STEM Program
At SMS we offer two different versions of the STEM class as elective options for our students.
Basic STEM:
In Beginning STEM students focus on getting a strong base of knowledge in designing and modeling and an introduction to the basics of CAD design on computers. Students start by learning how to properly measure before moving on to making detailed design plans. After that we start with a basic design challenge of designing, building, and testing the best possible paper airplane. Later in the semester students use these skills to work in teams to design, build, and test the classic "egg drop" contraption and a solar powered hotdog cooker when weather cooperates. Lastly, students learn the basics of CAD design to make simple stickers, simple laser cut wooden nameplates, and very basic 3D printed keychains, all of which they will expand upon when they take Advanced STEM.
Advanced STEM:
In Advanced STEM the name of the game is expanding upon the skills gained in Beginning STEM while also learning a few new skills as well. Once again all students start by getting a refresher on knowing how to properly measure. After that we hit the ground running and jump right back into our CAD designs to design and print larger scale projects that take much more skill and attention to detail. The laser cut project in this class is to create 3D artwork or practical objects, a huge jump from the basics they learned in Beginning STEM. Once this is complete they will expand their 3D knowledge by designing their own puzzle cube and testing it for difficulty on their friends and family. After these CAD skills are mastered, the Advanced STEM group gets to learn a new program for much more intricate, artistic, and practical design using Adobe Illustrator. Using these skills students will design multicolored stickers, a new logo for the school, t-shirts, posters and/or banners, and a lot more.
If you have any questions about these courses or the STEM program, please reach out to Mr. Boaz through email: cboaz@scappoose.k12.or.us.