The New Hope-Solebury School District's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programming is a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking skills from Kindergarten through senior year. 

The K-12 experience begins with elementary students engaging in hands-on activities that spark curiosity and exploration, laying the groundwork for the design process and future learning. As students advance, they delve deeper into STEAM topics, tackling real-world problems and collaborating on innovative solutions. By the time students reach high school, they have the opportunity to participate in specialized STEAM courses and extracurricular activities, further honing their skills and preparing for college or careers in STEAM-related fields.

Over the past five years, NHSD has been fostering collaboration among educators, administrators, industry professionals, and community members to ensure relevance and rigor of our programming in the area of STEAM. Innovations in the curriculum include project-based learning experiences, integration of cutting-edge technologies, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide authentic learning opportunities. Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes creativity and artistic expression alongside technical proficiency, recognizing the interconnectedness of all STEAM disciplines. Through a combination of hands-on learning, critical thinking, and collaboration, New Hope-Solebury School District's STEAM Programming equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the future-ready workforce.

New Hope-Solebury School District is proud to bring the students of NHSD a K-5 STEAM focused special that challenges, engages, and inspires all students.

It is essential that young students have experiences with STEAM to help them develop an understanding of the modern world and the evolution of STEAM related careers. At the New Hope-Solebury School District we believe that deep lifelong learning is built on rich experiences starting from kindergarten and building into the high school years. It’s at the foundational level where perceptions and attitudes are developed. Students need to be provided with the opportunity to develop “Next Generation” skills focused on the 4 C’s; Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity along with opportunities to “fail forward” and persevere ultimately learning that mistakes and failure will lead to progress. 

At the elementary (K-5) level, students experience a variety of Engineering activities to help provide them with foundational skills to prepare them for their middle school and high school pathways. Each engineering challenge focuses on the use of the engineering process starting with a simple “sketch and build” at the lower grade levels, and then challenges progress to include a more complete process with a focus on testing, improving, and modifying designs. At every grade level, the students engage in engineering builds such as sailboats, balloon and rubber band powered cars, planes, and crash test vehicles that are designed to protect their egg passengers. Students create digital conceptual engineering models using Minecraft in grades 1-5 as well. 

The K-5 STEAM special also provides the students with computer science, coding, and robotics experiences. Coding and robotics starts at the kindergarten level where students use touch code to program sequences into small robots to complete simple navigations. As they progress through the grades, the students quickly move to block code moving beyond simple coding sequences into loops and conditionals. As they move into the upper elementary grades, their robotics challenges include a combination of programming and engineering where the students design, build, and program robots to complete a challenging set of tasks. Their coding in grades 3-5 include “if” and “when” conditional code statements that utilize sensors for feedback. Finally, students in 5th grade take their coding to the air with educational drones that add an additional dimension when programming…altitude. 

Students also have exposure to electronic circuit building starting with basic working series and parallel circuits using conductive playdough first grade, and moving to move detailed circuits that integrate microchips that perform simple functions.  

The K-5 STEAM special  engages and excites students every day, and it prepares the students to make informed choices about their pathways as they move into the Middle School, High School, and beyond!

The sixth grade STEM course focuses on the engineering design process. Students complete several STEM challenges, beginning with simple one-lesson activities and ending with their long-term project which incorporates basic skills and concepts from each module of the course. Next, we begin with computer aided design, using TinkerCad to create files for 3-D printing and laser cutting. Students explore various file types, such as stl, svg, rasters, and vectors. Students create several objects of their choice to demonstrate the use of each file type.

Our second unit breaks computer basics into four different functions; inputs, outputs, memory and storage, and processing. During this unit students learn how the computer uses binary code as data which flows from input to processor, memory, and finally output in the physical world. The simple Micro:Bit is used to illustrate each function. Students create simple animations and games using MakeCode (a block-based programming language). Finally, students plug the Micro:Bit into the HummingBird Bit Controller, making the addition of sensors, LEDs, and motors quite simple. For the final project, students are required to use everything they have learned by including laser cutting, 3D printing, motors, LEDs, and sensors into their own original creations.

Empower your passion for innovation and creation with our dynamic secondary STEAM curriculum. We offer a range of engaging courses designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. All these courses are taught out of our new cutting-edge new facilities! The redesigned wing boasts a brand new computer lab, CNC controlled machinery, laser cutters and 3d printers, if you can dream it, you can build it.

• Engineering 1/2/3: Dive deep into the world of engineering! Explore diverse disciplines like mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering through practical projects. Whether you're fascinated by intricate machines, the power of electricity, or building structures, these courses will help you discover your engineering passion.

• Robotics Course: Unleash your inner roboticist! Learn the fundamentals of both coding and fabrication to design, build, and program robots that tackle real-world challenges. This course is a perfect standalone option or can be seamlessly coupled with our Vex Robotics Club for an immersive robotics experience. Watch your ideas come to life as you build impressive robots to solve problems and compete alongside like-minded peers.

• Wood/Metal Fabrication: This course is a maker's dream! Get hands-on experience in both our state-of-the-art metal and wood labs. Learn traditional fabrication techniques while exploring cutting-edge technologies like CNC control. Think big, design bold projects, and push the boundaries of your creativity with the fusion of classic craftsmanship and modern innovation.

• Multimedia Production: Become a storytelling master! Step into our professional broadcast studio and learn the art of multimedia production. Master video editing, live television production, and develop skills in creating engaging content that translates to real-world applications. From crafting captivating commercials to producing impactful documentaries, this program empowers you to express yourself through the power of media.

Students have many opportunities to fuel their passions beyond the classroom with our exciting in and after-school programs! We offer a variety of engaging activities designed to build upon the foundation of your STEAM curriculum, fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking skills.

Unleash Your Inner Maker:

• Engineering Club: Explore the world of engineering through open-lab, free-build sessions or participate in exciting build-alongs, where teachers and students collaboratively explore technical builds. Prepare to dive into your imagination and bring your ideas to life! Experiment with various materials and tools while learning fundamental engineering principles. Past projects include a Lite-Brite Set, Arcade Machine, and Claw Arcade Machine.  

• Robotics Club: Build, program, and compete with your very own VEX robots! Collaborate with teammates, develop problem-solving skills, and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge robotics technology. Prepare for VEX Worlds and compete against the greatest engineers in the world!

Level Up Your Skills:

• ESports Club: Hone your reflexes and strategic thinking in a supportive and competitive environment. Learn teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship while participating in organized esports tournaments. This is a school athletics sanctioned program, as well as a PIAA affiliated sports team.  

Benefits of Joining Our In/After-School Programs:

• Deepen your understanding of STEAM concepts.

• Develop valuable skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration.

• Foster creativity and innovation.

• Work on real-world projects and challenges.

• Make new friends with similar interests.