STEM at Garden
Garden School’s STEM program emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning, ensuring that students are not just passive learners but active participants in their education. By engaging in these innovative projects, students develop a deep understanding of STEM concepts and are inspired to pursue further studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We aim to nurture the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders shaping the future.
The Future of Griffin Robotics
Griffin Robotics is soaring to new heights, thanks to significant investments and strategic partnerships. Following the success of the Road to 100 initiative, we have created new positions, carved out dedicated space and time for our robotics and engineering programs, and formed a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University to bring the CS Academy to our students. We’ve also acquired cutting-edge equipment, including hand and power tools, 3D printers, virtual reality systems, and more.
With these advancements, we’re on the cusp of the next phase in our robotics programming. As unveiled at the Gala, our ongoing Capital Campaign’s first major project is the development of a state-of-the-art Robotics and Engineering Lab, set to open in the fall of 2025. This innovative space will be equipped with the latest technology, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to explore and excel.
We’re also thrilled to welcome one of NYC’s leading robotics educators to our team this fall. With a track record of guiding students to World Championships and earning accolades at both the FTC and FRC levels, he will introduce advanced track classes, expand our current robotics and computer science offerings, and spearhead the launch of our competitive Upper Division FTC team this fall, followed by an FRC team later on.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build and innovate in the world of robotics and engineering at Griffin. Exciting developments are on the horizon!
FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to children ages 4-16* through fun, exciting hands-on learning. FIRST LEGO League participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together. In FIRST LEGO League, students engage in hands-on STEM experiences, building confidence, growing their knowledge and developing habits of learning. FIRST LEGO League’s three divisions inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding and design skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics.
7th & 8th Grade STEM: Taking to the Skies
Our 7th and 8th-grade students are soaring into STEM with an exciting project that blends creativity and engineering. This year, they are designing and building their own cardboard airplanes, each boasting a wingspan of at least four feet. This project encourages students to apply their understanding of aerodynamics, physics, and material science to create functional aircraft. By experimenting with different designs and structures, students learn about the principles of flight, balance, and stability. This engaging hands-on experience not only enhances their problem-solving abilities but also fosters teamwork and innovation. As the project progresses, students will test their creations to see which plane flies the farthest, turning the classroom into a dynamic space of discovery and competition.
First Technology Challenge - Grades 7&8 and 9-12
It’s way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 team members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format.
Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team.
The robot kit is reusable from year to year and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to earn specific awards. Participants are eligible to apply for $80M+ in college scholarships.
Garden School Amateur Radio Club (K2DSG)
Here at Garden School, we are one of the few schools in the NYC/Long Island area with an active Radio Club. Boasting one of the most active clubs in the Tristate Area, we are proud of the work we can accomplish with the leadership of club Trustee and Robotics teacher John Hale (KD2LPM). Garden School is also one of the only schools in the nation to run an NTS Net that takes messages via amateur radio and delivers them all around the world. Our students run the net and talk to people around the NYC/LI area and if those people have messages they want to send, our net can take those messages. In the past, we have used this technology to help those in need when they could turn nowhere else. See our Garden Radio in the News section to learn more.
Radio Courses Offered Through Garden
Garden School offers three separate Radio Courses for you and your child to get invested into Radio in different ways! With the Technician, General, and Amateur Extra courses there are classes for all different levels to get involved.
