Yeshivah of Flatbush empowers students with knowledge and skills to contribute and compete successfully in the twenty-first century global economy that is shaped by scientific advances and new technologies. Our robust offering of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) courses is designed to give our students many opportunities to learn engineering and programming while in high school.
Our engineering, robotics, Graphic Design and coding courses offer a curriculum rich in laboratory and programming experiences, in addition to simulated laboratory experiments and multimedia activities. The overall goal of the program is to prepare students for STEAM related careers and research opportunities.
Freshman Coding
All entering freshmen choose between taking Spanish language or Coding for Freshman who chose coding will freshmen learn the basics of coding in Javascript and HTML. The goal of the course is for students to gain an understanding of computer basics, how computers works and proficiency in these languages. Additionally, our students will learn scientific engineering on an introductory level where they will work independently as well as in teams, learn to solve problems, build electric circuits, construct and program Lego NXT robots, write computer programs to command Arduino’s electronic interface and much more.
Sophomore Coding
Sophomores learn coding on an advanced level. The curriculum follows the AP Computer Science Principles course which is a multidisciplinary approach to learning the underlying principles of computation. Students learn the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science. Students will prepare for the AP exam and project submission which take place in May.
Robotics Class/Robotics Club
In this class students explore the field of robotic design. In addition, the manipulation of mechanical concepts such as gearing/torque/speed/power is investigated through hands on labs. Working in teams, students will design vehicles capable of movement through tele-operated interaction. Students will learn to program the onboard micro-processor using computer programming language and eventually move onto navigation where the robot is controlled entirely through programming. The final weeks of class will be comprised of a team-designed project.
The Robotics Club competes in the NYC FIRST Robotics competition. Each year the team prepares for a new challenge, building and programming a robot according to that year’s requirements. We have state of the art equipment and a full simulated robotics field to prepare for the tournaments. We also host an Inter-Yeshiva Robotics competition in the spring.
Graphic Design
All sophomores take a course in Graphic Design. This exciting hi-tech course is in addition to the standard art courses that all freshman and sophomores take. In our Mac lab, students learn how to use the Adobe Creative Suite to design and produce original artwork.
AP Photography
This is an advanced level course that enables students to develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution of ideas, while introducing students to the field of photography and the digital darkroom. Students are provided with DSLR cameras and learn camera mechanic basics, principles of design, Photoshop as digital darkroom and photo manipulation.
AP 2D Design
Juniors and seniors may elect to take this course. Students hone and master their skills in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign in this course which could lead to industrial engineering, mechanical engineering and other hi-tech (and low tech!) careers.
Students demonstrate mastery through any two-dimensional medium or process, such as graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting and printmaking. They develop technical skills and become familiar with the functions of visual elements as they create an individual portfolio of work for evaluation at the end of the course.
Clubs, Commissions and Tsei Ulmad Courses
There are many opportunities for students to enrich their STEAM learning, and we welcome student input if there are programs they would like to add. Some choices:
- Robotics Club - a team that competes in a national competition
- Quantum Mechanics Tsei Ulmad
- Advanced Math Algorithms Tsei Ulmad
- Girls Who Code Commission
- Game Developer Commission
- Science Olympiad Club
- CIJE Engineering Competition
- Problem Solving in Math (Math League Students)
- Start-Up Nation and STEM Mission to Israel
- Pathfinders Internships in technology, engineering and coding