• Managed a server cluster
• Programmed robots and drones to perform tasks
• Automated experiments to be run on the
International Space Station
• Performed DNA extraction in preparation for gene
sequencing
• Coded new video game software
• Worked with local companies to collect and analyze
real research data
• Explored ecological concepts and cared for animals
in a student-run aquaponics system
• Published academic work in a student-run scientific
journal
• Learned that God delights in our ability to wisely
interact with the world around us
We are excited to see the great things students
accomplish in the MASTER program and the
enthusiasm that our business and private partners show
in their support of student learning. While great science
education is occurring in schools throughout the
area, we are particularly proud of the way the MASTER
program at Wheaton Academy exposes students to
innovative and rigorous instruction, extensive handson
opportunities, and enthusiastic partners in industry.
Most of all, we are excited to help in developing leaders
ready to advance the Kingdom of God in the various
fields of math and science.

Science
Curriculum
SKILLS
Physics Chemistry Biology
Students focus on data
gathering, organization,
and inquiry in simple
systems.
Students refine technique
and data analysis with
more complex chemical
systems.
Students further hone
their questioning and
apply skills to highly
intricate living systems.
SAMPLE
CONTENT
Electromagnetism
determines how particles
of different charges are
attracted to one another.
Energy is conserved
throughout physical
interactions.
Patterns of attraction
between particles
determine chemical bonds
in molecules.
Chemical reactions
conserve energy through
breaking and forming
bonds.
The bonding patterns in
molecules determine the
way they interact in living
systems.
Living things have
complex systems for
capturing the energy of
chemical reactions.
MATH
INTEGRATION
Students describe the
world using basic concepts
of Algebra and Geometry,
establishing a foundational
integration.
Students predict
outcomes of reaction and
evaluate yields through
the application of more
advanced mathematical
concepts.
Students evaluate patterns
among living systems
through statistics and
linear models.
Why Start with Physics?
Students benefit when they start high school with
a foundational understanding that the world is
governed by physics laws, is comprised of particles
and waves, and acts according to predictable
patterns (the core concepts of Physics). Chemistry
builds on that knowledge, as does Biology, and, by
teaching Physics first, we can dive deeper, explain
more, and draw stronger connections among the
concepts in our other science courses.
Doesn’t physics include advanced math?
Starting high school science with Physics is often
confusing to those who tend to associate Physics
with Calculus and Advanced Mathematics. The
concepts of Physics, however, are foundational and
can help students explain the world algebraically
starting freshman year. Of course, Calculus is
important, and we encourage students wanting
to pursue Physics beyond graduation to take AP
Physics their junior or senior year.

Example Four-Year Science Schedules
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
9th Grade Physics Advanced Physics
Intro to Robotics
Intro to Engineering
Summer Advanced
Chemistry
Advanced Physics
Genetics and Bio Research
Intro to Engineering
10th Grade
Advanced Chemistry
Intro to Engineering
Genetics and Biological
Research
AP Chemistry
Advanced Robotics
Intro to Programming
Summer Advanced Biology
Advanced Chemistry
AP Seminar
Intro to Programming
11th Grade
Biology
3D Design and
Fabrication
Engineering Design
AP Biology
Advanced Programming
Genetics and Biological
Research
Advanced Biology
AP Research
3D Design and Fabrication
12th Grade
AP Environmental
Science
MASTER Capstone
AP Physics
Topics in Science and
Biblical Truth
Anatomy and Physiology
Topics in Science
and Biblical Truth
Engineering Design
“The best part of taking
science here is that I have
countless opportunities
to receive hands-on
experience. Wheaton
Academy gives me the
resources and space I
need to pursue ambitious
projects.”
Peter Sorenson ’21

