Technology, engineering, and robotics

STEAM at Collegiate means an integrative learning approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with frequent, intentional, and meaningful collaboration with the Arts and Humanities from JK through 12th Grade.

Across the divisions, students take a design-based approach to problem solving. This consistent methodology applies when solving a Lego challenge, improving a robotic drive train, or creating a digital 3D design.

Click each photo below to learn more about each program area.

Coding

Coding is a key component of our STEAM curriculum. It is our belief that all students learn the basics of computer programming. No matter their career paths, all students will have tools to better understand how technology works, to think computationally and logically, and to be able to tackle large problems by breaking them into smaller pieces. Collegiate begins its coding education in Kindergarten. We are proud and privileged to be one of a few schools nationwide offering the AP Computer Science Principles course.

Robotics

The Lower School robotics curriculum begins in 2nd Grade where students learn the key elements that make up a robot. They then create a basic vehicle with a motor and a sensor using Lego Wedo. The vehicles are programmed using Scratch. In 3rd and 4th Grades, students apply their knowledge of simple machines to create and program various Wedo robots. The 3rd Grade year culminates with the creation of digital-physical Rube Goldberg machines. The 4th Grade robotics curriculum also incorporates some basic electronics with the use of sensor boards (Picoboards) and Makey Makeys. A Makey Makey is a circuit board that allows the user to creatively turn everyday objects into computer keys. The 4th Grade Tech Expo at the end of the year gives students the opportunity to highlight their coding, robotics, and engineering knowledge with unique projects:

Creating digital-physical board games such as Operation, Candyland, and Monopoly.
Controlling digital animation using noise and light levels in the room.
Building and playing digital-physical instruments using cardboard, buckets, aluminum foil, wires, and simple electronics.

Technology

Our tools are temporary, but our teaching is timeless. We don’t know exactly what tomorrow’s tools will look like, but we know they will continually change. We use technology that provides the right tool at the right time, that is suited to individual student needs, and that encourages students to be both connected and present. We have faith in our teachers that they will be flexible yet discerning in their methods, and that they will always preserve the essential Collegiate teacher/student relationship.