Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center

The Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center (MMSTC) is a specialized secondary education center with a four year advanced, research based, science and math curriculum located in Warren, Michigan. The school is known to the students and teachers as Butcher because it is located in the Butcher Community Services Center (formerly Butcher Jr. High School). The center serves approximately fifteen schools throughout Macomb County. MMSTC is a member of the NCSSSMST. This is an organization of secondary schools that promote Mathematics, Science, and Technology schools.

Curriculum
Throughout all four years of MMSTC, students take three classes every day of the school year. These three classes are Math, Science, and Inter-Disciplinary Studies (IDS).

Inter-Disciplinary Studies
The most intriguing part of the curriculum is the IDS component. The day-to-day learning in IDS varies, including: BASIC programming Freshmen year, Statistics for half of Sophomore and Junior year, Java and SolidWorks Junior and Senior year, HTML and Flash at the end of senior year, as well as copious work time on the research project each student must complete and present with a partner each year.

Mathematics
The mathematics department follows a modified version of a typical accelerated math curriculum. Freshman year, the students take Geometry, however, this geometry focuses more on 3D Geometry than flat, proof-based Geometry. Sophomore year brings the unique Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry class to students. Junior year the students take a Pre-Calculus class with a focus on discrete math and some Boolean Algebra. This class culmitates to either Calculus or AP Calculus senior year. Although the class does not teach some of the BC portions of the exam, many students elect to take the more difficult of the two exams.

Sciences
The science curriculum is set for freshman, sophomores and juniors. Freshman take biology, sophomores take chemistry and juniors take physics. Senior year students choose the science class that they wish to take. Each year students must do a research project based on topics related to their science class.

Admissions
Admission into MMSTC is a very rigorous process. First, eighth grade students must have a strong math background, usually Algebra 1, and also must take two aptitude tests, the COGAT and MAT-8. About 600 hopefuls take these tests every year. The highest-performing students are invited to form the incoming class of 72 freshmen out of the 600.