Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy

  • LSMS STEM Python Coding Robotic on shield. Below it says We are code runners racing to the top.Using state-of-the-art technology and through a partnership with the Amazon Future Engineers Program, the STEM program at LSMS will engage students in personalized and game-like learning experiences to acquire the coding fundamentals needed to master basic literacy in the digital age. Students are engaged in a fully project-based learning model that leverages 21st Century learning that emphasizes learning, literacy, and life skills through the 4Cs - critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, digital citizenship, coding languages, timed coding exercises, computer and civil engineering activities, and robotics. Students also participate in the First Lego League competitions that provide students with a fun, competitive, and real-world application of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills acquired through STEM education.

    The goal of this program is to promote 21st-century learning through 4C's of education - critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.  An additional goal is to expose students to various coding strategies and programming languages. 

    History of the Program
    The STEM, Coding, and Robotics program was started during the 2020-2021 school year when half the students and instructors were teaching and learning from home while the other half were doing the same at school.  During that year, Mrs. Handford taught the 7th grade to program utilizing Blockly and the 8th grade utilizing Python.  Both grades were given a foundation on how to work cooperatively in groups to put together a programming project and then present it.  Just like in the real world, some presenters were in the classroom while others had to present their portion of the project from home.  This gave students real-world experience of what was expected in the corporate world of computer programming.

    Program Benefits

    • Students learn Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics in a hands-on environment
    • Students work with a robot at each grade level.

    Note: Our LSMS STEM program is preparing students for a future in  Computer Science and Engineering.  Students who attend Lake Shore’s STEM program usually continue in Computer Science and/or
    Engineering at Glades Central Community High School.  If your student thinks they might be
    interested in a career in these fields, please consider our unique program.

    Program Specifics by Grade Level

    6th Grade - Coding Fundamentals 1

    • Digital Citizenship Concepts
    • Reflection Journaling
    • Engineering Concepts
    • Scratch Coding Concepts
    • Project Development (Basic)
    • Project Presentation (Basic)
    • Robotics (Simulation)
    • Robotics (Hands-on with WeDoRobot)

    EV 3

    7th Grade - Coding Fundamentals 2

    • Digital Citizenship Concepts
    • Reflection Journaling
    • Engineering Basics
    • Scratch Programming
    • Scratch Debugging Strategies
    • Project Development (Intermediate)
    • Project Presentation (Intermediate)
    • Robotics (Simulation)
    • Robotics (Hands-on with EV3 Robot)

    Spike Prime Robot  8th Grade - Coding Fundamentals 3

    • Digital Citizenship Concepts
    • Reflection Journaling
    • Engineering Advanced
    • Python Programming
    • Python Debugging Strategies
    • Project Development (Advanced)
    • Project Presentation (Advanced)
    • Robotics (Simulation)
    • Robotics (Hands-on with Spike Prime Robot)