Engineering

Exposure to engineering and computer science begins as early as First Program in hands-on, play-based experiences that blend design and coding. Initiatives like Code Lab, STEAM Saturday experiences, and classroom integrations introduce First Programmers to foundational coding concepts such as sequences, loops, functions, and conditions, and to engage with physical computing tools like Micro: bit. These early opportunities nurture computational thinking in a joyful and accessible way, helping students see themselves as capable creators and problem solvers from the start. 

In Middle School, these foundational skills evolve into more complex, interdisciplinary projects. The emphasis shifts toward real-world applications, creative expression, and collaborative design challenges. Students deepen their understanding of how technology intersects with other fields through projects such as programming LEGO robots to navigate peer-created mazes, designing Sol LeWitt-inspired computational art, engineering paper calculators using origami techniques and Makey Makey circuits, or fabricating a 22-hole mini-golf course that merges visual art with engineering. Students learn to think critically, iterate thoughtfully, and apply coding to various challenges. 

By High School, Engineering students take on real-world challenges that benefit the broader school community through cross-divisional collaborations. They design and build practical solutions from folding tables for library activities and puppet boxes for storytelling to custom storage for the Theater department. The program incorporates cross-curricular learning with the High School Math department, where students design and construct three-dimensional geometric models that bring abstract concepts like volume, surface area, and other mathematical measurements to life. These experiences highlight the power of design, functionality, and collaboration, showing students how engineering can make a meaningful, lasting impact.