Everything you need to know to get organized.

Things that you need to prepare before the class.

In this module, students will submit their initial writing samples for evaluation using the Academies of Loudoun Writing Rubric. This activity provides a baseline assessment of each student's writing skills and critical thinking concerning the rubric's criteria before formal instruction begins. The objective is to gauge your current abilities and identify areas for growth, allowing for tailored feedback and targeted improvements throughout the course.

This module's objective is to familiarize students with the Academies of Loudoun (ACL) Writing Rubric, introduce them to the two types of ACL writing prompts, and guide them through annotating an anchor paper to understand how full evidence is demonstrated. Additionally, students will explore how the rubric connects to their STEM activities, scientific methods, and design processes, helping them align their writing and thinking with the Academies of Loudoun Admission's expectations.

There are two types of Academies of Loudoun Writing Prompt. You will learn in this section how to respond to the first type of prompt. Objective: Understand the importance of evidence-based writing in STEM and how it relates to the Academies of Loudoun Writing Rubric. Activities: The Academies of Loudoun Writing Rubric Criteria Discussion of Model and Successful ACL Essays What Makes an Excellent Score? Discussion on the Significance of Linking STEM Experiences to Essay Arguments. Argument Types and Making Evidence-Based Claims We will also introduce timed writing practices using a collection of three retired Academies of Loudoun writing prompts, each centered on Solution, Contribution, and Innovation (SCI) themes. Students will review curated resources tailored to the specific content of the prompt, allowing them to focus on applying their STEM knowledge to their essays. This lesson reinforces previous modules' writing strategies and techniques, enabling students to produce high-quality, evidence-based essays under timed conditions while demonstrating their understanding of the SCI concepts.

In this lesson, you will learn how to craft a compelling essay that effectively links your STEM experiences to your arguments using the M.A.S.T.E.R. method. You will explore how to develop strong thesis statements, align your personal experiences as evidence, and present your ideas clearly and persuasively. By the end of this lesson, you will be equipped with the skills to address counterarguments, reinforce your claims, and write essays that meet the rigorous standards of the Academies of Loudoun Writing Rubric.

In this lesson, students will participate in timed writing practices using a collection of three retired Academies of Loudoun writing prompts, each centered on Solution, Contribution, and Innovation (SCI) themes. Before each timed practice, students will review curated resources tailored to the specific content of the prompt, allowing them to focus on applying their STEM knowledge to their essays. This lesson reinforces previous modules' writing strategies and techniques, enabling students to produce high-quality, evidence-based essays under timed conditions while demonstrating their understanding of the SCI concepts.

In this unit, students will engage with Situational Writing Prompts, a critical component of the Academies of Loudoun Writing task. These prompts require students to step into professional roles—such as wildlife biologists, engineers, or data scientists—and respond to real-world challenges with well-reasoned, evidence-based solutions. This unit is designed to hone students’ ability to analyze complex situations, gather and evaluate relevant information, and craft persuasive arguments grounded in their STEM knowledge and experiences.

Following the resource-driven preparation, students will participate in three timed writing exercises that simulate the test environment of the Academies of Loudoun Writing Task. These situational prompts will challenge students to apply what they’ve learned under time constraints, mirroring the conditions of the actual assessment.

Practice and Test Simulation: Timed Writing Prompts: Following the resource-driven preparation, students will participate in three timed writing exercises that simulate the test environment of the Academies of Loudoun Writing Task. These situational prompts will challenge students to apply what they’ve learned under time constraints, mirroring the conditions of the actual assessment. Feedback and Improvement: After each timed writing exercise, students will receive detailed feedback from teachers, focusing on how well they applied the SCI framework and the M.A.S.T.E.R. method. This feedback will guide students in refining their writing skills and improving their ability to respond to situational prompts effectively.

Objective: Build skills in responding to STEM prompts under timed conditions, focusing on applying the M.A.S.T.E.R. method and Writing Rubric criteria. Activities: Timed writing exercise based on a STEM prompt. Peer review and self-assessment using the Writing Rubric. Discussion on time management strategies for writing under pressure. Revise the timed writing piece, focusing on areas identified for improvement during peer review.