STEM Program
Welcome to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program at Mayfield Intermediate School. Please click on your grade level to the left to proceed.
This program is designed to increase students’ knowledge, develop the critical skills thinking and solving problems that can prepare them for high-demand, high-wage, and high-skill careers in Virginia.
5th Grade STEM - Intro Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
During this nine week course students will develop an understanding of technology and engineering and a deeper understanding of science concepts. They will designing and build solutions to three real-world problems. Students will act as environmental engineers using their knowledge of ecosystems, environments, and properties of materials to design solutions to environmental problems. They will think like optical engineers and use what they have learned about light in order to design a lighting system to light a model ancient Egyptian tomb. Students will also explore the science behind the MagLev train. They will conduct investigations that explain the properties of magnets and apply what they have learned to create and construct a tabletop MagLev train.
6th Grade STEM -Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
(Taken one semester, every other day)
In this rigorous course students have the opportunity to engage in activities developed by Project Lead the Way (PLTW). Students will have the opportunity to explore ONE of the two following modules:
Design & Modeling: Students will solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They will design a playground and furniture and accurately sketch and dimension their ideas. Using Autodesk® Inventor 3-D design software, students will create virtual images of their designs.
Automation & Robotics: Students research the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform and RobotC programming software to design, build, and program real-world objects and vehicles that operate independently based on the software programs they create.