In AP Computer Science Principles, students spent November diving into one of the most powerful ideas in programming: iteration Using Python, they explored how for loops and while loops allow simple instructions to repeat—forming the foundation of everything from game logic to complex algorithms.
To put these concepts into action, students created ASCII-art designs, transforming lines of code into bold g t c
The project blended computational thinking with creativity, challenging students to balance logic, precision, and visual design.
Featured here is Adrian Bertorelli, whose program generates a clean, striking repeating pattern—a visual demonstration of how elegant code, written with intention and precision, can turn simple logic into something truly impressive His work highlights strong command of loops and exceptional attention to detail.
Falero’s 8 grade English explored the idea of identity and transformation by designing and constructing masks that symbolized a character’s internal struggle. Through artistic design and thoughtful symbolism, students examined how power, fear, and savagery emerge when civility fades—bringing literary analysis to life through hands-on creation
The Hero’s Journey took a playful turn in Ms Vieta’s 9 grade English classes as students designed tabletop mini golf holes inspired by The Odyssey. Each obstacle symbolized a key challenge in Odysseus s journey, blending literary analysis with engineering, design, and creative storytelling proving that learning can be both rigorous and fun th
Students became engineers and theologians in Mrs. Davalos’s 7 grade Theology class as they constructed scale models of the Ark of the Covenant based on the specifications in Exodus Teams balanced biblical accuracy with structural durability, testing their designs for strength while reflecting on why God’s instructions emphasized both beauty and precision. th
Ms. Ulloa’s drama students combined engineering and performance as they assembled threedimensional theatrical masks using precise templates and construction techniques. The project emphasized craftsmanship, spatial reasoning, and attention to detail—while giving students a tangible connection to character development and theatrical expression.
Students explored geography through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching in Mrs Vazquez’s 6 grade Geography class as they examined how place, resources, and human choices shape communities. Using design and problem-solving, students reflected on peace, sustainability, and care for our common home —connecting global awareness with ethical responsibility. th
Students took physics to new heights in Mrs De La Heria’s classes by designing and 3D printing custom nose cones for bottle rockets. Their challenge: protect an egg payload during launch and landing. Using principles of aerodynamics, force, and momentum, teams tested, refined, and launched their designs learning that successful engineering is all about iteration.
In Mr. Gonzalez’s Honors Physical Science class, students applied concepts of gravity, air resistance, and motion to design parachute systems that would safely land an egg from above. Through testing and redesign, students discovered how small engineering choices can make a big impact turning physics principles into real-world problem solving.
IThe Robotics class finished their section on proportional control loops and used it to get their robots turning quickly and accurately using the built in gyro sensor. The class then learned how to control their robots with user input and now they are ready for the final section of the class! a competition that brings all of the skills they have learned this year together, stay tuned for the results of the competition!
Students in Dr Lopez s and Dr Reyes’s Spanish classes celebrated Hispanic Christmas traditions by designing laser-cut ornaments that symbolized customs from Spanish-speaking countries. Using digital design tools and the engineering design process, students blended language, culture, math, and art creating meaningful keepsakes that tell a cultural story.
The Introduction to Engineering Design class is bringing creativity and engineering together as they design a Medieval Christmas village Mr Cruz's students are working through the full design process planning the layout, modeling buildings and features in Fusion, and 3D printing every piece they create. Once everything is printed, the class will assemble their designs into a complete village display, showcasing both their technical skills and imagination
The Principles of Engineering class wrapped up their Rube Goldberg Machines with great success, managing to connect each group ’ s design into one massive, chain-reaction system With that project complete, students are now shifting their focus to bridge design. Using principles of truss engineering, they will design and build their own bridges to be tested next semester applying structural concepts to create strong, efficient designs.
Mr. Cruz’s STEAM Explorations class is hard at work designing and building a cardboard boat capable of floating and carrying two students across the pool This hands-on project challenges students to apply principles of buoyancy, stability, and material design while fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Their final test will take place on the last day of classes this semester, when each team puts their boat to the ultimate trial in the water.
During Computer Science Education Week, the Innovation Center hosted two Girls Who Code events, welcoming 7th-grade students from St. John Neumann Catholic School and St. Louis Covenant School. Students explored introductory coding concepts and participated in conversations about representation in technology, including hearing from the women coders and technologists on our campus who shared their experiences and pathways into computer science.
These events highlight the importance of Computer Science Education Week as a way to expand access to computing and inspire future innovators. Dr. Salazar and Dr. Mabe value creating early, supportive opportunities for young women to see themselves in STEAM fields through hands-on learning, mentorship, and visible role models within our school community. The visit was a powerful reminder of how engaging, inclusive, and empowering STEAM can be when students are encouraged to explore, build, and imagine without limits.
When students see themselves represented in STEAM, possibility becomes personal.
During the November STEAM FLEX Series, 6th and 7th grade students continued building their skills in 3D design and 3D printing through hands-on work in Tinkercad Students explored core 3D printing concepts by completing the Tinkercad 3D Printing skill, designing models within a maximum size of 250mm x 250mm x 250mm and demonstrating at least four key design skills. Returning students had the opportunity to refine and test designs from earlier sessions, while new participants jumped in and began working toward earning their 3D Printing badge.
Looking ahead to the spring semester, the STEAM FLEX Series will shift to an open lab model, with the STEAM Lab open each month for students to explore and work on a different skill. These sessions will allow students to progress at their own pace, earn additional badges, and continue developing hands-on STEAM skills in areas such as design, fabrication, and technology More details and sign-up information for spring sessions will be shared at the start of the second semester.
Our STEAM clubs are moving full speed into competition season, with students building, coding, and preparing for big moments.
The WaldoBots have attended their first competition. Team 10977B and 10977D had great performance ranking 14 and 15th in the competition and qualifying for the Final Round. In addition Team 10977D earned the Judges Award! This award is given to a team who the judges feel deserve special recognition. The WaldoBots had their next Competition on December 6th
From robots to rockets, from code to competition STEAM at Belen is all about building the future together.
The months ahead are full of hands-on learning and creative energy in the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center. Middle School robotics teams are preparing for their January competitions, where students will put their design, programming, and problem-solving skills to the test.
Class visits and cross-curricular STEAM projects will continue next semester, bringing more students into the Innovation Center for immersive, hands-on experiences. In addition, FLEX sessions and special activities will provide ongoing opportunities for students to design, build, code, and experiment as the semester progresses.
The excitement is building, and we ’ re looking forward to seeing where our students’ ideas take them next. Stay tuned and keep exploring!
Thefutureisbeingbuilt—oneprint,onecode,andoneideaata time.