Engineering
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St. John's Engineering Enrichment class introduces students to the principles of design, problem-solving, and innovation. Key topics include forces, energy, structures, and materials. Students in Grades 3–8 engage in hands-on activities such as building simple machines and bridges, encouraging creativity and critical thinking. Engineering plays an important role in incorporating STEAM learning, fostering teamwork, communication, and the practical application of scientific principles. The goal is to inspire curiosity about how things work and to develop skills in the engineering design process.
Upper Elementary: Grades 3-5
The Upper Elementary Engineering program aims to introduce students to fundamental engineering concepts, foster creative problem-solving, and encourage hands-on experience with engineering projects.
To support student learning in a conceptualized and retainable way, the class is divided into three main sections: robotics, coding, and 3D design. Students in Upper Elementary learn and apply engineering principles in a progressively, with a focus on building critical thinking skills, teamwork, and resilience, all while nurturing an interest in the engineering world.
Third Grade
In third grade, students are introduced to fundamental engineering concepts, including project planning, teamwork, and basic engineering tools. They become familiar with the basic components and functions of robots, as well as introductory coding concepts using Scratch. Students also begin learning the basics of 3D design through TinkerCAD.
Fourth Grade
In fourth grade, students deepen their understanding of fundamental engineering principles, including iterative design and problem-solving. They enhance their knowledge of robotics by exploring simple mechanisms and building small models. Expanding their coding skills to include variables, messaging, and object interactions further fuels their curiosity. This milestone year also allows them to create more complex 3D designs and develop an understanding of how parts fit together in TinkerCAD.
Fifth Grade
Building upon the fundamental concepts students learned in third and fourth grade, fifth-grade students now apply engineering principles to more complex projects, fostering innovative thinking. They explore advanced robotics concepts, including gear ratios, motor speed and torque calculations, and possibly autonomous driving programming.
Students enjoy advancing their coding knowledge to cover object-oriented programming and code optimization techniques. They also engage in complex 3D modeling tasks, with the potential to design real-life objects and custom mechanisms.
Middle Division: Coming Soon
Detailed information about Engineering in Middle Division: coming soon.
Sixth Grade
Sixth Grade Engineering includes:
Introduction to Engineering Design Thinking
Simple Machines & Mechanical Systems
3D Design with CAD Tools
Middle School Robotics Foundations
Introduction to Python Coding
Mini Engineering Challenges
Engineering Real-World Connections
Electronics Fundamentals
Seventh Grade
Seventh Grade Engineering includes:
Advanced Design Thinking & Prototyping
3D Modeling & Real-Life Applications
Robotics & Autonomous Systems
Python Programming and Text-Based Coding
Engineering Projects & Teamwork
Project Presentation Skills and Practice
Electronics with Arduino*
A.I. and Robotics*
* Plan to be added in 2025-2026
Eighth Grade
Detailed information about Engineering in eighth grade: coming soon.
