STEM in Northside ISD
STEM programming in NISD provides students with a variety of programs and opportunities to prepare them for their future. STEM is more than just science, technology, engineering, and math—it's a hands-on way of teaching and learning where students apply their knowledge to creatively solve real-world problems through a design process.
STEM Opportunities by Grade Level
Elementary Programs & Opportunities
STEM for Every NISD Elementary Student Includes:
- Digital Citizenship
(Taught in classrooms, libraries, counseling lessons, and in K–5 STEM class) - K–5 STEM Labs
(Part of the Discovery Rotation alongside Art, Music, and PE) - Science & Social Studies Curriculum
- Technology Applications TEKS
(Taught in a variety of subject areas)
Additional STEM Activities & Clubs:
- Elementary Gifted and Talented Curriculum
- Project ACORN (K–5th, after school)
- Flight Club (K–1st, after school)
- Cardboard Arcade (2nd, after school)
- STEAM Team (3rd, after school)
- Young Astronauts (4th–5th, after school)
- Solar Cars (4th–5th, after school)
- STEM Sisters Club (4th–5th, after school)
- FIRST LEGO League Robotics (4th–5th, after school)
- Esports Explorers (5th, after school)
- STEM Camp (K–5th, summer)
- STEM Sisters Camp (4th–5th, summer)
Each campus will provide information about which opportunities they offer.
About the K–5 STEM Labs in NISD
Every NISD elementary campus has a STEM lab, part of the Discovery Rotation alongside Music, Art, and PE. These labs:
- Serve all students.
- Introduce coding fundamentals and STEM careers.
- Emphasize creativity and teamwork.
- Feature flexible seating, 3D printers, robots, and hands-on materials.
- Promote STEM Fluency Skills (as defined by the Texas Education Agency).
Explore what students learn in STEM at each grade level.
Middle School Programs & Opportunities
STEM for Every NISD Middle School Student Includes:
- Digital Citizenship
(Taught in classrooms, libraries, and counseling lessons) - Technology Applications TEKS
(Integrated into a variety of subject areas) - Science Curriculum
Additional STEM Activities, Courses & Clubs:
- Innovative Thinkers courses (Gifted & Talented Program)
- CTE Future Labs courses (7th–8th grade)
- Challenger Center visits (6th gr., Title I campuses only)
- Hobby Health Science Magnet School
- Jones STEM Magnet School
- Jordan Multimedia & Design Magnet School
- Zachry Cybersecurity & Global Communications Magnet School
- Project ACORN (6th–8th, after school)
- Solar Cars (6th–8th, after school)
- FIRST LEGO League Robotics (6th–8th, after school)
- Esports (6th–8th, after school)
- CyberPatriots (Zachry Magnet only)
Each campus will provide information about which opportunities they offer.
Career & Technical Education Programs
(for Middle and High School)
Students in Northside’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs gain hands-on experience that prepares them for future occupations or continued study. CTE programs are offered at both middle and high schools and cover a wide range of career areas.