Math
How do i decide which courses to take and
when to take them?
Using the graph as a reference, all students
start at the center and move outward.
When students demonstrate mastery at
one level, they are ready to take a course
in the next level. Once they have mastered
Extended Algebra, students may also
choose to take multiple courses at one level
such as Precalculus and Statistics.
Students are initially placed in a specific
Math course at the beginning of
freshman year. As they progress through
the curriculum, however, they can
decide which courses to take based on
demonstrated proficiencies and earned
grades. By senior year, a majority of our
students decide to pursue advanced
mathematics either through Calculus or
Statistics, with a sizable portion opting
to take courses in both areas. However,
only three years of Math are required to
graduate.
Transition to Advanced Math
Logic & Spatial Reasoning
Extended Algebra
Core
Algebra
Advanced Math
Core Algebra
Foundations of Algebra
Algebra I (Reg/Adv)
Logic & Spatial Reasoning
Foundations of Geometry with
Statistics
Geometry with Statistics (Reg/Adv)
Extended Algebra
Intermediate Algebra
Algebra II
College Algebra (Adv)
Transition to Advanced Math
Statistics and Data Science
Precalculus (Reg/Adv)
Advanced Math
Calculus
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
Capstone Course
How does Wheaton Academy decide where to place students?
Students entering Wheaton Academy are placed in Math courses based on two criteria: the student’s
8th grade Math enrollment and the score earned on the Math placement exam. Of the two, the score
on the Math placement exam is most helpful in determining placement, as it shows what a student is
capable of doing regardless of the classes formally taken. Because the mastery of key skills is essential
for success in later courses, accurate placement is very important. Freshmen may start their Math
sequencing at any level within the graph above if mastery of key skills in the graph’s previous level is
demonstrated through the Math placement exam.
See Curriculum Guide pages 44 - 47 for more information.

Example Four-Year Math Schedules
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
9th Grade Algebra I Geometry with Statistics
(Adv)
College Algebra
10th Grade Geometry with Statistics College Algebra Advanced Pre-Calculus
11th Grade Algebra II Advanced Pre-Calculus AP Calculus BC
12th Grade Statistics AP Calculus AB AP Statistics
>>
“I am amazed that in this
large universe math can be
used to accurately predict
to the second when the
sun will rise and set each
day. Understanding math
reminds me of the Creator
of the world and that He is
in control of everything.”
Chris Felinski, Math Faculty

MASTER ELECTIVES
Robotics
Students enrolled in the robotics courses at
Wheaton Academy live at the intersection of
design, engineering, and programming. Working
with various tools and programming languages,
students in these courses are exposed to some of
the most exciting new fields in the world today.
Through practice with new technology and a focus
on problem solving, these students develop vital
skills for the 21st century.
Example Courses and Clubs
» Introduction to Robotics (1 Semester)
» Advanced Robotics (1 Semester)
» Robotics Team (2 Semesters)
Example Activities
» Progress from building LEGO Mindstorms
projects to competing on the VEX platform
» Program and fly drones
» Print new robot designs using our 3D printers
» Create and Program RC Cards
» Print an arduino-controlled robotic dragon
using our 3D printers
Engineering
Students enrolled in the engineering classes at
Wheaton Academy learn the ways innovative
technology and a design mindset offer new
solutions to existing problems. Instead of fearing
failure, these students learn that great designs
come from trying something new and learning
from it. Combined with the different 3D printers,
CNC machines, and other technologies in our Idea
Lab, the willingness to design something new and
make it a reality empowers our students to achieve
great things.
Example Courses and Clubs
» Introduction to Engineering (1 Semester)
» 3D Design and Fabrication (1 Semester)
» Engineering Design (1 Semester)
» MASTER Capstone Project
Example Activities
» Develop equipment for chemistry labs
» Design sets for musicals
» Create a laser-guided putting aid
» Prototype a powered brace to reduce arthritic
symptoms
» Build a GO Kart using Laser CNC
» Design and build an aquaponics system

Questions?
wheatonacademy.org/MASTER
Programming
Students enrolled in the programming courses at
Wheaton Academy move from being consumers
of other people’s digital creations to designers
of their own. Working with the languages at the
heart of some the software we use every day, these
students meticulously craft new tools, games, and
applications from individual lines of code. The skills,
from setting up simple computer tasks to larger
computer servers, learned in these courses are
essential for students wanting to make a difference
in a digital world.
Example Courses and Clubs
» Intro to Programming (1 Semester)
» Advanced Programming (1 Semester)
» Networking (1 Semester)
Example Activities
» Create and maintain an on campus server
» App design
» Program a statistical simulator
» Create software that teachers use in
Wheaton Academy classrooms
» Design and program animated characters
Research
Students enrolled in the research courses at
Wheaton Academy learn the value of knowing the
way to ask the right kinds of questions. Whether
refining the process of creating crystals or
synthesizing research soil toxicity, these students
develop the skills necessary to identify, analyze, and
evaluate important data. Ultimately, these students
apply their skills to some of the most difficult
questions of all – those regarding the intersection of
Biblical truth and science – and nurture the desire
to continue to learn more.
Example Courses and Clubs
» Genetics and Biological Research (1 Semester)
» AP Seminar (1 Semester)
» AP Research (2 Semesters)
» Topics in Science and Biblical Truth (1 Semester)
Example Activities
» Publish research in the Academic Journal Ratio
» Collaborate with university professors on
research projects
» Examine the effects of soil toxicity in plants
» Explore levitating objects with sound waves
» Develop a test for GMOs in food

