STEM Magnet Program
Crittenden Middle School is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Magnet.
- Contact the Magnet Director.
- More Information: NNPS Magnet Programs
Crittenden Middle School offers a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Magnet Program for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Through specialized courses, engineering challenges, and enrichment experiences, students explore their interests and develop creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
STEM Course Offerings
Integrative STEM (iSTEM)
Integrative STEM is offered as an elective in grades 6, 7, and 8. The courses incorporate the research-based, standards-connected Youth Engineering Solutions (YES) Middle School curriculum from the Museum of Science, Boston.
Through hands-on engineering challenges and integrated computer science experiences, students ask questions, define problems, conduct research, build models and prototypes, test their designs, analyze data, and use evidence to improve and communicate their solutions.
- iSTEM 6: Students explore biomechanical and structural engineering through projects such as designing prosthetic tails for marine animals and engineering earthquake-resistant buildings.
- iSTEM 7: Students investigate biomechanical, biomedical, environmental, and thermal engineering through projects involving safety helmets, pandemic response, bioinspired gear, and medicine coolers.
- iSTEM 8: Students combine engineering, environmental science, sustainability, and computer science through projects involving eco-friendly slippers, bioplastics, and vertical farms.
Computer Science
The Computer Science elective introduces students to coding, computational thinking, technology, and digital problem solving.
Earth Science
Earth Science is a high school-credit course that allows students to complete advanced science coursework and earn high school credit while attending middle school.
Signature Magnet Experiences
Quarterly STEM Challenges
Magnet students work collaboratively to solve engaging, real-world design challenges throughout the school year. These experiences provide additional opportunities to apply academic content, engineering practices, creativity, and teamwork.
Magnet Town Hall Meetings
Magnet students come together for Town Hall meetings that build community, celebrate learning, highlight STEM opportunities, and strengthen student leadership and communication skills.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Students can extend their STEM learning through clubs, competitions, community programs, and special events. Opportunities may include:
- Girls Who Code
- Drone Club
- Robotics Club
- Master Gardeners Club
- Cooking with Science
- FIRST LEGO League
- Science and Engineering Fair
- School-based STEM Expo
- Invention Convention
- Division-wide engineering design challenges
- Community partner programs
- School and community STEM events
Students may also participate in Magnet Honor Activities that celebrate achievement and strengthen the magnet community, including field studies, magnet-focused assemblies, clubs, intramurals, field days, motivational movies, and after-school dances.
Who Can Apply?
All students entering grades 6, 7, and 8 with a strong interest in STEM are encouraged to apply.
Rising sixth-grade magnet students from Deer Park Elementary School, Newsome Park Elementary School, and Discovery STEM Academy receive enrollment priority. Student selection follows the NNPS magnet application and lottery process.
Transportation is provided for magnet program students residing in Newport News.
How to Apply
All magnet applications are submitted electronically. Families of current NNPS students apply through ParentVUE. Families of students who are not currently enrolled in NNPS use the external magnet application process.
Visit the NNPS Magnet and Specialty Programs webpage for current application dates, instructions, enrollment priorities, and selection information.
For assistance, contact the NNPS Magnet Office at (757) 283-7850 x.10206.
