Technology & Engineering Courses In Northport Reach New Level

NORTHPORT, NY — Technology and engineering courses have reached a new level at Northport-East Northport middle schools, the school district announced.

Both schools expanded their curriculums with refinished labs and will offer courses in robotics and automation, architectural design and wood technology for sixth, seventh and eighth-graders.

Students are learning the ins and outs of coding and then applying those learning to real-life examples. From finding creative ways to run a model car, to developing stop motion stories, students can explore different ways to bring their creations to life.

The renovated labs boast expansive space for both creating physical models and coding on the computer and contain a vast array of materials for students to use in their designs. Similarly, the wood tech labs offer equipment that is age-appropriate yet challenging to prepare students for the opportunity to take advanced courses in high school.

"We’ve really taken 21st-century technology and are implementing it with traditional tools," David Storch, district chairperson of science, engineering and technology, stated.

The program, currently being led by technology teacher Christopher Smith, could potentially grow further next year with expanded MakerSpace STEM labs and opportunities for technology and engineering clubs. The district's hope is that students will go on to take advanced courses at the high school level, which offers Academy of Information Technology, Project Lead the Way, and advanced robotics, technology and engineering courses.