STEM: Science. Technology. Engineering. Mathematics.
From Lower School to Upper School the STEM and Engineering Program at Farragut offers students an opportunity to explore and experience engineering through a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving.
Lower School
STEM and Engineering
Engineering is Elementary®
Kindergarten and 1st grade all complete Science, Technology, and Math activities based on the STEM curriculum. Specific Engineering classes are introduced in 2nd grade. Engineering is Elementary® (EiE) curriculum fosters engineering and technological literacy by integrating engineering and technology concepts and skills with elementary science topics as well as literacy and social studies.
Lower School Kindergarten-7th Grade STEM Curriculum:
- Kindergarten spends the first semester learning how to use the keyboard and the mouse, then spends the rest of the year learning the basics of coding.
- 1st grade learns how to type properly and is introduced to their Google Drive accounts.
- 2nd grade designs and creates hand pollinators and sturdy walls, and learns how to use their Google Drive accounts and the tools within.
- 3rd grade designs their own play-doh, bridges, and alarm circuits, and learns the basics of coding to program Dash and Dot robots.
- 4th grade creates a solar oven, designs windmills, lighting systems, and frog habitats, and learns how to code using the Alice computer programming software written by Carnegie Mellon University.
- 5th grade designs simple machines, parachutes, submersibles, and Maglev trains, and learns how to code websites and games using code.org‘s curriculum.
- 6th-grade Engineering students create 3D models of objects using the Autocad Inventor software program and learn how to program circuit boards to create interactive games.
- 7th-grade Engineering students build and program different structures using VEX robotics kits and RobotC programming software. They also learn how to use animation software to create their own animations.
Lower School STEM Lab
The Lower School STEM Lab includes 21 robust computers and 4 large collaborative work stations for group activities and projects. The computers come equipped with Autocad Inventor, RobotC, and Alice Computer Programming software on each one.
Robotics Club
Students in the Lego Robotics Club build their own robots using Lego Mindstorm pieces. Students are then programming their robots to complete different complicated tasks.
Upper School
STEM and Engineering
Upper School Engineering Courses
- Applied Engineering Tech I-Intro
- Applied Engineering Tech II-Intermediate
- Applied Engineering Tech III-Advanced
- Robotics and Automation
Upper School STEM Lab
Admiral Farragut Academy’s Upper School STEM Lab has a fully equipped design lab with the tools and materials needed for students to engage in a truly unique experience. Students can bring their ideas to life with actual working prototypes. The lab is also equipped with updated computer technology including a MakerBot and Ultimaker 3D printer for students to employ rapid prototyping. This virtual design is made in a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file using AutoCADInventor, a professional 3D modeling program. All engineering classes, including the Lower School and after school Robotics Clubs, Drone Club and Builders Club have access to the tools, materials, and machines to make their 3D designs come to life!
STEM and Engineering Projects
Some of the campus projects STEM students continue to develop and engineer include:
- Aquaponics/Hydroponic Systems
- Independent Biome Mangrove Propegule Sediment Testing System used in data collection and research for the FAQWA Grant
- SeaPerch Underwater ROV Systems
- Drama Stage and Set Design
- Animal Habitat Design
Upper School Drone Club
Admiral Farragut Academy provides students the opportunity to explore Unmanned Arial Vehicle Training. This club is open to all students and gives them the chance to visually observe and pilot various modes of drones. Students follow all FAA regulations with an emphasis on safety and are given the option of getting FAA Drone certification.
Upper School Builders Club
Students at Admiral Farragut Academy have the opportunity to participate in the Builders Club which utilizes the Upper School STEM Lab tools and materials in the maker space to work on individual or campus-wide projects. Students work with a certified Technology Education Teacher focusing on design, tools, and material safety.
