STEM IA Junior High

Complementary
Courses

STEM IA junior high complementary courses are organized into four course strands; specific course offerings will continually evolve. In grade 7, all students take the same four complementary courses. In these courses, they have the opportunity to sample all three strands while they build important skills and knowledge.

Design & Engineering

At STEM Innovation Academy students create innovative solutions to unique problems. In our Engineering and Design Strand students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to apply the design process to a variety of diverse challenges. Using design and fabrication techniques, students create projects that are manufactured using equipment in our Makerspace.

Computational Thinking

Computational thinking refers to the thought processes involved in understanding a problem and creating digital solutions using industry-standard hardware and software. Students will learn how to create ‘smart’ design solutions. Using hands-on experience in computer programming and electronics, students build systems that take hardware components and algorithms needed to run components.

Media

Innovative ideas are spread by creative, effective and engaging communication. Courses in our Media strand will provide students with the skills to enhance their communication so that it can appeal to all the senses. Students will create and share ideas through a variety of mediums to tantalize their target audience.

Required Complementary Courses

These courses are mandatory for all students at STEM Innovation Academy as they develop skills applicable to all areas.

Please see below for descriptions of the complementary courses being offered in the 2023/2024 school year. Some complementary courses require a small fee to cover special supplies and materials; these fees are set annually by the board according to board policy.

2023-2024

Grade 7 Complementary Courses

If you enjoy assisting others and enjoy tackling challenges in innovative ways, this course is ideal for you! You will gain knowledge of the STEM IA Design Process, which involves identifying problems, researching current products, brainstorming innovative concepts, and designing products that address a specific need. Additionally, you will create rough sketches, produce impressive presentation drawings, and appreciate the significance of technical drawings. After finalizing your design and receiving basic training in the various tools available in the makerspace, you will have the opportunity to construct your creation.

In this course you will have an opportunity to learn about physical computing through constructing and programming a fully operational pinball machine using Hummingbird robotics kits. Throughout this process, you will acquire the knowledge and skill of block-based programming principles to regulate the movement, lighting, and musical elements of your pinball machine. Key programming concepts that you will learn include sequencing, events, variables, loops, conditional statements, and functions. Additionally, you will utilize vector graphics to produce a design that can be cut out using a laser cutter. There will also be opportunities to 3D print components depending on your design. To build the machine you will need to integrate knowledge from different disciplines to inform your design solution.

Join us in the exciting digital realm of virtual reality, graphics, and photography! This course is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to produce content for virtual reality, as well as provide you with foundational knowledge for creating and manipulating 2D digital content. Additionally, you will gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of photography using a DSLR camera. After capturing stunning compositions, you will bring them to life through manipulation and editing techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Hey there, young communicators! Are you ready to share your brilliant ideas with the world? Join STEM Talks and learn the lifelong skill of public speaking by presenting your very own Ted Talk style presentations. Do not worry if you’re nervous – our teachers will guide you through a fun and interactive process that will help you feel confident and comfortable speaking in front of others. You will learn how to do reliable research, use effective speaking strategies, and develop persuasive presentation techniques. This is a skill that you will use throughout your school years and beyond, so let’s start this exciting journey now!

2023-2024

Grade 8 Complementary Courses

Join us in Architectural Technologies and help us solve some of the biggest problems we face today, like mega structures, overpopulation, and green spaces. We need your help to come up with creative and sustainable architectural solutions! In this course, you will learn about research, design, and engineering through exciting architecture-based projects. You will start by using 2D and 3D models to redesign your classroom, making sure that form follows function. Then, you will team up with your classmates to create an infographic and present on an important architectural space in Calgary during a fun field trip downtown. Finally, you will design and create a 3D model of a community hub that includes residential, landscape, and urban components. This is your chance to develop your skills and creativity while making a positive impact on our society!

Looking to explore the field of Biomedical Engineering? Join our introductory course where you will discover the world of biomedical design and human-centered design challenges. You will learn about various applications of biomedical engineering, such as Nanoscience, Assistive Devices, and current innovative technologies. You will learn to define a problem, develop empathy for the end-user, as well as follow the Engineering Design Process to create prototype solutions. By the end of the course, you will have a strong foundation in what the field of biomedical engineering has to offer and be prepared for more advanced challenges in follow-up Biomedical Engineering courses.

Are you ready to learn about computer hardware and software? In this course, we will be studying how CPUs, memory, and peripherals work together to make your computer run smoothly. We have chosen course material that is relevant to industry trends and demands, so you will be learning valuable skills for the future. In this class, you will get hands-on experience by dismantling and rebuilding a computer system. You will also learn how to reformat and set up a fresh operating system installation, and how to troubleshoot PC problems. The best part is that you will get to work on a big project where you will create your very own custom PLA Mechanical Keypad and high-speed Cat6 Ethernet Cable! You will learn all sorts of skills, from soldering to component assembly to fine-tuning switches and stabilizers. So get ready to dive into the exciting world of computer technology! (*Please note there is a course fee of $150.00 for materials)

Take a dive into the exciting world of computer science! In Computer Science Discoveries 1, you will be taking your first steps towards creating authentic artifacts with code. This introductory course will teach you how to use computer science as a tool for creativity, communication, problem-solving, and fun. Throughout the course, you will learn about problem-solving and computing, web development, interactive animations, and game design. You will be empowered to create authentic artifacts that demonstrate your newfound skills and knowledge. By the end of this course, you will have a better understanding of computer science and how it can be used to make awesome things. So, let’s get started and have some fun with coding!

