STEM

In Our Students' Hands

white drone in hands of student wearing De Smet Jesuit Spartans shirt

Student Certification

Drones

We use them all the time: in our marketing videos, our printed materials, and online. Student-powered drones get a lot of photo credits.

FRC & FTC

Robotics

  • Zero hour (after school) options
  • Curriculum based courses
  • Dedicated spaces in the Innovation Center and third floor room
  • FRC and FTC robots
student broadcaster wears headphones overlooks soccer field from booth, DSN coach holds camera on tripod, looks at live feed

Livestream

Student Broadcasts

From varsity athletic games to major school events, the De Smet Student Network gives students experience with live broadcasts that are in high demand with our community.

DSN - Livestream

teacher leans over desk to help student with math work

Mastering Math

Flipped Classroom

Mr. Boehm shares his tutorials (think Kahn Academy style) with students to view in study hall. Classtime centers around mastering the math together.

Watch Mr. Boehm

STEM Built Into Our Curriculum

Advanced Robotics
Advanced Robotics

Students work to master pneumatics, electronics, drive train mechanics, motors/gears, wiring, safety, and programming. This course will be directly connected with the robotics team as it competes in the FIRST robotics competition at the FRC level.

Read More about Advanced Robotics

FAQs

How do freshmen get involved in robotics?
Dr. Rob Behm

The best way for freshmen to get involved is by enrolling in the zero hour (after school) class, Introduction to Competitive Robotics. 

During the first semester, students meet one day per week and learn the basics of robotics. In second semester, they will get credit for being a team member on DuRT (De Smet Robotics Team) and compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition. 

Students can still join DuRT, even if they do not take the zero hour class.

What scholarships are available for robotics or FIRST?
Dr. Rob Behm

There are 200 schools giving more than 80 million dollars in scholarships to students involved in FIRST. These range from full rides to $500/year. See the complete list of schools that offer FIRST robotics scholarships here. 

Missouri schools include: Maryville University, Southeast Missouri State University, University of Central Missouri, St. Louis Community College, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Missouri S&T, University of Missouri, and Mineral Area College.