Everything you need to know to get organized.

Objective: The pre-class diagnostic activities are designed to help students prepare for the writing workshop by evaluating their current writing skills, helping them understand the Academies of Loudoun's mission and vision, and identifying how their STEM extracurricular activities align with the application process. Activities: Diagnostic Test: Your Writing Sample: Submit a writing sample to assess your current writing abilities. This will provide a baseline for targeted improvements during the workshop. Review ACL Mission-Vision: Familiarize yourself with the Academies of Loudoun's mission and vision to ensure your essays reflect the institution's values and goals. Identify Your STEM Extracurricular Activities: Reflect on your STEM-related activities and achievements, preparing to incorporate them into your writing to strengthen your application.

Objective: This module will equip students with the skills to excel in the Academies of Loudoun Writing Rubric by integrating STEM methodologies and strategic writing techniques to create compelling and well-structured essays. Activities Discussion of the Academies of Loudoun Writing Rubric Criteria: Gain a deep understanding of the ACL Writing Rubric and how to meet each criterion effectively. Analyze and Deconstruct Model Essays: Break down high-scoring essays to identify successful strategies and apply those insights to your writing. Reflect on Your Writing Sample: Critically review your writing to identify strengths and areas for improvement, setting a solid foundation for revisions. Learn the Design Thinking, Scientific, and Engineering Design Methods: Discover how to incorporate these STEM-based methods to strengthen the logic and credibility of your essays. Different Ways to Organize and Structure Your Essays: Explore various essay frameworks and structures that can make your writing more precise, more persuasive, and easier to follow

Please complete these three prompts before we meet next week, September 15, 2026

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.

Please do these before our class.

Do these before our class.

The two ACL retired prompts here deal with endangered species. You will also notice the resources focus on endangered species. Since this content isn't taught in 8th grade, you will notice collections of videos you can watch to fill the content gap. Please pace yourself and don't try to do it all in one day. Please submit your drafts before October 6th.

Please do these before our next meeting

Please do this before our class.

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.