Middle School

Last updated on Jun 4, 2024

While the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) STEM Pathways are designed for students in 9th-12th grade, LSU recognizes the need to create a pipeline for success beginning elementary and middle school. There are several opportunities for middle school students to get involved with the LSU STEM Pathways before 9th grade: middle school courses for high school credit, middle school courses for middle school credit, and middle school STEM modules. Each of the middle school offerings seeks to empower teachers with the tools and training they need to effectively engage all students in STEM-driven, project-based learning while also meeting their curricular needs.


Who Does Middle School LSU STEM Pathways for High School Credit in 2023-24?


This image shows that in 2023-24, LSU STEM Pathways enrolled 47 teachers, 35 schools, and 13 districts for this program. There were over 1750 students enrolled.This image shows a map of Louisiana with the participating parishes highlighted in shades of yellow. The data shows that we are serving 34 schools this year. For more detailed information, please email stempathways@lsu.edu.
2022-2023 middle school STEM Pathways for high school credit enrollment data graphic

High School Credit Course Information




LSU STEM Pathways has two high school courses that can be taken in middle school for high school credit. These courses are designed to help students gain a wide breadth of knowledge in preparation for choosing their preferred pathway, laying a solid groundwork for any of the four LSU STEM pathways.

Introduction to STEM Pathways and Careers (Basic Career Readiness Course)

Introduction to STEM Pathways and Careers was developed for the Louisiana Department of Education through a partnership between Louisiana State University and the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, with partial funding from the National Science Foundation. This course is a high school credit basic career readiness course that counts on all STEM Pathways as well as towards traditional Jumpstart diplomas. While the course is designed to be taken in high school, it is available to students as early as seventh grade.

This year long project-based course explores four main pathways of STEM education and possible careers in the fields of 1) Computing and Computer Science, 2) Pre-Engineering, 3) Digital Design and Emergent Media, and 4) Biomedical Sciences. This course is meant to expose students to these overarching concepts:

  • To expand awareness of various careers and occupational pathways related to STEM
  • To stimulate the understanding of higher order thinking processes such as the engineering design process, the scientific method, and computational thinking
  • To develop foundational knowledge and skills in the JumpStart pathways and careers as related to STEM, and utilize the knowledge and skills in their current educational setting.
  • To increase interest in the four core areas of STEM related to this class through project-based activities that are also standards based.

Course Objectives:

  • Identify career opportunities in various STEM fields.
  • Use computing technology for creative expression.
  • Explain the Software Development Process through projects and activities where students design and code.
  • Explain the Engineering Design Process and utilize the process in various engineering projects.
  • Describe the role of visual communication and its cultural implications in society.
  • Use various forms of digital and emergent media to design their own products.
  • Explore and analyze medical scenarios in the areas of forensics, comparative anatomy, ecology studies, biochemistry, microbiology, and bioinformatics.

Intro to STEM Pathways course materials list

Complete list of LDOE Jump Start universal courses


Survey of Computer Science (Computing Pathway Only)

This course is part of the high school Computing Pathway and can be taken for high school credit beginning in 8th grade.

The course follows the framework of Seven Big Ideas adopted in the AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) course but focuses more on fun and engaging exploration and experimentation and less on problem-solving and formal analysis than the AP CSP course. To prepare students for the rigors of other courses in the Pathway, this course models ways to adopt a productive disposition that fosters creativity and perseverance. In addition, career exploration lessons are threaded throughout the course, with a focus on developing students' interest in computing and identification with the computing professions.

Course Objectives:

  • Demonstrate how to use technology to create computing artifacts.
  • Explain the Big Ideas in Computing.
  • Describe how computers work, and how to use them effectively.
  • Analyze how the Big Ideas in Computing are relevant in daily life.
  • Describe careers related to computing and the requisites for each.
  • Communicate computing ideas using appropriate terminology
  • Collaborate with other students to develop computing artifacts, algorithms or protocols.

Survey of Computing course materials list


Who Does LSU STEM Pathways for Middle School Credit in 2023-24?


This image shows that in 2023-24, LSU STEM Pathways enrolled 9 teachers, 9 schools, and 7 districts for this program. There were over 400 students enrolled.This image shows a map of Louisiana with the participating parishes highlighted in shades of yellow. The data shows that we are serving 9 schools this year. For more detailed information, please email stempathways@lsu.edu.
2022-2023 middle school STEM Pathways non-high school credit enrollment data graphic

Middle School Credit Course Information




The Middle School STEM Pathways Program is pleased to announce that we now offer three middle school electives to serve as a pipeline to prepare students for the High School STEM Pathways– Aquaponics, Step into STEM, and Intro to Computing. These courses provide middle school students with the opportunity to access quality STEM courses through project-based learning experiences without the pressure of high school credit.



Who Does LSU STEM Pathways Middle School Training Modules in 2023-24?


This image shows that in 2023-24, LSU STEM Pathways enrolled 7 teachers, 5 schools, and 2 districts for this program.This image shows a map of Louisiana with the participating parishes highlighted in shades of yellow. The data shows that we are serving 5 schools this year. For more detailed information, please email stempathways@lsu.edu.
2022-2023 middle school STEM Pathways training module enrollment data graphic

Training Modules Information


Teachers are trained in project-based, STEM modular units that are aligned to curricular standards at the 6-8 grade levels. Modules can be used in class as stand-alone units, incorporated into current lessons and curriculum as supplementary materials, or in before and after school programs. The modules are great for schools who wish to bring STEM enrichment into any existing class at the middle school level. Each module encourages exploration of the STEM Pathways. Teacher training occurs through summer institutes or as requested by the parish in the school year. Additional support is provided throughout the school year from the institute trainers.

Middle school STEM modules materials list