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, introduction courses in engineering and technology, and additional 6th grade exploratory courses. Each student has two daily exploratory periods, taking two classes each trimester. The STEM pathway courses are Introduction to STEM and Communications Technology. In addition, students take a variety of 6th grade exploratory classes, including art, world cultures, family & consumer science, and physical education, as well as the option of choir, band or orchestra.
Year Two continues with the four core subjects and additional STEM and general electives. 7th grade includes a total of six elective courses:
- Mechanics of Engineering
- One course from the Technology electives
- One course from the Communication electives
- Three general electives
To see all the electives offered for 7th grade, visit our 7th grade STEM Course Guide.
Year Three for 8th graders continues with the four core subjects and two 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:
Exploring Computer Science
Audio/Visual Production
Engineering & Technology
Robotics
Video Game Design
Digital Design
Applied Imagination
For the full catalog of 8th grade electives, visit our 8th grade Course Guide.