STEAM: From Virtual to Reality

There are more than 300 courses offered through CSW's unique Mod System. Be sure to browse our online course catalog to read full descriptions and imagine what courses you would want to take here. 

STEAM: From Virtual to Reality
We live in a world driven by computer science, where technological knowhow is not only beneficial, but essential. Gone are the days when understanding how to use a computer was enough. The students of today want to know how a computer works, and how they can manipulate the science to push innovation and address important questions about our future.

"STEAM: From Virtual to Reality" is a one-module course that introduces students to the technological tools of programming or graphic communication (CAD) to help them create tangible solutions to real life problems. Students study basic Python, simple circuitry, and 3D design, with opportunities for for collecting and processing data using sensors and computer-assisted techniques. Students create, design, build, discover, and engage in  hands-on projects that require the application  of these technological skills using failure- based learning, where failure is seen as part of the natural process to solve problems.

Students also work collaboratively as “specialists” in groups, where each student in responsible for different skills and roles. Whether they solve their problems by writing a program, creating structures through 3D modeling in CAD and printing, or building and programming robots to accomplish a task, students are given the opportunity to exercise the technological abilities they have  developed over the course of the class.


Sample Assignment
 
For this assignment, students work in pairs on a coding challenge of their choice. One such option is the Polygon Project, in which students use a Python turtle graphic to draw four polygons with different numbers of sides according to user input. They are also required to make an algorithm or flowchart to go along with the design. The code itself needs to be commented as well. Once complete, each pair presents the culmination of their code to the class.


Student Q&A

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. What did you hope to learn from this course?


    I really wanted to learn how to code well with Python. “Understand the language” is probably a better way to put it. I wanted to learn the rules of Python and make my codes do what I need them to do. I was also hoping to use some new programs and devices. Just the idea of actually using some sort of technology that I haven’t used yet is very interesting to me.

  • Q. What did you enjoy most about this course?

     
    I really enjoyed the Python turtle coding assignment. It was something completely new to me and I loved how functional and useful it was. I really like art, so for me writing a code that allows you to draw very detailed and delicate patterns was just fascinating. It is so delightful and satisfying to see the outcome of your code displayed in an artistic manner.

  • Q. What surprised you about this course?


    It was surprising to actually be able to use the Raspberry PI and Python with the breadboard, LEDs, resistors and buttons. I didn’t think we would actually integrate all that technology into one because it seemed too advanced for me at first.

  • Q. What would you tell another student interested in taking this course?


    It is a cool class to take for everyone. If you’re not familiar with the subject, don’t worry because it is a beginner’s course. Don’t stress if you don’t understand as first. The more coding you do, the smoother the process is going to go. In a few days, this class is actually going to make sense and you will be impressed by yourself!

    • STEAM: From Virtual to Reality

STEAM 101
 
New to the STEAM field? Use this guide to familiarize yourself with some of the basic tools and concepts.
STEAM = Science + Technology + Engineering + Art & Design + Mathematics
Circuitry = A circuit or system of circuits performing a particular function in an electronic device.
Python = An interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language.

Raspberry Pi = A tiny computer used in simple electronics projects, commonly used to teach basic coding.

Breadboard = A construction base for prototyping of electronics.
LED = Light-emitting diode.

Resistor = A device having resistance to the passage of an electric current.
 
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CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.