STEAMworks Technology 

The STEAMworks Technology Department offers a variety of courses for students of any skill level to explore and develop their abilities in STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math). The learning space is called STEAMworks, and is composed of two classroom areas. A maker-space containing tools and machines that will allow most anything to be designed, prototyped, and manufactured, and a studio space that has cameras, tripods, lighting equipment, musical instruments, recording gear, and more.

Course Structure

In each course students move through project phases that allow them to choose their own path while learning how to guide themselves through the experiences of setting goals, finding answers, doing research, presenting progress, and meeting deadlines. Instructors act as facilitators and creative directors for each student. They provide guidance and a safe learning environment that encourages students to push themselves, take risks, and gain independence.

These methods have proven to foster personal growth, generate a deeper self awareness, and allow students to become independent learners. We place great value on the development of executive function and study skills, while using project-based learning with a strong emphasis on a discovery method. We also believe that introspection, creativity, thinking, and empathy are literal, not abstract; they are all directly teachable.

Technology Faculty

The Tech Department is composed of specialists in their field of teaching. Teachers act as facilitators and creative directors for each student. The technology learning space is called STEAMworks, a maker-space containing tools and machines that will allow most anything to be designed and manufactured, at the very least in prototype form. Many of our students go on to pursue their post-secondary education in tech, math, and science programs.

Technology Courses

Read about each course in the Technology Department.

STEAM Lab

This is a project-based course that provides opportunities for students to try new things and find new interests. It allows students to explore what STEAMworks has to offer, from composing music to learning about 3D printing, and everything in between. Students pick their projects and learn about the software, machinery, tools, musical instruments, cameras, etc. that are necessary to completing their creative vision. 

Modeling and Animation

Students work with industry standard software under the guidance of an instructor who acts as facilitator and creative director. Students will model objects, environments, characters, and create short animated films. 

Design and Fabrication

Students work within a shop, or "maker-space", to fabricate projects of their own design. The instructor supervises and consults with students in the development of their projects. Each project begins with a brainstorming phase followed by careful planning, materials lists, time projections, and more. The bulk of time will be spent experimenting through designing, testing, and redesigning. After developing their projects in programs like Fusion 360, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator, students will work with hand tools, power tools, 3D printers, milling machines, and the laser cutter to realize their visions.

Short Film Production

Students work with professional-grade equipment and software to create 5-minute films, an industry-standard length used to showcase the skills and creativity of a filmmaker. Students do independent work, and depending on their experience, will storyboard, create a screenplay, map a short story, study "shots" and film devices, then shoot, edit, and finalize their work. For those with little experience, each of those steps will have its own project.

Music Production

Students work with professional-grade hardware, software, editing tools, and instruments including several guitars, a piano, and an electronic drum kit. Students will study the structure of music and sound. Projects will revolve, almost entirely, on learning how to compose your own music, and shape sound with the option of learning how to play instruments.

Intro to Programming

Students will work within a shop, or "maker-space", to complete projects either of the instructor’s design or their own. The primary focus will be problem solving and critical thinking, under the umbrella of executive function. Students will learn about computer programming and website design. Students will also learn to use hardware such as Arduinos to run their programs.

Advanced Programming

This course follows Intro to Programming.  Students continue to develop their programming skills, while developing projects at a more independent level.

Computer Engineering

This course follows Advanced Programming. Students continue to develop their programming skills, and integrate a wider variety of software and hardware into their projects.