STEAM Academy

STEAM Academy 

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics—an interdisciplinary approach to education that encourages students to think critically, work collaboratively, and solve real-world problems creatively. At the heart of STEAM education is the goal of sparking imagination and inspiring innovation by blending artistic creativity with scientific and technical knowledge.

In a STEAM-focused learning environment, students are introduced to a wide range of skills that are essential in today’s ever-evolving technological landscape. For example, students will gain hands-on experience in computer engineering, learning how to design, build, and troubleshoot using modern tools and software. They will have the opportunity to work at specialized lab stations that support project-based learning in areas such as coding, robotics, 3D modeling, circuitry, and digital design.

What sets STEAM apart is its emphasis on creativity and design thinking. By incorporating the arts into traditional STEM subjects, students are encouraged to explore different perspectives and express original ideas. Whether they are designing a prototype, building a structure, or programming an interactive game, students are constantly applying both analytical reasoning and artistic expression.

Through engaging, hands-on experiences, students develop a deeper understanding of key concepts like innovation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Working in teams, they learn to communicate effectively, take risks, learn from failure, and iterate on their ideas—all skills that mirror the challenges and dynamics of the modern workplace.

DIGITAL ART & MEDIA DESIGN             YEAR – 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: None                            

Offered to Grade 9

In a blend of art and computer science, digital art students will develop their artistic design and technology skills using industry-standard software and devices.  Through creative problem solving, exposure to S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) content and critical reflection, students will gain conceptual knowledge while building a sophisticated portfolio for college and/or creative technology- based careers.  This course satisfies the grade 9 NYS Arts requirement for graduation.

GRAPHIC ART & DESIGN                 1 YEAR – 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: Digital Art & Media Design 1;  Departmental approval                                         

Offered to Grade 10                                                                                                                               

Introduction course for graphic design. Students will explore basic graphic design concepts to learn the fundamentals of business communication and social media marketing.  Students will learn the graphic art design process and the elements and principles of design to create graphic art, from idea to development and the final execution of a document.  Fundamentals of various software applications for web design, image editing, and drawing are elements learned to design graphic advertisements and create marketing projects.  Using Canva to learn the rules of graphic design, students will coordinate technical skills with organization, management, communication, ethics and hard work.

INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL DESIGN AND FABRICATION         1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: Graphic Art and Design; Departmental approval              

Offered to Grade 11

The Design & Fabrication course introduces students to the 21st century computer-aided design and fabrication technologies over a semester-long program in our state-of-the-art school Fabrication Lab comprising over 10 workstations and a creative, inquiry-based STEM and Project-Based Learning approach. Students will have “hands-on” exposure to 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving, robotic, drone, virtual/augmented reality and artificial intelligence with activities in this “maker space” environment.  Students will learn how to use the latest in design and control software such as Inkscape, TinkerCAD, and RetinaEngrave to operate equipment in the lab and fabricate projects in a variety of materials.  By learning about these leading-edge technologies, students can create something straight from their imagination and learn what educational and career opportunities might await them in the future with their newfound knowledge.

ADVANCED DIGITAL DESIGN AND FABRICATION           1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: Introduction to Digital Design and Fabrication; Departmental approval                          

Offered to Grade 12  

This one-year elective course is open to grades 11 and 12 with a maximum of 16 per class.  Students must have recommendations from at least two teachers and the approval of the Technology Director.  Students will use applications on the computer to digitally design objects, which will be physically produced in the school Fabrication Lab.  Students will be introduced to the basic principles of both 2D and 3D design using programs on the computers such as Inkscape, ReitnaEngrave, ThinkerCAD and others.  The designs are fabricated using the equipment available in the Fabrication Lab such as the Vinyl Cutter, Laser Cutter, 3D Printers, CNC computer controlled milling machine and others.  Students will gain hands-on experience with the machinery while learning the proper safety procedures in an industrial shop setting.   Mastery of these innovative technologies will help to prepare students for further training and employment in the growing technology field.  This course, along with an 85% average or better is a prerequisite for the Advanced IT Academy Honors in place of the 720 Intermediate Computer Science Principles course.