Incoming 9th STEM
STEM Electives available to incoming Freshmen
Take one of the following in addition to your Biology course. These can be added for incoming Freshmen in the Summer prior to Freshmen year. Parents receive an email about elective selections and elective selections are typically made through our Guidance & Counseling department.
(Note the following courses are also available during higher grade levels)
501 ROBOTICS AND ENGINEERING
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12 (no experience required)
A-G Designation: “D” – Lab Science
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12 (no experience required)
A-G Designation: “D” – Lab Science
NCAA: NCAA-approved course – Natural/Physical Science
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra I or higher Math course and Biology or a higher level Science course.
The course is designed to introduce the basic principles of engineering through robotics based projects. Students will learn engineering practices throughout the semester covering the primary topics of Computer Aided Design (CAD), programming, and basic mechanical and electrical areas.
Students will have hands on learning with scaffolded projects that will eventually lead to the designing and building of a robot with motors, controllers, sensors, and other mechanical features. Students will be acquainted with the design process using CAD and the classroom 3D Printer.
Students will also develop practical application of the engineering process through case studies analysis and their collaborative group work throughout the year.
NOTE: This course is a level “d” UC approved course.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra I or higher Math course and Biology or a higher level Science course.
The course is designed to introduce the basic principles of engineering through robotics based projects. Students will learn engineering practices throughout the semester covering the primary topics of Computer Aided Design (CAD), programming, and basic mechanical and electrical areas.
Students will have hands on learning with scaffolded projects that will eventually lead to the designing and building of a robot with motors, controllers, sensors, and other mechanical features. Students will be acquainted with the design process using CAD and the classroom 3D Printer.
Students will also develop practical application of the engineering process through case studies analysis and their collaborative group work throughout the year.
NOTE: This course is a level “d” UC approved course.
1028 INTRO TO CODING
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
A-G Designation: “G” – College-Preparatory Elective
In this one-year course student will be exploring the fundamentals of Swift Playgrounds, the programming language used to create applications for Apple products, Code.org, Sphero Edu Robots and other technology driven platforms. Students will do interactive puzzles that teach them key programming concepts in ways that are both challenging and fun. In this course students will develop coding skills that become the foundation of their programming knowledge.
NOTE: This course is a level “g” UC approved course.
1105 AVIATION I
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
A-G Designation: none
Grade Level: 9-12
A-G Designation: none
Mater Dei's Aviation I class utilizes the high school curriculum of the largest aircraft nonprofit in the world, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. This course will provide an introduction to flying, the history of aviation, aerospace engineering, unmanned aircraft systems and other recent updates in the industry. It will also dive into the subsectors of aviation in terms of innovation, real-world challenges, economics, and career opportunities.
Join our STEM Distinction Program
MDHS students have the opportunity to earn a special designation on their transcripts and to be recognized for their efforts in STEM. Ideal for intended STEM majors.
Incoming Freshmen are welcome to apply during their first semester. See the STEM Distinction page for more information.
Join our Robotics Team
Incoming Freshmen are welcome to join our competitive Robotics Team. No experience is required.
See our Robotics Team page and contact our Robotics Team Head Coach, Mr. Daniel Zanone, for information and to join.
Join one of our many clubs
Many of Mater Dei's clubs relate to STEM. See our Clubs page for more information.