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STEAM & Innovation

a bird's eye view of the Innovation Lab filled with students at wooden tables covered in tools and laptops.

Cultivating Curiosity & Critical Thinkers

At St. Sebastian’s, a strong academic foundation empowers imagination and fuels innovation.  

Our students delve deeply within the core disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus. While mastering these foundations, boys develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that prepare them for advanced coursework and for adapting to the evolving world of STEAM. By learning Science and Math for today, they build timeless skills to thrive in the future.

Two young people, a man and a woman, are standing on a grassy area in front of a building, with the woman kneeling down and the man standing next to her. They appear to be engaged in some kind of activity or interaction.

Integrating STEAM into the Classroom

STEAM isn’t an extracurricular add-on—it’s embedded in the academic experience. From our Grade 7 Innovative Design course through AP math, science, and art classes, students engage in rigorous, inquiry-based learning in every classroom. Collaboration is a hallmark of St. Sebastian’s STEAM philosophy. 

 

THE INNOVATION LAB

Where design thinking comes alive

Students take creative risks in our Innovation Lab—designing, prototyping, and testing ideas from mousetrap cars to 3D-printed robotics parts. Using Lab tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and milling equipment, every project is an opportunity to “level up,” refine designs, and turn imagination into innovation. 

The image shows several round wooden discs of varying sizes, arranged in a cluster, along with a wooden stick and other small objects.
Mousetrap Cars (Physics)

Original designs of Mousetrap-powered cars are tested for speed, precision, and materials.

The image depicts a stylized representation of the chemical element silicon (Si), with its atomic number and atomic mass displayed. The background features a geometric pattern, creating a visually striking and minimalist design.
Chemistry in 3D

3D models of elements blend chemistry knowledge with creative design skills.

A stylized paper model of a city skyline, featuring tall buildings, spires, and a crescent moon in the background.
Cathedral Project (Multidisciplinary)

An intricate cathedral model created with CAD and 3D printing, combining religion, history, and architecture.

Calculus project in Innovation Lab illustrates 3D concepts through models
Hands-On Calculus

A 3D model created in the Lab brings complex calculus concepts to life.

A person with curly hair is sitting at a desk, working on something in a room with a wooden floor and walls.

 

The "A" in STEAM

From our 7th Grade Innovative Design course through AP fine arts courses, students fuse creativity with technology. They turn tessellations into laser-cut patterns, craft tomobako boxes with precision, and transform photographs into 3D-printed lithophanes and illuminated light boxes.

A laptop screen displays a 3D model of a pen or stylus, with a person's hand interacting with the digital object.

 

Computer Science & Engineering

Through AP Computer Science courses and Innovation Lab projects, students bring ideas to life with technology. They become proficient with both the equipment and languages (Java and Python) associated with design. They program robots, design circuits, and model in CAD, blending logic, creativity, and hands-on engineering to solve challenges.

We’re giving students the tools and knowledge and experience that they need to go do whatever it is that they want to do. I’m here to guide them, but it’s an open space.

MATT BURKE, Innovation Lab Director

Arrows at Harvard's MEDScience Program

Learning Beyond the Classroom

St. Sebastian’s extracurriculars extend STEAM education through hands-on experience and teamwork.

Clubs and activities range from Math Madness to the Robotics Team and MEDScience Program at Harvard Medical School. These opportunities inspire leadership, collaboration, and innovation outside the traditional classroom setting.

Explore Student Clubs