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STEM

STEM is an integrated curriculum approach based on four interdisciplinary subjects ¡ª Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math ¡ª to foster inquiry, logical reasoning, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.

STEM education increases engagement in student learning, creates critical thinkers and problem finders, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing at 17%, almost double the rate of other professions. Students who have a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can play a key role in the sustained growth of the economy and increase their potential for a successful future career.

There are opportunities for STEM education in every ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ elementary, middle and high school. Students are encouraged to speak with their school guidance counselors to discuss appropriate courses to take beginning in middle school.

STEM Events and Opportunities

APS Hour of Code

¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ encourages and supports the integration of computer science throughout the entire school year, and we dedicate the month of December to celebrating the fun of coding! Our Computer Science Education Week which provides an opportunity to participate in the (more info: )

Our event offers a variety of coding and programming activities for students in grades PreK-12th grade and their families.

APS Let’s Code!

2023 Hour of code, APS Let’s Code!

Kenmore Middle School

November 30, 2023

5:30-8:30p.m.

For ways to get involved with this annual event in ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ, please contact the STEM Specialist: rosalita.santiago@apsva.us

Adam Nesbitt Robotics Day

Adam Nesbitt was a Technology Education teacher (Tech Ed) at Gunston and, in his memory, we are working to introduce Robotics (one of his passions) to all students across the county. Each year in April, we host a day to showcase robotics activities for all ages, as well as a robotics competition for middle and high school students.

Check back for information on the 2024 Adam Nesbitt Robotics Day!

Engineers Week

Engineers Week 2024 will be February 18-24.

  • Black STEM Innovators & Leaders-
  • Types of Engineering for Kids¡¯ Exploration-
  • Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (Feb 23 )-

STEM Camps & Programs

Year-round & Summer Camp Opportunities:

  • ?¨C List of summer camp opportunities in and around Arlington
  • ¨C Offered in some APS Schools during the school year. Educating girls to code, build, invent, and animate. Providing enrichment classes, all-girl camps, special events. Preparing girls to explore computer programming and engineering
  • ?¨C Kids ages 4 to 14 are introduced to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education through programs such as after-school programs, classes, camps, workshops, and birthday parties.
  • ¨C (application and fee required) Master new tech skills for ages 7-17 held at Georgetown, American, Howard, the University of the District of Columbia, Stanford, Princeton, and 150+ locations nationwide
  • (registration and fee ¨C scholarships available) STEM-based camps are on a variety of topics including robotics, cybersecurity and health sciences
  • ¨C?Offered in some APS Schools & Libraries during the school year. Provides a fun space for girls ages 4?-14 to imagine, create and play while developing their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Our goal is to equip and empower girls to be strong, confident, and competent in the fields of STEM through hands on projects and mentorship programs
  • ¨C Organization offers several programs which use fun and play to help teach and introduce science and engineering concepts

Celebrations, Festivals, and Other Cool Opportunities

  • ¨C (free)?explore a local?
  • (Free, no registration required)?X STEM DC The USA Science & Engineering Festival will return to Washington, D.C.! They are now virtual conferences that are perfect for teens, children, and families who want to inspire their curious minds

Middle School

  • ¨C Offered in some APS Schools during the school year.?Girls Who Code Campus offers?two-week?summer coding courses for girls ages 10-18 in cities across the country
  • ?¨C Register for a class (some are free and some have a fee)
  • ¨C (free)?explore a local?
  • (Free, no registration required)? X STEM DC The USA Science & Engineering Festival will return to Washington, D.C.! They are now virtual conferences that are perfect for teens, children, and families who want to inspire their curious minds
  • -A fun space system design cam for 6th through 12th graders. Participants get to learn about aspects of space system design with no prior experience required.

High School

  • ¨C 2-week virtual program or a 6-week self-paced program for current 9th-11th graders.
  • ¨C? Free, three-week introduction to computer science for graduating high school seniors with a passion for technology.? CSSI is not your average summer camp. It¡¯s an intensive, interactive, hands-on and fun program that seeks to inspire the tech leaders and innovators of tomorrow by supporting the study of computer science, software engineering and other closely related subjects.
  • ¨C Rising 9th 10th & 11th graders ¨C STEM is all about exploring, creating, building, and making things better, and the Naval Academy STEM ?Program allows you to do just that.? You will work with students from all over the country as you test your problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills
  • NOVA? (registration and fee ¨C scholarships available) These STEM-based camps are on a variety of topics including robotics, cybersecurity and health sciences.? Camp start dates vary.
  • ?¨C Register for a class (some are free and some have a fee)
  • ¨C (free)?explore a local?
  • ¨C Camps feature hands-on activities, conducted in a competitive environment, promoting teamwork, leadership, project management, and problem solving.? Each camp has a unique curriculum with the common thread being a challenging environment and hands-on activities and are designed for high school students who excel in STEM and are interested in pursuing a degree in STEM in college.
  • A fun space system design cam for 6th through 12th graders. Participants get to learn about aspects of space system design with no prior experience required.

Contact

Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education

Syphax Education Center
2110 Washington Blvd., 2nd Floor
Arlington, VA 22204

20191019_171606

Rosalita Santiago
rosalita.santiago@apsva.us
Twitter: @Rosielivenlearn