McPherson Magnet's STEM Program

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY - Launch and Gateway

8th Grade

Flight and Space


During this course, 8th grade students delve into the history of flight and space, discover the science behind aeronautics, and explore traveling and living in space. Students use the Engineering Design Process and computer simulations to explore, invent, and innovate.

7th Grade

Introduction to Computer Science


7th graders step into the role of a computer scientist and explore how apps work, learn the design process, debug programs, and develop mobile apps.

6th Grade

Design and Modeling


6th grade students use the Design Process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. The use of a common measurement system is necessary for communicating and fabricating designs, and students learn they must be precise and accurate with their measurements.

5th Grade

Robotics and Automation


To start this module, first students work in groups to learn about the history of robotics and research a variety of robot classes, including those developed to complete tasks that would be dangerous to humans. Then students explore the VEX IQ kits and work collaboratively with a partner to build a model of a toy that has at least one moving part.

4th Grade

Input/Output: Human Brain


4th grade students are introduced to the analogy of the brain as a computer. They identify major regions of the human brain and make a model of the brain using clay. Then students describe how each region within the brain helps control and regulate specific functions in the body.

3rd Grade

Stability and Motion: Forces and Interactions


In this module, students gain an understanding of forces and interactions using multiple modalities. They explore, design, sketch, and build both simple and compound machines that demonstrate the use of forces using VEX IQ components.

2nd Grade

Grids and Games


2nd grade students build knowledge and skills that will enable them to program a game on a tablet using ScratchJr. Beginning lessons include multiple challenges that reinforce students' understanding of how to give instructions in a sequence to animate characters, and to apply mathematics to control the movements of a programmable agent.

1st Grade

Light and Sound


1st graders investigate light and sound, including vibration from sound waves and the effect of different materials on the path of a beam of light. They work collaboratively to sketch, build, test, and reflect on a device that uses light or sound to communicate over a distance.