STEM and STEAM Education

DURING SCHOOL

Computer Science Special (most schools)

• Students learn:
  • how to block code using code.org curriculum
  • how to program robots
  • about digital citizenship and safety
  • the basics of Google Suite
  • how to type/keyboard

Hour of Code in December (some schools)

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EXTRA-CURRICULARS (offerings vary by school)

FIRST LEGO League Explore Team (grades 2-4)

• Typically offered for one hour a week January-April
• Students participate in the following activities throughout the season:
  • LEGO builds
  • basic coding of a "robot" (moving part of a LEGO build)
  • innovation project based on the yearly theme from FIRST Inspires
  • the largest Explore Festival in Colorado, which is a celebration of learning that includes student presentations and STEM activities.
• No coding or LEGO experience required
• Limited by FIRST Inspires to 6 students per team. No limit to the number of teams a school can have.

FIRST LEGO League Challenge Team (grades 4-5)

• Typically offered for one hour a week August-November
• Students participate in the following activities throughout the season:
  • LEGO builds
  • designing and programming a robot to complete specific tasks
  • innovation project based on the yearly theme from FIRST Inspires
  • the largest Challenge Qualifier in Colorado, which is a competitive tournament that includes presentation judging and robot game matches.
• No coding or LEGO experience required
• Limited by FIRST Inspires to 10 students per team. No limit to the number of teams a school can have.

FIRST Lego League Robotics       FIRST Inspires       Contact D51 Robotics

Kids/Girls Who Code Club (grades 2-5)

• Typically offered for one hour a week in the fall, spring, or both
• Primarily uses GWC club curriculum and materials
• No coding experience required
• No limit of participants predetermined by GWC or District 51.

Girls Who Code

Go STEM Club (grades K-5)

• Typically offered for one hour a week in the fall or in the spring
• Primarily uses D51 STEM-developed curriculum focused on designing empathetic solutions for problems using the Engineering Design Process
• No experience required
• No limit of participants predetermined by District 51.

DURING SCHOOL

Engineering Design (all schools)

• Students: 
  • complete project builds for units such as Future Cities, Automatons, Judo Bots, Tiny Homes and Roller Coasters
  • learn to program machines such as 3D printers and CNC routers
  • learn about circuits with Makey-Makeys
  • learn to safely and effectively use a variety of hand tools and large electric tools

Computer Science (all schools)

• Students:
  • build their own websites
  • create interactive animations, apps and games
  • program robots and micro:bits
  • Explore AI and Cybersecurity concepts

  • practice keyboarding

Design Thinking (some schools) 

• Students use the Design Thinking Process to tackle real-world problems such as:
  • meeting basic human needs
  • creating sustainable communities
  • considering planet care and population issues

Hour of Code in December (some schools)

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EXTRACURRICULARS (offerings vary by school)

FIRST Tech Challenge Team (grades 7-8)

• Typically offered for 1-2 hours a week September-February
• Students :
  • design, build, and program a robot to complete specific tasks
  • Attend a FTC Qualifier in Colorado, which is a competitive tournament that includes presentation judging and robot game matches.
• Limited by FIRST Inspires to 15 students per team. No limit to the number of teams a school can have.

FIRST LEGO League Challenge Team (grades 6-8)

• Typically offered for 1-2 hours a week August-November
• Students participate in the following activities throughout the season:
  • LEGO builds
  • designing and programming a robot to complete specific tasks
  • innovation project based on the yearly theme from FIRST Inspires
  • the largest Challenge Qualifier in Colorado, which is a competitive tournament that includes presentation judging and robot game matches.
• No coding or LEGO experience required
• Limited by FIRST Inspires to 10 students per team. No limit to the number of teams a school can have.

FIRST Lego League Robotics       FIRST Inspires       Contact D51 Robotics

MESA Club (grades 6-8)

• Typically offered for one hour a week throughout the year
• Example challenges include: bridges, cybersecurity, catapults and water-jug boats
• Students participate in 4-5 districtwide competitions per year
• No experience required
• No limit of participants predetermined by District 51

Kids/Girls Who Code Club (grades 6-8)

• Typically offered for one hour a week in the fall, spring, or both
• Primarily uses GWC club curriculum and materials
• No coding experience required
• No limit of participants predetermined by GWC or District 51.

Girls Who Code

All High School STEM Course offerings fall under 

Colorado Career and Technical Education (CTE)

• All high schools offer courses in the Engineering Technology and Media Arts Career Pathway.
• Some high schools offer other STEM courses in other Career Pathways.

Courses and extracurriculars offered vary by school and year.

Contact your school for more information.