STEAM

STEAM: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS, MATHEMATICS 

The Saint Xavier STEAM program encourages teachers to engage students in immersive, interdisciplinary learning. Traditional math and science courses are augmented through deliberate integration of cross-curricular concepts, while an exciting array of non-traditional course offerings allows students to pursue particular areas of interest such as computer science, engineering design, and graphic design.

Additionally, the Innovation Lab provides a state-of-the-art workspace that students can utilize during class, during study hall, before/after school…whenever! Students have access to a broad assortment of fabrication technologies and power tools, allowing them to design and produce all sorts of creations. While several courses call the Innovation Lab “home”, all students and all classes are welcome to use the space. Walking into the Innovation Lab, you might see an art student working alongside an engineering student, or you might see a freshman in Robotics working alongside a senior in Independent Science Research. 

Here are just a few examples of what the Saint Xavier STEAM program has to offer:

  • Fine Art courses such as Graphic Design and Innovation Art make use of 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, Adobe Creative Suite (Mac/PC), and Vectornator (iPad) to combine student creativity with technology.
  • Engineering 1 and Engineering 2 explore the engineering problem-solving process, allowing students to apply physics and mathematics principles to a series of design challenges.
  • Computer science courses will train students in several computer languages such as Swift, Java, and C#. Students can also take courses in HTML web design, Unity game design, and app development. Additionally, students can apply to be part of our school’s Technology Help Desk, where they will work alongside our IT department and receive real-life training in solving technology problems.
  • Students with an interest in architecture and 3D modeling can interweave math, physics, and technology in courses such as Mechanical Drawing, Computer Aided Drafting with AutoCAD, 3D Modeling, and Architectural Drawing.
  • The Medical Club offers real-world opportunities to apply principles from chemistry, biology, and anatomy in medical settings.
  • The Robotics course and the VEX Robotics club challenge students to design, build, and program VEX robots to perform a variety of tasks. Robots are programmed using Robot-C, and students are often given the chance to “customize” their robots with parts designed and fabricated by the students themselves.
  • Forensic Science integrates the application of biological, chemical, physical, medical, and behavioral sciences in laboratory settings.

All STEAM courses and co-curricular opportunities are designed to aid in the development of integrated, critical thinking skills in creative ways.