Academics
STEM Academy
Solving Problems with confidence
The Lutheran South STEM Academy inspires students for future vocations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields by cultivating creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and ethical innovation through hands-on, project-driven learning.
Along with completing a full course of studies in the Math and Science curriculum, students will engage in authentic design challenges that integrate digital tools, physical fabrication, and computational thinking, developing the habits of mind used by engineers and technologists in real-world contexts. Through iterative design, systems thinking, and collaborative problem-solving, the STEM Academy prepares students for advanced study in engineering, computer science, robotics, and related fields while fostering curiosity, responsibility, and purposeful innovation. Along with completing the requisite courses in STEM categories, students will participate in externship opportunities. Students completing this program will be presented with a certificate and recognized at graduation.
ACADEMIC GROWTH
Academic Growth:
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4 credits of math
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4 credits of science
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2 credits in Engineering/Computer Science from the following tracks (courses may be selected from various tracks if course pre-requirements are satisfied).
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Engineering
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Game Design
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Computer Science
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Foundational Engineering & Design
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Creative Coding
& Game Design
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Computer Science
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Engineering Systems
& Digital Fabrication
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Game Design & Interactive Systems
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AP Computer Science
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Engineering Studio
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Vocational Growth:
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Approved Externship Experience
Course Descriptions
Foundational Engineering & Design
This course introduces students to the core skills of modern engineering through hands-on projects, digital fabrication, and structured problem solving. Students learn how to think like engineers by using Autodesk Inventor for CAD modeling, experimenting with structural principles, and fabricating parts with tools such as laser cutters, CNC routers, and 3D printers. The course emphasizes precision, creativity, and iterative design as students complete challenges in beam construction, truss optimization, and a culminating balsa-bridge engineering project.
* ADDITIONAL NOTES: All students also complete Makerspace Safety & Tool Certification, gaining supervised access to the school’s fabrication lab.
Engineering Systems & Digital Fabrication
This course is an advanced, project-driven course where students integrate mechanical design, electronics, and programming to create functional engineered systems. Students learn to program Raspberry Pi Pico microcontrollers using Python to control sensors, LEDs, motors, switches, and servos. They design and fabricate custom parts using CAD, laser cutters, and CNC routers, combining digital and physical components into real prototypes.
Typical projects include automated mechanisms, interactive devices, microcontroller-based tools, and functional electromechanical systems. Emphasis is placed on the engineering design cycle, documentation, safe fabrication practices, and solving real-world problems.
Creative Coding & Game Design
This course blends interactive art, storytelling, and programming to introduce students to the world of video game creation. Students begin with block-based coding and Makey Makey-powered custom controllers, then move into Python-based development using Pygame Zero. Along the way, they create original characters, animations, and gameplay mechanics while learning foundational computing concepts such as variables, loops, logic, input handling, and events.
This course emphasizes creativity and hands-on experimentation. By the end of the term, every student will publish a fully playable 2D game built from their own assets, designs, and code.
Computer Programming
Object-oriented programming techniques and design methods are developed using the Java programming language. Topics include program design, implementation, and analysis. Students will study the use of primitive and reference data types with particular emphasis on the Java String class. Problem decomposition and algorithm development will be used to build small interactive programs, which illustrate appropriate use of selection and iteration techniques.
AP Computer Science
This course builds on the Java skills developed in Computer Programming. Specific topics include file I/O, array and ArrayList data structures, recursive search and sort routines, and an emphasis on Object-Oriented Design for problem decomposition.
Inspiring students through a Christ-centered lens to live courageously and serve faithfully
