Innovation in Middle School

As students enter Middle School, they dive into hands-on, creative problem-solving through STEAM classes taught by Ms. Alicia DeVane.

Rooted in the Stanford Design Thinking model, the curriculum encourages students to tackle real-world challenges using a blend of engineering, coding, and artistic design. From building bridges and food trucks to developing sustainable fashion and coding robots or drones, students engage in immersive, student-led projects that emphasize empathy, innovation, and practical application. Some projects are open-ended and self-directed, while others allow students to follow the directions of a provided example as a way to build foundational skills and confidence.

Outside the classroom, students can take their interest in engineering further by joining AIM’s Middle School robotics team, FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), where they collaborate and compete as part of a larger, dynamic team.

Innovation in Action (Middle School)

Meet the Teacher: Alicia DeVane

Alicia DeVane

Middle School STEAM Teacher

An experienced AIM science teacher, now expanding her role to include STEAM instruction, Alicia was introduced to the AIM Academy Wolf Pack through a partnership with the Philadelphia Zoo in 2014. She returned the following year for her student teaching experience and never looked back. Alicia spent nearly two decades teaching learners of varying ages and abilities through her work with the Philadelphia Zoo, Camden New Jersey’s Adventure Aquarium, and the YMCA.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)

STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), combines rigorous concepts that increase critical thinking and problem-solving skills through unique hands-on project-based learning opportunities.

Based on the Stanford D-School Model of Design Thinking students' learning starts with empathy and real-world problem-solving. Students gain a level of understanding about combining their passions with technology and careers that blend STEAM components.

Middle School projects focus on identifying problems in and outside our community and finding creative ways to solve them. Through projects like outreach soap making and 3D printing, future cities and medicine drone dropping devices for remote areas. Students learn to utilize the tools in our Innovation and Design Hub while tackling and bringing solutions to real-world issues in our communities and world.

STEAM MOBILE Lab

Design Thinking

Design Thinking: Design thinking brings in the four pillars of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication to each unique project for our students, allowing for an increase in confidence, capabilities, risk-taking, perseverance, and responsibility. Establishing a solid foundation in design thinking is an essential part of the AIM's STEAM classes. Not only do students learn about technology, but they also apply creative design and art in their projects. Middle school students get to experience projects ranging from lantern building to coding games to establish a wide range of skills while learning how to make their projects have real world impact. Students are encouraged to experiment and leave their comfort zones. Design Thinking teaches students not to be afraid of failure but embrace the learning it gives.

Community Outreach

Community Outreach: Certain middle school projects not only enrich students but also aim to make a difference in the community through inclusivity and targeted help. Students in 7th grade have developed adaptable games designed to be played by differently-abled players, and 8th-grade students work to design healthy food trucks to address food deserts in Philadelphia.

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