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Ackerman STEM Learning Center

Rockville Campus
Ackerman Math Science Learning Center

 

As you complete your math and science requirements at Montgomery College, we encourage you to take advantage of the many services we have to offer including tutoring, computer labs, calculators, and review sessions. We provide a supportive environment outside the classroom where you can work at your own pace. We are here to assist you in being a successful student. Check out the MC Info video profile of the Ackerman Learning Centernew window. Visit us soon and come back often! 

Accudemianew window is the scheduling system for MC learning centers where you can make tutoring appointments, meet with a tutor in-person or online, or receive written feedback.

A valid student ID is required to check out all materials and use group study rooms.  Please be aware there is no food in the Center.

Location: Science West (SW), Room 109 (campus map and directions
Phone: 240-567-5200


Tutoring is available for STEM courses: science, technology, engineering, and math. Ackerman Learning Center tutors are excellent members of the faculty, Center staff, and outstanding students.


Tutoring Expectations

Please review our expectations for tutors and students (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) before working with a tutor. Students are expected to bring work to show and have a question about what they would like to learn.
Bring your notes and textbook. 
Try to attempt solving the problem to show the tutor your progress and where you have questions.
Tutors cannot directly assist with take home tests or quizzes unless it is clearly specified on the test or quiz that help from a tutor is allowed.  

In-person Tutoring

In-person tutoring is available using a short-term, drop-in model according to this schedule (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) for currently enrolled MC students. There is a sign-in for the tutoring waiting list at the circulation desk, and no appointments are necessary.  All tutoring is on a first-come, first-served basis. Be prepared for your session with questions and work to show your tutor. You can sign up as often as needed, but each session is limited due to the volume of students we serve.

The posted tutoring schedules are not able to reflect daily tutoring absences.

Virtual Tutoring

Virtual STEM Tutoring is available through the Virtual STEM Learning Center.  Virtual tutoring appointments, which occur over Zoom, are scheduled through Accudemianew window. You will need to use your MyMC credentials to log into Accudemia and make an appointment.  Detailed instructions here (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) .

When in-person or virtual tutors are unavailable, the school also provides free 24x7 online tutoring on demand through Brainfusenew window.  These tutors are not staff, faculty, or students affiliated with the college.

Help and Review Sessions

Help and Review sessions are offered on a semester-by-semester basis. Some are for specific courses and some serve multiple courses within a discipline. These include weekly group tutoring sessions such as Chemistry Wednesdays (all CHEM courses), Biology Tuesdays (all BIOL courses). Midterm and final exam review sessions are also offered for some courses. See the help and review sessions schedule  (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) for details.

Private Tutors 

The Ackerman Learning Center also maintains a list of private tutors (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) who can be hired for more extensive private tutoring needs.  These tutors are not vetted by or affiliated with the college.

Work at the Ackerman Center!

Applications are available in person the last two weeks of fall semester to work in the spring and the last two weeks of spring semester to work in the fall and/or summer.
Interviews, assessments, and onboarding occur between semesters.
You must be enrolled for at least 6 credits in the semesters you plan to work (and enrolled in 6 fall semester credits to work in the summer).
You must participate in training happening the week before the semester begins.
Preference is given to applicants planning to be at MC for over one year.


Two positions are available:

Student Aide 
You must be willing to greet students, pay attention to Center activity, and direct students to ensure they are following Center policies.

Peer Tutor
You must have earned a high grade (preferably an “A”) in all courses you want to tutor and maintain a minimum 3.0 overall GPA.  Tutor candidates will take a subject assessment during the interview.

Please contact the front desk if you have any questions.  We look forward to hearing from you!

