Student stories and projects

The Architecture & Design elective is an introduction to architecture and design principles that explores the relationship between the human body, form, function, materials, and the environment.

In the Genomics class, students explore the emerging field in genomics research focused on the human microbiome. Students learn about bacteria that colonize the human body and about the techniques used to identify and characterize these bacteria.

The Machine Learning course is focused on the fundamentals of machine learning. Topics include: regression, K-nearest neighbors, tress, clustering techniques, bias-variance tradeoff, and cross validation.

The Engineering Design course takes students through the process of designing and building their own robot in teams of three from stock material. Students practice the engineering design process through various build challenges, including many sessions of idea generation, sketching, and collaborating with others to agree on a single idea.

The Computer Science course introduces code and computer programming in Python to any beginner. The 10th grade students pictured here used their new Python skills to develop a typing game to track one’s typing speed and improve upon it.

The Data Visualization course provides students with experience using Python. The 11th grade students pictured here were preparing for their final presentations in which they showcased datasets and used the proper techniques to answer analytical questions regarding data trends.

12th grade Engineering Design students developed solutions for problems that exist within cities. Inspired by The Game of Life, these students created an interactive board game that recreates the experiences of marginalized people, enabling players to empathize with the impacts of systemic racism and socio-economic disparity in American society.

9th grade Mechanical Engineering students explored the field and worked in small groups as teams to ideate, prototype, and build toys using materials provided by the class. In “The Ballers,” students used their knowledge to design three minigames in a box – basketball, football, and wall ball.

10th grade Computer Science students prepare for their final projects using the basics of programming in Python including control flow, variables, functions, dictionaries, logic, decomposition, good programming style, whole-program structure, debugging, and performance.

11th grade Data Visualization students prepare their final projects using critical Python concepts, such as variables, functions, for and while loops, list comprehension, and dictionaries. For their projects, students studied datasets and employed techniques to answer analytical questions regarding data trends.

For their “TheraFuzzies” project, 12th grade Engineering Design students designed plush toys that are programmed to guide through various diaphragmatic breathing exercises and other forms of stress-relieving meditation.