Thinking critically, applying universally
Nightingale’s STEM program prepares students to think creatively in the constantly-evolving fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Digital citizenship is the foundation of the computer science curriculum in the Lower and Middle Schools, and Upper School students graduate prepared to think about real-world challenges through a digital lens. Math and science curricula develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and logic skills that can be applied across multiple disciplines and into life after Nightingale.
Lower School
Learning through making
Kindergarteners learn how to code Beebots, which are codeable robots designed for young learners. During this unit, Kindergarteners are introduced to programming concepts—focusing on putting commands in the correct sequence and specifying conditions. Through this unit, students build growth mindsets, learn from errors, and persevere through challenges.
After reviewing direction words like forward, backward, left, and right, students enter commands using the arrow buttons on the machine, which the robot will follow in the order received. They then work with a partner to set up dominos and code the Beebot to either knock them down or move around them.
3...2...1...Magnet Races!
Class II students demonstrate their engineering skills through the creation of original magnet games. After learning about the science of magnetism, and the forces of attraction and repulsion, students are challenged to invent a game that is powered entirely by those two forces. Working with a partner, students brainstorm various ideas, consider what materials they would use, draw up blueprints, and build their games.
Students practice problem solving and collaboration, refining their communication and critical thinking skills, in order to make design the best game possible.
Middle School
Building DNA out of candies and K'NEX
In Class VI science, students are tasked with building a representation of a DNA molecule showing the double helix shape to display an understanding of the base pairing rules—adenine always pairs with thymine and cytosine always pairs with guanine. Students use different-colored gummy bears to represent the different nitrogenous bases and Twizzlers to represent the sugar-phosphate backbone.
Middle Schoolers demonstrate their understanding of base pairing rules in a DNA sequence.
Coding prowess
In their computer science course, Class VII students explore robotics and engineering concepts. Beginning with virtual robots, and practicing using commands and sensors, students learn how to navigate a maze within a digital program to clean up trash in an ocean. From there, they build their own robots, adding sensors and code. Students problem-solve and debug as they create and modify a robot to compete in a freeze tag competition, all the while recording observations, discoveries, and experiments in their engineering notebooks using sketches, tables, and reflections. Following the competition, students finish the unit with futures-thinking, imagining what the world will be like years from now, and what roles robots will play in our daily lives.
As they explore abstract connections, solve real-world problems, and produce mathematical models using regression software, students gain the technical skills that will make them successful in Middle School and beyond.
Upper School
Makerspace magic
Creative experimentation happens in surplus in the Makerspace through Nightingale’s holistic STEM program. Students navigate complex coding programs, learn design, and experiment with LEDs, digital editing, and website building. Whether laser cutting a Mandala for World Religions or 3D printing a pyramid for geography, every project stays on track with Nightingale’s interdisciplinary curriculum.
Excellence in engineering and design has given Nightingale students not only a place but a voice in the global maker community.
Real-world experience
Open to highly skilled, motivated, and dedicated science students in Classes X–XII, the Independent Science Research Program (ISRP) allows students to gain valuable scientific experience within and beyond the blue doors. During the program, students are required to take Science Seminar and Biotechnology, where they develop advanced scientific literacy and communication skills while preparing for internships in research labs. During the summer between Class XI and XII, students participate in primary science research for six to eight weeks, expanding their skillset and knowledge in the field. Learn more.
During the summer between Class XI and XII, ISRP students participate in primary science research for six to eight weeks.