General Assistance

Biology 
  BIOL 212:
    Unit 1 - Topic List (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
    Unit 2 - Topic List (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
    Unit 3 - Topic List (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
    Unit 4 - Topic List (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
    Unit 2 - Lab Pictures (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
    Unit 3 - Lab Pictures (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
    Unit 4 - Lab Pictures (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

  BIOL 213:
    Unit 2 - Lab Pictures for face-to-face section (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
    Unit 2 - Lab Pictures (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
    Unit 3 - Lab Pictures (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
    Unit 4 - Lab Pictures (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

Chemistry

  CHEM 099 final review (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
  CHEM 099 periodic table (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
  CHEM 131 final review (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
  CHEM 131 final review answer key (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

Computer Science

  Computer lessons and tutorialsnew window

Math

  MATH 098 final review (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
  MATH 117 final review (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
  MATH 120 final review (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
  MATH 150 final review (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
  MATH 165 final review (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
  MATH 181 final review (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
  MATH 182 final review (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

Is your effort not reflected in your grades? Are you frustrated with your exam scores? Is studying taking too much time?

If so, come to Brain Training and learn how to use your brain effectively to study smarter, not harder!  Each session will change how you approach learning and will show you simple, concrete strategies for acing your classes. 

Brain Training Workshops will help you master techniques to rewire you brain for academic success, beat procrastination, and conquer exams.

How are you using your brain?  See you at Brain Training!

Anytime access to past sessions:

Tools of the Brain: Recordingnew window  Slides (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
Effective Studying: Recordingnew window  Slides (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
Beat Procrastination: Recordingnew window  Slides (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
Conquer Exams: Recordingnew window  Slides (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

Fall 2024:

Tuesday Sessions: 5-6 pm in-person Science West room 103
Wednesday Sessions: 7-8 pm online via Zoom

Sign Up Here

Brain Training Flyer (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

Current textbooks and solution manuals for use in the Center are available with student ID for most math and science courses at the Rockville campus. There are also a variety of supplemental textbooks and problem books available. Check out our donation section!  There are shelves of older texts and materials to use at home or keep. 

The Ackerman Learning Center houses computers used for tutorial support and/or additional resources in math and sciences.

Every computer has the full suite of MC standard software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe products, as well as a wide range of discipline-specific academic software.

There are a variety of software packages available for math, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and CMSC. 

The Ackerman Learning Center has six small group study rooms that students may reserve if they want to study in a group. Rooms can accommodate 4 – 10 students for up to two hours. All rooms must be reserved before use with a student ID.  Reservations may be made at the Circulation Desk.

The Ackerman Learning Center maintains a room for students in Biology in which microscopes, slide sets, and anatomy models are housed. Students have access to these important resources whenever the Center is open, in addition to the open lab hours in the department.

How to Download a TI-84 Calculator Emulator

 

TI 84, TI 89, and scientific calculators are available in the Ackerman Learning Center to use for a short-term loan of one day; short-term calculator loans must be returned the following day. Students must use their MC ID to check out a calculator.

Students with a financial need may be able to borrow a long-term calculator for an entire semester.  This requires completing a check-out form. 

Long-term calculator application forms are available in the Center.

Meet Our Staff

David Burkart - Director of the Ackerman STEM Learning Center
David.Burkart@montgomerycollege.edu

Michael DePalatis - Master Tutor
Michael.DePalatis@montgomerycollege.edu

Raizel Davis - Instructional Associate
Raizel.Davis@montgomerycollege.edu

Chris Guenther - Instructional Associate
Chris.Guenther@montgomerycollege.edu

Dr. Jeongrim Lee - Instructional Associate
Jeongrim.Lee@montgomerycollege.edu

Fred Katiraie - Faculty Coordinator
Fred.Katiraie@montgomerycollege.edu

Our Social Justice Promise

Montgomery College learning centers are committed to equity and anti-racism in policy and practice. We strive to be welcoming and affirming spaces. We believe Black lives matter and stand with our DACA and Dreamer students. We seek to ensure equal access for students with disabilities and provide a brave space for the LGBTQ+ community. We promote a growth mindset and commit to meeting students where they are.