Get ready for an exciting challenge! This course will have you working in teams to build and program robots that can solve an open-ended problem. You will develop your skills in creativity, perseverance, and teamwork as you aim to create a fully autonomous robot. Throughout the course, you will learn important concepts such as computational thinking, VEX programming, remote control operations, problem-solving, and engineering design. You will also have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a robotic tug of war and VEX Challenge. Do not forget to record and reflect on your engineering mindset and strategies used to iterate your designs for success, which will contribute to your understanding of the STEMIA Design Process.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and master 3D modelling! This course will introduce you to the exciting world of 3D content creation, which can be used in 3D printing, video games, VR, animation, and special effects. You will start with the basics and quickly progress to more complex techniques, developing your skills as a 3D modeller. If you’re passionate about learning something new, willing to work hard, and looking for a creative outlet, then 3D modelling is the perfect fit for you!

Do you want to learn how to create stunning digital graphics and logos that effectively communicate a message? Look no further! This course teaches you how to use Adobe Illustrator to create digital content that you can be proud of. You will learn about brand identity and logo design, raster and vector graphics, data visualization, motion graphics, and interactive design. This is a hands-on course, but you will also explore the theoretical aspects of design by studying the elements and principles of design and applying them to class projects. By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation in graphic design and be able to create impressive digital artifacts.

2023-2024

Grade 9 Complementary Courses

Marketplace, a course where you will turn your ideas into reality and learn how to sell them! In this course, you will follow the design process to create a product that you will fabricate yourself. You will also explore advertising techniques and consumer psychology to market your product effectively, and ultimately sell it in a physical or online marketplace. Along the way, you will also gain financial literacy skills, including basic budgeting, investing, and an introduction to cryptocurrency and blockchain. Get ready to bring your entrepreneurial spirit to life!

Welcome to Biomedical Engineering! Throughout this course, we will explore the ways in which design thinking can impact human health. You will learn how to approach design with empathy and apply these principles to enhance the ergonomics of everyday objects. Additionally, we will investigate the potential and limitations of using machines to emulate human movements and abilities. By the end of this course, you will have gained valuable insights into the intersection of design and health, and how you can use your skills to make a positive impact on the world around you.

In PC Remix 9, you will gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of computers and the components that make them function seamlessly in our daily lives. You will develop advanced skills in manipulating computer hardware, culminating in a project where you will assemble, modify, and personalize your very own USB-C Aviator Cable & Mechanical Keyboard that you can take with you beyond the course. Through this hands-on project, you will not only learn how to build a computer, but also gain valuable experience in problem-solving and critical thinking as you troubleshoot and optimize your creation. Join us to unlock the mysteries of computer hardware and elevate your tech skills to the next level! (*Please note there is a course fee of $150.00 for materials)

Game Design Essentials will take you on a thrilling journey into the exciting world of video games. You will start by learning about game theory, and analyze the unique components of successful games in your own video game review. Then, you will dive deeper into the world of game engines by exploring Unity, where you will learn about C# coding, asset management, and manipulation. By the end of this course, you will have the skills needed to create or modify a game or interactive program using Unity. Get ready to unleash your creativity and dive into the world of game design!

Computer Science Discoveries 2 is all about using computer science as a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and even fun. You will learn how to design and create your own digital artifacts, while exploring topics like data and society, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. As you progress through the course, you will transition from block-based programming to using Python, a widely-used programming language. By the end of the course, you will have gained valuable skills and knowledge that you can apply to your own projects and beyond

Learn the skills needed to become a highly skilled digital 3D sculptor in the entertainment industry! In this course, you will explore the fascinating world of digital 3D sculpting, examining the anatomy of animals and humans and their underlying bone and muscle structures. With the skills you will learn, you will be able to create incredible creatures, wild monsters, and unique fictional characters for movies, TV shows, video games, toys, and advertisements. This course is perfect for unleashing your creativity and building a powerful skill set in digital 3D sculpting. Start your journey towards becoming a skilled artist in the exciting world of entertainment!

Enhance your 2D content creation skills while exploring the Adobe Software Suite. Learn shot framing, recording, editing, and green screen special effects in Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects. Create VLOGs, Foley Effect Dub-Overs, and Green Screen Special Effects Stories, with a final project recreating a popular media piece. By course end, you will have the skills to create captivating 2D content and elevate your media projects. Learning to create captivating content is as easy as singing up for this course!

Join Advanced STEM Talks to take your debate skills to the next level. Through regular drills, you will develop techniques in argumentation, argument deconstruction, effective rebuttal, and quick thinking. Put these skills into practice in class team debates where you will go head-to-head with fellow students. The course culminates in a final presentation where you will showcase the skills you’ve honed throughout the course. Join us and enhance your debate skills today!