STEAM Program

The mission of the GCS STEAM Program is to inspire and empower students to design solutions to challenges in our community. We strive to cultivate graduates that are able to apply rigorous content within science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics disciplines to answer complex questions, investigate global issues, and develop solutions for real-world problems. Students will be able to engage in inquiry, interpret data and communicate their findings, and work as a team. This program consists of project-based experiences across all disciplines.

Engineering Courses 
Students can pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in our comprehensive STEAM program. Along with a variety of project-based electives across departments, students have a rich selection of specialized engineering electives taught in the Innovation Lab to choose from to help refine their focus and spur their passion in preparation for college. 

Innovation Lab 
In the 3,000-square-foot Upper School Innovation Lab, students are constantly designing and building every kind of contraption imaginable.   The space is home to a wide selection of fabrication tools including three 3D printers, two CNCs, a circuit engraver, a vinyl cutter, and soldering stations along with a wide variety of hand and power tools.  The lab also contains two full media labs, eight station Raspberry Pi lab, a virtual reality station, and the headquarters of our RELI MesoDragon Environmental Sensing Stations.  Every Upper School student completes a variety of projects in the lab as part of our required Foundation program in 9th and 10th grade. Additionally, the Innovation Lab is the home to numerous clubs and activities including Automotive Club, Video Game Design Club, FTC Robotics Club, and Engineering Club. 
 
Scholars Program – TED (Technology, Engineering, and Design)
Students have the opportunity to apply to our Scholars Program and graduate with distinction in Technology, Engineering, and Design.  Through specific coursework, experiential discovery, and internships students will build a portfolio of work they will defend before the faculty. 
 
Roesch Exploratory Learning Initiative  
Founded in 2017, the Roesch Exploratory Learning Initiative (RELI) integrates our Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) curricula to provide our students with the opportunities and tools to use our 92-acre campus as a true learning laboratory.  Students utilize the Gould Observatory, MesoDragon network of connected environmental sensors, and high-altitude ballooning with the University of Maryland School of Engineering to study our campus, atmosphere, and universe.  Students gain a real 21st-century understanding of the data collection tools and techniques driving our economy and shaping our future as well as the self-assurance to engage meaningfully.   

 
Internships  
Every student at GCS completes a senior internship as part of our Senior Integrative program. Students who demonstrate a passion for STEAM are often placed in programs with NIST, UMD Center for Smart Transportation, Firaxis Studio, Automated Process Inc., and JHU APL.