STEM 8

Exploring Advocacy through Technology

In STEM 8, students grow as problem-solvers and advocates while exploring the eighth-grade theme of Advocacy. Using Google Suite tools, they organize projects, collaborate with peers, and present their ideas with clarity and impact. Students advance their coding and robotics skills by programming robots to complete challenges that emphasize persistence, creativity, and innovation. Through the design thinking process, they develop human-centered solutions that address real-world issues, moving from empathy to prototyping to testing. Students also expand their digital media abilities by creating videos, graphics, and interactive content that amplify important causes and inspire action. A highlight of the year is the advocacy project, where students decide upon a social issue to address, then research and design a solution that implements the skills they’ve learned throughout their Middle School STEM experience. Past projects include creating tiny house models to address homelessness and prosthetic limbs using a 3D printer. All projects reflect the theme of Advocating as students use technology and creativity to raise awareness, take a stand, and drive positive change in their communities and beyond.