The McLain Scientific Exploration & Technology Utilization Magnet Program reflects Tulsa’s rich tradition, culture, and expertise in aerospace, avionics, robotics, materials science, environmental and meteorological studies, wave mechanics, and aviation maintenance technology. The strands are aligned with the staffing needs of some of Oklahoma’s largest industries and are intensively supported by higher education partners.
AP credits are available to McLain students, who
are afforded exciting opportunities to explore real world problems through
rigorous academic study and technical training. Instructors help them forge high
school credits into an impressive scholarship/college portfolio. Students
interested in technology, telecommunications, air and space technology or
instrumentation measurements will find this magnet program an excellent choice.
Wave Mechanics Strand
Wave mechanics is one of the pillars of modern physics. Through this magnet strand students explore the new understanding of physical reality (that all light and matter interactions are wave interactions in space). Students develop analytic and laboratory skills while studying the nature of light and sound, light and sound as a wave phenomenon, propagation, reflection, interference, lasers, acoustics, and holography.
10th Grade: Wave Mechanics I; Chemistry I
11th grade: Wave Mechanics II; Foreign Language II; Biology I
12th grade: Post-Secondary Elective; Summer Senior Internship
Environmental, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences Strand
Environmental science explores the use and regulation of biological systems for the prevention and restoration of land, air, and water contamination. This strand exposes students to economics, law, and the social sciences plus the traditional physics, chemistry and biology.
Breakthroughs in mathematics, physics, engineering and technology have advanced atmospheric science and weather forecasting via ever-evolving supercomputers, weather radars, satellite imagery, and remote-sensing technologies.
Students who successfully complete this strand are equipped to pursue degrees in the University of Tulsa’s Earth & Environmental Wave mechanics is one of the pillars of modern physics. Through this strand students explore the new understanding of physical reality (that all light and matter interactions are wave interactions in space). Students develop analytic and laboratory skills, studying the nature of light and sound, light and sound as a wave phenomenon, propagation, reflection, interference, lasers, acoustics, and holography.
10th Grade: Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences; Chemistry I
11th grade: Advanced Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences; Biology I;
Meteorology and Climatology
12th grade: Leadership II; Post-Secondary Elective; Summer Senior Internship
Aeronautics & Aviation Maintenance Technology Strand
This strand’s Aeronautics emphasis develops the basic skills and experience
needed to function as a Simulation Test Engineer at Flight Safety International.
Students obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to assemble, modify,
troubleshoot and operate complex training equipment.
Students who choose the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) emphasis benefit
from a partnership with Tulsa Technology Center’s AMT program, learning from
industry experts in a state-of-the-art instructional facility. Hands-on
experience prepares students for Corporate Aviation, Air Charter, Engine
Overhaul, General Aviation, Repair Stations and much more.
10th Grade: Chemistry I; Foreign Language I; Intro to Aeronautics (Aero);
Physics/Basic Aerodynamics (AMT)
11th grade: Foreign Language II; Biology I Economics/World of Aviation (Aero);
Meteorology/Aviation Safety (Aero); Weight & Balance (AMT); Aircraft Ground
Handling & Servicing (AMT)
12th grade: Leadership II (Aero); Private & Commercial Pilot Certifications
(Aero); Structural Materials & Processes and Nondestructive Inspection (AMT);
Aircraft Hardware & Precision Measuring Instruments (AMT); Senior Summer
Internship
Aerospace, Avionics & Robotics Strand
Engineers cannot exist without scientists, who strive to understand theories and are willing to use whatever tools are necessary to get to the core of the why and the how. McLain’s Aerospace Avionics & Robotics Strand focuses on Multimedia Instruction Technology, Materials/ Design/Manufacturing using AutoCAD, Intelligent Systems/Robotics, Bioengineering, and Energy Systems/ Propulsion. Aerospace is a diverse industry that has morphed into one of the most exciting, diverse and fast-paced fields of study in a host of commercial and military applications.
10th Grade: Aerospace Tech; Chemistry I
11th grade: Advanced Aerospace Technology or Wave Mechanics; Biology I; Oracle
Academy I
12th grade: Leadership II; Oracle Academy II; Senior Summer Internship
Materials Science Strand
Materials science is at the forefront of engineering studies in many universities. In materials science, students strive to understand materials fundamentally so that new materials with specific properties can be created. Participants in this strand explore elements of applied physics and chemistry, nanoscience and nanotechnology, as well as chemical, mechanical, civil and electrical engineering. Hands-on lab activities expose students to ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, magnetic materials, medical implant and biological materials.
10th grade: Chemistry I; Foreign Language I; Materials Science
11th grade: Biology I; Foreign Language II; Advanced Materials Science; Oracle
Academy I
12th grade: Leadership II; Oracle Academy II; Senior Internship