Dowdell Middle Magnet School: The Whole Magnet Story in Three Chapters Chapter 1: Environmental Magnet Program Dowdell offers the theme of Environmental Studies.  All academic teachers integrate environmental topics as part of their curriculum.  Clubs, community service, and special events are centered on improving and protecting our environment.  Our motto, “Dowdell, where we do things naturally”, not only means that learning comes naturally, it also incorporates a philosophy that we consider the natural environment in all we do.         As part of a 7 period class schedule, students in our environmental program are enrolled in an Environmental Studies course.  At the 6th grade level students study birds, fish, and animals native to Florida.  The importance of biodiversity and protection of habitats is part of the curriculum.  At the 7th grade level the curriculum is centered on fresh water, its conservation, and conservation.  Eighth grade students study salt water and marine habitats surrounding Florida. The main focus at all three grade levels is what can students do right now to make a positive impact on the protection of the world around them. Chapter 2: Animal Sciences Magnet Program         At the urging of 5th grade parents looking for a natural connection from an animal sciences magnet elementary school (Cahoon Elementary) Dowdell was asked to develop an Animal Sciences program at the middle school level.  With a strong Agriscience program already in place at Dowdell, the department expanded and courses are now offered at all three grade levels.  The Animal Sciences Academy offers all 6th grade students, through an elective wheel; a chance to experience what animal sciences is all about.  A 6th grade student can then choose as an elective during the 3rd or 4th nine weeks to learn more about domesticated animals. During a student’s 7th and 8th grade year they can enroll in semester long courses to study domesticated animals, those that might live in your home or on a farm.  Beginning in the 2009/10 school year, 8th grade students can take a year long animal sciences course for high school credit that is recognized as an intro to Vet Tech medicine at the high school level.   Chapter 3: Advanced Course Scholars Magnet Program It is never too early to prepare for college.  Dowdell’s third magnet theme, Advanced Course Scholars begins at the 6th grade level to prepare students for their future.  Parents may choose this magnet theme for their child to better prepare them for advanced course work, the course work needed in high school as student apply for college.  Students use the internet and other web based programs to research colleges and universities and the programs offered.  Sixth grade students have visited Florida colleges and universities first hand.  Guest speakers from across the country visit Dowdell to present to students the importance of preparing for college now, how to apply to colleges, why going to college is so important in today’s competitive job market and that the current classes they are enrolled in will have an impact on their future.   As these students move to 7th and 8th grade these same students will apply for the AVID program also offered at Dowdell.  Those students successful in the Advanced Course Scholars program at the 6th grade level will be recommended for advanced and honors classes at the 7th and 8th grade level.  Eighth grade students can earn high school credit in as many as 5 academic classes beginning the 2009/10 school year. In the past, 8th grade students had the opportunity to earn a total of 3 high school credits by successfully completing coursework in IPS Science, Algebra I, and Spanish I.  Two additional courses have been added for 8th grade students this year: Agriculture Foundations and Business Technologies.