6th Grade
6th grade begins the exploration of STEM and Humanities areas with the four core subjects of English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, and two periods of exploratory classes each trimester:
- Exploration of Engineering 1
- Exploring Computer Science 1
- World Languages and Cultures
- Visual Arts 1
- Family & Consumer Science 1
- Physical Education 6
- Alternatively, students may choose Concert Band, Orchestra, or Choir (which will replace three other exploratory classes).
- Some students may also have an Academic Support period in place of exploratory classes.
For the complete set of 6th grade exploratory classes, see the Course Guide.
From their interests and exploratory experiences, 6th graders decide on their pathway choice in March, as part of their 7th grade course selection process.
STEM
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) pathway at Deer Creek focuses on providing students with experiences in engineering and technology beyond the core contents of science and math. Through the engineering design cycle, students learn the process of ask, research, imagine, plan, create, test, improve, as they work on projects in the engineering classroom. Both virtual and hands-on projects teach and reinforce the skills of critical & creative thinking, communication, collaboration, self-direction, agility and adaptability. Technology tools are combined with immediate application through the stages of design and fabrication.
The STEM Pathway
7th graders in the STEM pathway continue with the four core subjects and additional STEM and general electives. 7th grade includes a total of six elective courses:
- Exploration of Engineering 2
- One course from the Technology electives
- One course from the Literature & Writing electives
- Three general electives
To see all the electives offered for 7th grade, visit our Course Guide.
In 8th grade, students continue with the four core subjects and two electives each trimester. There are no electives required for the STEM pathway in 8th grade, giving students the most freedom to personalize their learning by choosing from 40 pathway and general electives. Among those electives are many STEM-related offerings, including:
- Exploration of Engineering 3
- Robotics 1 & 2
- Video Game Design
- Student Technology Leaders
- Digital Media Design & Production
For the full catalog of 8th grade electives, visit our Course Guide.