Who is the
Master Program?
Ellen Shales ’21
Research
Ellen is a research specialist. Having taken
every research course possible at Wheaton
Academy, she has developed impressive
technical skills in the laboratory and the
ability to find answers to some of the most
difficult questions. Nowhere is this more
evident than the research on circadian
rhythms she published in the academic
journal Ratio, both because of the fact that
she crafted that research in consult with a
college professor as well as the fact that she
was instrumental in creating the journal itself.
Ellen’s Master Experience included…
Josh Brunner ’21
Engineering and Design
While Josh focuses on engineering, he
has taken a variety of MASTER courses at
Wheaton Academy. As a result, you will find
him at work on projects throughout the
program, contributing hands-on skills and
technical insight. Currently, he is helping
set up and maintain a computer server on
campus and building a new aquaponics
system to expand the smaller one already
in service. As he continues to widen his
exposure in different MASTER areas, his
extensive engineering practice will continue
to make him a sought-after collaborator.
Josh’s Master Experience included…
Research
Math
Science
Engineering
Science
Tech
Math
Research

Students throughout the MASTER program accomplish incredible things.
Some focus on a single aspect of the MASTER program while others do a little
bit of everything. Ellen, Josh, Maddie, and Paul have each taken the different
kinds of courses shown in the graphs below, and, while their paths through the
program are not the same, they are all examples of what passionate students can
accomplish in their areas of interest.
Maddie Santoni ’21
Robotics and Programming
A cornerstone of the competitive robotics
team, Maddie has a potent combination of
programming talent and engineering prowess.
By focusing on the robotics and technology
offerings in the MASTER program, Maddie has
advanced her coding skills and uses them to
ensure that her robots achieve sustained
competitive success. In addition to her time
with the team, Maddie also frequently can
be found in the Idea Lab, designing her own
robots on the side, practicing with new coding
languages, and fabricating components on
the 3D printers.
Maddie’s Master Experience included…
Paul Lyon ’20
Full Immersion
Paul has taken courses throughout the
MASTER program, honing his skills in research,
engineering, robotics, and programming. He is
a leader and well-rounded contributor on the
robotics team, has conducted research on
the effects of competitive video gaming on
diabetics, and has developed his own video
game software. Combined with his various
AP science and math courses, Paul’s work in
the MASTER program illustrates the depth and
width of what a student can accomplish over
the course of four years.
Paul’s Master Experience included…
Robotics
Math
Science
Tech
Engineering
Science
Robotics
Math
Tech
Engineering
Research

Master Scholar Designation Course Requirements
Students can receive a MASTER Scholar designation on their diploma by completing at least 30 credits of
MASTER courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above in those courses. Requirements include at least one
course in each of the five areas of the program but can be met via two different tracks.
Mathematics Applied Science Technology Engineering Research
Geometry with
Statistics
Geometry with
Statistics (Adv)
Algebra II
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Pre-Calculus (Adv)
Statistics
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
Physics
Physics (Adv)
Chemistry
Chemistry (Adv)
Biology
Advanced Biology
Anatomy/Physiology
AP Physics
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
Introduction to
Programming
Advanced
Programming
Introduction to
Robotics
Advanced Robotics
Networking
AP Computer Science
3D Design and
Fabrication
Introduction to
Engineering
Engineering Design
MASTER Capstone
Project
Genetics and
Biological Research
AP Seminar
AP Research
Topics in Science and
Biblical Truth
The Ethics of Science
and Storytelling
Animal Behavior
Track One: AP Focus
Summary of Track One Course Requirements for MASTER Scholar Designation:
Math
Science
Technology 1
Engineering 1
Research 1
Topics in Science and Biblical Truth 1
Capstone Project 2
Involvement in Co-Curriculars 1
Additional Credits 5
Minimum MASTER credits 28
8 including AP Calculus (AB or BC)
8 including at least 1 core AP science course
Track Two: Elective Focus
Summary of Track Two Course Requirements for MASTER Scholar Designation:
Math
Science
Technology 2
Engineering 2
Research 1
Topics in Science and Biblical Truth 1
Capstone Project 2
Involvement in Co-Curriculars 1
Additional Credits 5
Minimum MASTER credits 28
8 including one AP course if none are taken in science
6 including one AP course if none are taken in math
Questions? wheatonacademy.org/MASTER