Every year during course selection, one of the most popular electives for freshmen is STEM Lab taught by new teacher Conway Wang, with 67 students taking the class this year across 1st, 3rd and 4th period.
In a school where many students seek to pursue STEM fields, this particular elective is split between a semester-long introduction to Python programming course and another semester devoted to structural and design engineering. Through videos and projects, students learn to navigate the STEM world and practice becoming developers.
At the start of the year, students begin by learning visual block programming on Scratch, followed by the basics of Python. After learning these skills, students make a final project similar to a Wordle game using Python Packages. For example, a student created a game in which users had to guess different foods, incorporating an AI tool in their project.
Freshman Dhruv Rao said he enjoys the coding aspect of the class, especially as a student who is in robotics.
“Coding is a little bit more structured, but you still have multiple different approaches to install this information which makes it interesting,” Rao said.
In the second semester, students learn to use Onshape and CorelDRAW to create models they will laser cut into wood. After designing and cutting the parts, they assemble pieces to create items they can take home. So far, the freshmen have made name tags and phone stands, along with smaller objects such as magnets.
Students get a lot of creative freedom in their designs and pursue making products of their liking. Rao believes that this sets STEM Lab apart from other classes.
“I find STEM to be a very entertaining subject,” Rao said. “You have a lot of freedom in this class to design what you want to do as well. First you learn the subjects, and afterwards you get to design whatever you want to do.”
The creative freedom is largely promoted by Wang, who enjoys allowing students to have full control on projects. Wang started at the district this year and teaches both three of the STEM lab classes as well as AP Computer Science.
Wang said a common path for students after STEM Lab often includes courses like AP Computer Science, Digital Electronics and Engineering Design and Development.
“If you have no prior coding experience, it gives exposure so you’re not as rushed in future classes and you can get into an engineering mindset of running into problems and figuring them out,” Wang said. “I think just seeing kids build cool things they’re proud of is my vision for this class.”
