Building Young Engineers
Washington Intermediate School brings robotics to life for students in grades 2–4 through a dynamic, hands-on robotics pathway that grows with each learner. Second and third graders begin their journey with LEGO Explore, where they build, code, and problem-solve through playful, team-based challenges that introduce the foundations of engineering and computational thinking. In fourth grade, students advance to the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge, tackling real-world problems through robot design, programming, and innovative research.
The program culminates in a district-wide Robotics Showcase each May, where students proudly demonstrate their robots, coding skills, and engineering solutions for families, educators, and community partners. In addition, students can extend their learning through the school’s STEM Club, which offers even more opportunities for hands-on building, experimentation, and collaboration. Together, these experiences build confidence, creativity, teamwork, and a passion for innovation, preparing Washington Intermediate students to thrive in the district’s full K–12 robotics pathway.
What makes our STEM program stand out
STEM Implementation K-12-to-Career
STEM is a pillar to the WD approach to education and preparing students as functioning members of the community by being exposed to the increasingly technology driven world. Between the three STEM labs, every student is exposed to the career opportunities available with STEM.
STEM Promotion
STEM Day and other events throughout the year expose students on what is to come as
their educational journey in the building continues. Elementary students are exposed to
opportunities at the high school, and high school students are exposed to industry
employers looking for talent or mentorship opportunities.
Diversified Options for all Secondary Ed Students, College and Workforce Bound
WD hosts several different NLPS pathways that allow students to explore their interests in
engineering, digital media, cybersecurity, information technology, business operations, and more. There is not another school of this size offering such a vast array of career exploration
opportunities.
Growing Tomorrow’s Innovators
At Washington Intermediate School, students in grades 2–4 are building the foundation for lifelong success through future-ready learning experiences that help them imagine, plan for, and pursue their goals. Through the Kids at Hope Destinations framework, students explore four key areas of their future: Education and Career, Community and Service, Home and Family, and Hobbies and Recreation. This approach allows students to mentally “time travel” and begin thinking strategically about the lives they want to build. This early exposure empowers students to dream big, set goals, and understand how learning today connects to success tomorrow.
Future-focused learning comes to life through engaging Career Days and a schoolwide 4th Grade STEM Day, where students participate in hands-on challenges that spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. Community professionals visit the school to share how STEM skills are used in real careers, while interactive STEM experiences allow students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in exciting and meaningful ways. Together, these initiatives help Washington Intermediate students develop confidence, purpose, and a future-focused mindset, preparing them for continued success as they move into secondary education and beyond.
Hands-On Discovery
Washington Intermediate School provides students in grades 2–4 with exciting, hands-on STEM learning through a dedicated STEM special and lab experience. In this immersive environment, students engage in Project Lead The Way (PLTW) modules that introduce engineering, computer science, and design thinking through interactive, age-appropriate challenges. These experiences allow students to explore how science and technology solve real-world problems while building foundational skills in creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
A key focus of the program is early exposure to microelectronics, giving students a glimpse into one of today’s most in-demand and innovative fields. Through guided exploration, hands-on tools, and problem-solving activities, students begin developing an understanding of circuits, electronics, and computational thinking. By introducing advanced STEM concepts at an early age, Washington Intermediate is building confident, curious learners who are ready to grow into tomorrow’s engineers, designers, and innovators.
Our Current STEM Focus
Our mission is to help schools define, grow, and share powerful STEM programs that align with local needs while meeting global standards. Indiana STEM exists to remove the roadblocks to certification and provide schools with a strategic partner committed to lasting, student-centered growth.
Washington Intermediate School
Washington Intermediate School is part of the Washington Community Schools district in Washington, Indiana. The school serves approximately 536 students in grades 2 through 4, creating a nurturing and student-centered learning environment. Washington Intermediate is committed to academic excellence, positive character development, and preparing students for future success.
What STEM means at Washington Intermediate School
At Washington Intermediate School, STEM learning empowers students to imagine, explore, and build the foundational skills needed for success in a rapidly changing and diverse world. Aligned with Washington Community Schools’ mission, STEM at the intermediate level nurtures curiosity and creativity while helping students begin to master essential skills that support lifelong learning.
Our STEM direction focuses on joyful discovery, hands-on exploration, and meaningful problem solving. Through integrated learning experiences, students ask questions, test ideas, and learn from both success and challenge. These experiences develop critical thinking, communication, and adaptability while fostering confidence and a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Washington Intermediate School is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel safe to take risks and grow. STEM learning reinforces the competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Panther, including empathy, integrity, collaboration, and perseverance. Students learn that their ideas matter and that working together leads to stronger solutions.
Family and community partnerships play an important role in supporting student growth. Through consistent communication and shared experiences, Washington Intermediate School connects learning to students’ lives and the world around them. STEM activities encourage students to see themselves as capable learners and contributors within their school and community.
By building strong foundations in curiosity, problem solving, and character, Washington Intermediate School’s STEM direction prepares students for continued growth at Washington Junior High School and beyond. Students leave intermediate school confident, engaged, and ready to take the next steps in their learning journey, equipped to imagine possibilities, achieve goals, and master skills that will shape their future.
