STEM
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) pathway at Deer Creek focuses on providing students with experiences in engineering and technology beyond the core contents of science and math. Through the engineering design cycle, students learn the process of ask, research, imagine, plan, create, test, improve, as they work on projects in the engineering classroom. Both virtual and hands-on projects teach and reinforce the Generations skills of Critical & Creative Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Self-Direction, and Agility & Adaptability. Technology tools are combined with immediate application through the stages of design and fabrication.
The Three-Year STEM Pathway
6th grade begins the STEM pathway with the four core subjects of English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, plus a study hall and two periods of exploratory classes each trimester:
- Exploration of Engineering 1
- Exploring Computer Science 1
- Communication Skills
- Three exploratory classes
- For the complete set of 6th grade exploratory classes, see the Course Guide
- Alternatively, students may choose Concert Band, Orchestra, or Choir
Year Two continues with the four core subjects and additional STEM and general electives. 7th grade includes a total of nine elective courses:
- Exploration of Engineering 2
- One course from the Technology electives
- One course from the Literature & Writing electives
- Six general electives
To see all the electives offered for 7th grade, visit our Course Guide.
Year Three for 8th graders continues with the four core subjects and three electives each trimester. There are no electives required for the STEM pathway in 8th grade, giving students the most freedom to personalize their learning by choosing from 40 pathway and general electives. Among those electives are many STEM-related offerings, including:
Exploration of Engineering 3
Intro to Audio/Visual Production
Robotics 1 & 2
Competition Robotics
Video Game Design
Student Technology Leaders
Digital Media
For the full catalog of 8th grade electives, visit our Course Guide.