Hemlock Middle School- STEM Opportunities Expand Students’ Horizons

Hemlock Middle School has expanded students’ academic and career horizons with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) classes including Science Alive!, Cinematic History and Production, WoodTech, Cryptography and Logical Reasoning, Full STEAM Ahead! projects, Google CS FIRST Computer Coding, Khan Academy and Careers.

These classes have our students:

  • conducting experiments in the science classroom
  • studying filmmaking and then making their own films
  • using hands-on measurement techniques
  • making several wood projects they can keep and/or give as gifts
  • learning to operate robots using their Chromebooks
  • designing chairs that will support classmates and staff members using cardboard and duct tape
  • creating animation and functional computer programs
  • independently learning valuable PSAT and M-STEP related information
  • hearing from professionals in a variety of fields about their occupations, interests, and schooling
  • raising salmon from eggs to smolt and then releasing them in local rivers

Principal Keyser shared, “The new courses give our students the opportunity to do things here at school that they have never been able to do before--learn computer programming, build and operate robots, experience science concepts in person, and become expert thinkers, makers, designers, and doers.  The classes are rooted in the CCSS to support regular course objectives in new and exciting ways.”