Throughout the year-long STEM courses, students explore a range of engineering and technology topics:
- In engineering, students engage in design challenges that promote systems thinking, creativity, and collaboration. They build structural models, explore energy-efficient systems, design sustainable transportation solutions, and work with basic electronics, Micro:bit programming, and VEX IQ robotics. They also learn the engineering design process, emphasizing iterative problem-solving through planning, prototyping, testing, and refinement.
- In technology, students gain essential digital skills, including 3D modeling, web design, digital content creation, and data analysis. They also experiment with creative tools for music production and video editing, building confidence in using technology across disciplines.
In addition to the year-long STEM core, students can expand their learning through a variety of specialized semester-based courses:
Python Programming – Introduces students to text-based coding through engaging, real-world programming tasks.
Java Programming – Builds on core logic and syntax skills, preparing students for high school and beyond.
FIRST LEGO League – Combines robotics, research, and innovation in a global competition setting.
VEX Robotics – Focuses on building and programming robots to complete engineering-based challenges.
Engineering Design – Students explore product design, materials science, and mechanical systems through hands-on creation.
Engineering for the Future – Students learn to develop innovative solutions for tomorrow’s global challenges by blending sustainability, technology, and imaginative thinking as they prepare for the annual Future City Competition.
Science Competition - Students expand their scientific knowledge as they prepare for two major competitions - Science Olympiad and the National Science Bowl.
With a focus on exploration, collaboration, and real-world relevance, Pioneer Academy’s STEM Program equips middle school students with the technical skills, confidence, and curiosity needed to succeed in high school STEM courses and future careers in science and technology.
Other Courses
Purpose: To acquire and strengthen computer programming skills and knowledge. Students will work with the object-oriented programming language known as Java.
Activities: Students will learn the fundamentals of the Java programming language. They will write basic and complex Java programs to develop high quality, working software that solves real problems.
Purpose: To give students a fulfilling experience in which they can apply math, science, technology, programming, engineering, and creativity through challenging tasks.
Activities: Students will learn to read and write programs to experiment with a robot they build. They will learn to program their robot to interact with the environment and conduct labs to experiment with their robot.
In their Computer Science courses, students will learn the fundamentals of operating the most common computer programs including Google Spreadsheets, Slides, Docs, and web browsing. Students will regularly practice and improve their typing and other technical skills. Most importantly, our Pioneer middle school students will learn about digital citizenship and how to use technology in a safe, responsible, and respectful way.



