Did you know? - Robotics/STEM

In Weston Public Schools, students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of STEM-related programs, competitions, and enrichment opportunities across grade levels. Many of these opportunities are driven by both faculty leadership and student interest, and the district continues to look for ways to expand these experiences in order to foster curiosity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

Hurlbutt Elementary School (Grades K-2)

Students at HES are learning to think critically, problem solve, and demonstrate perseverance through various STEM activities.

• Hands On Computer Science Coding: Hurlbutt students have been practicing their coding skills using the Code.org program during their technology time with the Library Media Specialist. Students visit the Hive, Hurlbutt's MakerSpace to work on unplugged coding challenges to develop coding skills in a new way that fosters collaboration and communication with their peers.
• Dash Robots: Students get to apply what they learned during lessons using Code.org to program Dash robots using block coding to complete tasks. This required not only using their coding knowledge, but collaboration and perseverance. These lessons align with standards from CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association).

Weston Intermediate School (Grades 3–5)

Students at WIS are introduced to STEM enrichment opportunities that encourage exploration, collaboration, and critical thinking.

• Math Olympiad – Students engage in challenging mathematical problem-solving tasks designed to deepen conceptual understanding and build persistence in tackling complex problems. Through weekly practice and participation in national Math Olympiad contests, students develop logical reasoning, strategic thinking, and confidence in mathematics.

• Green Team – Students explore sustainability and environmental stewardship by working on projects related to conservation, recycling, and environmental awareness. Green Team members often lead school-wide initiatives such as waste reduction campaigns, energy conservation efforts, and educational activities that promote responsible environmental practices within the school community.

• MakerTech: more informal space for creativity, innovation one trimester coding, engineering and building

• Innovation Lab: 3D printing and virtual reality and challenges such as a Box challenge (shelly rinas)

• Odyssey of the Mind: after school several teams that compete at the state placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd will head on to the wold level.

Weston Middle School (Grades 6–8)

At Weston Middle School, students have opportunities to participate in several STEM-focused competitions and clubs that promote collaboration, engineering design, and analytical thinking.

• VEX Robotics Competition Teams – Students design, build, and program robots to compete in regional and national VEX Robotics competitions. Teams apply engineering design principles, coding, and strategic problem-solving while working collaboratively to complete challenges on the competition field.

• American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) – Students participate in nationally recognized mathematics competitions that challenge them with rigorous problem-solving tasks. The AMC encourages creative mathematical thinking and provides students an opportunity to measure their skills alongside peers across the country.

• Student-driven STEM initiatives are also encouraged, with students working alongside faculty advisors to explore emerging STEM competitions and project-based opportunities aligned with their interests.

Weston High School (Grades 9–12)

Weston High School offers a robust range of STEM opportunities through coursework, clubs, and national competitions that allow students to pursue advanced study and applied learning.

• Science Olympiad Team – Students compete in regional and state Science Olympiad tournaments across a variety of science and engineering events. These events require deep knowledge across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and earth science, as well as collaborative preparation and experimentation.

• American Computer Science League (ACSL) – Students participate in coding and computer science competitions that test their knowledge of algorithms, programming, data structures, and computational thinking through a series of contests held throughout the academic year.

• VEX Robotics Competition Teams – High school robotics teams design and build complex robots to compete in the international VEX Robotics competition series. Students develop skills in engineering, programming, project management, and teamwork while engaging in iterative design and strategic gameplay.

• Future Healthcare Leaders – This student organization provides opportunities for students interested in medical and health-related careers to explore healthcare topics while competing in state-level competitions that test knowledge and applied skills related to the health sciences.

• Honors Science Research (Grades 10–12) – This program allows students to pursue independent scientific research under the guidance of faculty mentors. Students design experiments, analyze data, and present their findings at regional and state competitions such as the CT STEM Fair, Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF), and the Connecticut Junior Humanities and Science Symposium. The course provides authentic research experiences that mirror collegiate-level scientific inquiry.

• Biology Olympiad – Sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education, this program challenges students with advanced biology concepts through a series of exams that identify top-performing students nationally and prepare them for international competition.

• TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) – Sponsored by the Technology Student Association, TEAMS is a national engineering competition in which students work collaboratively to solve real-world engineering challenges while applying math and science concepts.

District Sustainability Initiatives

In addition to these opportunities, Green Teams operate in each of Weston’s four schools, allowing students at every level to engage in sustainability initiatives and environmental stewardship efforts throughout the year.