Middle School STEM Curriculum
Developing Foundations
Middle School STEM focuses on “Developing Foundations”. In our rigorous math and science curricula, we emphasize the fundamentals and begin to bridge to a higher level of STEM thinking. We introduce the engineering design process and scientific thinking skills early and continue to cultivate those concepts throughout the program. Technology is fully integrated throughout our STEM programs, including our 1:1 laptop program for students in grades 5-12 and our state of the art Design Den which is a fully equipped makerspace for girls to experiment with 3D printers, Epilog Laser Cutters, and a variety of other tools. Coding is first introduced in 5th and 6th grades with mini-projects. In 7th grade students expand to programming and building Lego Mindstorm® Robots, leading to more advanced coding in 8th grade that focuses on website and app design. In our 8th grade STEM Skills Workshop all girls develop the 3D spatial skills necessary to close the STEM gender gap.
STEM Curricular, Co-curricular, and Extracurricular Activities
![Middle School Mathematics]([{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1532458950/harpeth/slseppwwny86txbgryly/MSanyclass.jpg","width":256},{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1532458950/harpeth/slseppwwny86txbgryly/MSanyclass.jpg","width":450}])
Middle School mathematics stresses performance in the basic operations using natural through real numbers and proficiency in working with percentages, fractions and decimals.
![femail students working on popsicle bridge]([{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1530548734/harpeth/vyiict9vb1jszt1dgm7u/Bridges.jpg","width":256},{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1530548734/harpeth/vyiict9vb1jszt1dgm7u/Bridges.jpg","width":450}])
The Middle School science program is designed to encourage wonder, teach scientific skills, and facilitate experiment-based inquiry and the engineering design process.
![Coding]([{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1539101257/harpeth/ubhro0oofdpghbn9bdoi/Coding_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1539101257/harpeth/ubhro0oofdpghbn9bdoi/Coding_1.jpg","width":450}])
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![SEEK (Scholars Engaged in Extending Knowledge)]([{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1532378308/harpeth/bd14rxictd6ieok4fcbd/SEEK.jpg","width":256},{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1532378308/harpeth/bd14rxictd6ieok4fcbd/SEEK.jpg","width":450}])
The Middle School at Harpeth Hall offers an exciting opportunity for seventh and eighth graders. The SEEK (Scholars Engaged in Extending Knowledge) Scholarship Program was established to provide a student enrolled in the seventh or eighth grade with a means to pursue independent study in an area of her choice.
![First Lego League Robotics Club]([{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1539812287/harpeth/ak8bpgil4keukmsplefo/Robot.jpg","width":256},{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1539812287/harpeth/ak8bpgil4keukmsplefo/Robot.jpg","width":450}])
With an increased focus on engineering in the Middle School, we began competing in FIRST LEGO League, the middle school robotics competition. This competition and corresponding club focuses on applying coding, engineering design, and teamwork to accomplish missions using the LEGO Mindstorm EV3 robots.
![Engineer Girls Essay Contest]([{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1538517168/harpeth/nycivx4wgedxb6arcxmq/EngineerGirl.jpg","width":256},{"url":"//resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1538517168/harpeth/nycivx4wgedxb6arcxmq/EngineerGirl.jpg","width":450}])
The EngineerGirl program is designed to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women. This program and its website is a service of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and grew out of the work of the NAE Committee on the Diversity of the Engineering Workforce.