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STEM Distinction

“In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.”  -National Science Foundation

STEM Distinction Overview

Goals of the Program

1. To expose students to a variety of STEM fields and demonstrate the inter-relatedness of science, technology, engineering, and math.
2. To gain functional knowledge in all areas of STEM and sustain interest in future STEM-based pursuits.
3. To gain fluency in a computer science language in order to learn different problem solving algorithms and to improve analytical thinking and problem solving.
4. To promote STEM related literacy, whether or not they pursue STEM-related fields in the future.
5. To develop creativity and design thinking skills.

Program Requirements

1. Academic coursework

In addition to the general graduation requirements set forth by the Upper School, students must complete the following courses with a minimum grade of a B:

• Two computer science courses, including at least one of AP Computer Science Principles and AP ComputerScience A
• Two of the following AP science courses: AP Physics, AP Biology, or AP Chemistry
• AP Calculus AB or BC

​​​​Students must earn at least 400 points to receive the certificate at graduation. Enrolling in STEM classes beyond those that are required, participating in clubs and activities related to STEM-based initiatives, and attending outside field-related seminars all count toward this goal. Among the points earned for completing certain elective activities, there are two required elements: reading the STEM related book each summer and completing the associated assignment; and the completion of a capstone research project during senior year.

2. Extracurricular activities

Participating in the following clubs and activities count toward the STEM distinction:​

• Raider Robotics is part of the FIRST Tech Challenge, a global competition program. The team meets approximately once a week, generally on Sunday afternoons, starting in September and running through February or March, depending on the competition schedule. Students learn engineering, coding, and group work skills in this team building exercise. 

• Plant the Moon Competition 
• STEM related trips and summer internships
• STEM related field trips
• STEM competitions
• Intersections
• STEM presenters​

3. summer reading

Each year, the STEM co-chairs will confer on a STEM related book for all distinction candidates to read during the summer. Students will then attend a seminar in the fall to discuss the reading and write a one-page reflection on the book.

2025: Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green 
2024: The Joy Of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity by Steven Strogatz
2023: Death from the Skies!: The Science Behind the End of the World by Philip Plait Ph.D. 
2022: The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of Their Lost World by Steve Brusatte.
2021: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot OR Grasping Mysteries: Girls Who Loved Math byJeannine Atkins
​2020: Virals by Kathy Reichs
2019: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

4. capstone research project

In lieu of the traditional DeHart Project, STEM distinction graduates are required to complete the STEM Capstone Project.

​The STEM Capstone Project reflects the belief that the processes inherent in learning are at least as important as the products. All STEM students should complete certain common processes. These essential processes include:

1. Developing and implementing a plan of action
2. Conducting research
3. Working with an advisor
4. Presenting research through multiple modalities
5. Reflecting and self-evaluating

​Projects must include at least one of the following:

• Self-collected scientific data
• Mathematical analysis
• An engineered design
• A computer program

Upon completion, students formally present their work through a written research paper, an oral presentation, and a professional poster.

STEM Capstone Project Description

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Examples of STEM Distinction Capstone Research Projects

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Jennifer Landry
Science Department Chair, Upper School Chemistry, STEM Distinction Co-Chair, Robotics Club, Honor Council Advisor
UCLA—B.S.
Penn State—M.A.
Morris Award 2016
Appointed 2005

Michael Koss
​Math and Computer Science Department Chair, Upper School Math, STEM Distinction Co-Chair, Robotics Club
University of Michigan—B.A.
Indiana University—Ph.D.
​Appointed 2016