Inspiring Innovators 2016-17

inspiring innovators

computer science engineering design

At Castilleja, we believe every student has the ability to design and create innovative solutions to today’s problems. By engaging in a variety of coding and hands-on projects, students hone core competencies that empower them as innovators.

Such constructionist projects also drive deep learning, foster student initiative, and allow students to forge connections between academic disciplines.

INTEGRATED PROJECTS

ELECTIVES

COCURRICULARS

Every student gains hands-on experience through projects integrated into core academic courses such as math, history, science, and English.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Casti Coders

Coding Maker Scouts Lego Robotics

UPPER SCHOOL Computer Science Engineering

FIRST Lego League Gatorbotics (Upper School FIRST Robotics) Mobile Apps Competitions STEMx

(See next page for list.)

We integrate coding, making, design thinking, and engineering design across grade levels and subject areas, ensuring that every student develops foundational proficiency and essential attitudes in these areas. As students move through the grades, they build upon this foundation to work on more open-ended and student-driven projects. We also offer electives and a range of co-curricular opportunities so that students can more deeply study their areas of interest.

castilleja.org

design.create. code.innovate Computer Science & Engineering Department (CS&E) Our Computer Science Engineering Department offers a robust program that prepares girls to pursue technological challenges and opportunities.

Middle School The Middle School curriculum integrates coding and making into core disciplines. The focus is primarily on skills development, exposure to a variety of tools and techniques, and engagement with the design process.

A Sampling of Middle School Projects 6th Grade Science: Students design interactive devices using physical computing kits to help users conserve natural resources.

7th Grade History: Students construct prototypes of machines inspired by Leonardo DaVinci sketches.

8th Grade Algebra 1: Students design and develop Python programs that solve algebraic problems.

8th Grade History: Groups of students design and build scaled models of monuments dedicated to famous women in American history.

Upper School In the Upper School, integration into core disciplines continues. In addition, students seeking deeper study of computer science and engineering may take electives and also participate in a wide variety of cocurricular activities such as speakers, clubs, internships, and competitions.

A Sampling of Upper School Projects 9th Grade Cultures & Civilizations: Freshmen design interactive websites using HTML to showcase their research about World War 1 and 2.

Design & Sculpture I:. Students design interactive kinetic sculptures that come to life using electronics and programming.

Global Climate Change: Students learn about the power and limitations of computer models by programming the effects of factors that contribute to global climate change.

Advanced Topics Physics: Students use Python to create and observe simulations of 3D motion under the influence of simple forces.

Upper School CS&E Electives Computer Science I : Algorithms & Design Computer Science II: Object-Oriented Programming and HumanComputer Interaction Computer Science III: Software Development for Community Impact Engineering I: Design and Science of Everyday Things Engineering Sustainable Solutions

“Recent reports about the low percentage of women in technical positions at Google, Facebook, and other leading technology companies have many educators wondering how to reverse this discouraging trend. Our program’s approach is designed to engage every girl with computer science and engineering early, often, and in a variety of contexts.”

core competencies

—Ann Greyson, Computer Science & Engineering Department Chair

Connections Applied math Physics Design

Process Maker Mindset Inquisitiveness Active tinkering Collaboration

Making/ Engineering Spatial visualization Prototyping Basic mechanisms & electironics

Iteration Empathy Research Impact

Computer Science Computational thinking Coding User interface design

“We want every student to experience a diverse range of making projects during her time at Castilleja.

Our lab allows students to explore everything from laser cutting to 3D printing, from physical computing to soft circuits. Wherever her interests take her, we want every girl to gain confidence in her ability to imagine, design, create, make, and tinker.”

—Angi Chau, PhD, Director of Bourn Idea Lab

“Learning to program mobile apps has helped our daughter to find her passion and strength.”

—Castilleja Parent

Robotics at Castilleja In the Middle School, students build robots to compete in a series of challenges in the FIRST Lego League Competition. In the Upper School, Gatorbotics Team 1700 faces a new engineering challenge every year as part of the FIRST Robotics Competition. Over 30 students specialize in mechanical engineering, electronics, programming, and/or entrepreneurship and are mentored by industry professionals.

Bourn Idea Lab The Bourn Idea Lab is Castilleja’s maker space, engineering design studio, and robotics lab.

Outfitted with an assortment of digital fabrication equipment, traditional shop tools, plenty of hand tools, and a wide variety of materials, the lab empowers students and teachers to turn their ideas into tangible objects. Emphasis is placed on prototyping ideas and engaging with the design process rather than on meticulously honing the craft of building. Projects in the lab also allow students to continue practicing their spatial reasoning skills, which research has shown to be particularly important for girls in retaining their interest in STEM subjects and preparing them to pursue future careers in STEM fields.