STEAM

STEAM Overview

“An editorial in the New York Daily News notes that “by 2020, the…” U.S. economy will demand 123 million high-skilled workers with strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and math. Stem jobs are overwhelmingly in high demand and will account for about 38% of all the high-skill jobs created; they are typically among the highest paid. (STEM Framework NYCDOE) Relatively few African American and Latino/a high school students receive  the kind of institutional encouragement, educational opportunities, and preparation needed for them to choose computer science as a field of student and profession (Stuck in the Shallow End, Margolis). FDR has a diverse population of students including these minorities and many more under-represented populations who would not just benefit but be inspired to pursue higher education and careers in STEM related fields.

STEAM Science Research Academy

This comprehensive program will allow students to explore the natural world through hands-on and project-based learning.  Students will record observations, develop questions, design and conduct experiments, collect and interpret data, and propose new ideas from their conclusions.  In addition, students will have the opportunity to use multimedia to present their research articles or findings to panels of their peers in class, science fairs, research symposiums and competitions throughout NYC.  

STEAM Robotics and Programming Academy

Our four year STEAM Robotics Academy offers small class sizes for individualized attention. Throughout the series of classes students will explore the field of robotic design using a variety of hands on activities. Students begin the program with an introduction to the tools used to create robotic devices. They will work in teams to create simple drive trains capable of movement through tele-operated interaction. As they progress through the series of classes, computer programming becomes an essential and vital element. Students program the onboard micro-processor using the C programming language, Scratch, and the Lynx operating system allowing students to move onto autonomous navigation where the robot is controlled entirely through programming. Mechanical concepts such as gearing/torque/speed/power are introduced. These topics are explored through the use of hands on labs. Students must use this knowledge to design and build custom drive trains capable of meeting a variety of criteria including climbing, pushing, attaining maximum speed, etc. Sensors are introduced to allow robotic devices to interact with the environment. The final year of classes will be comprised of a capstone design project and Teaching Assistant positions for students to mentor our incoming engineers. Our Robotics Academy offers opportunities for scholarships and competition based, hands on research opportunities.