STEM at William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy

At William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy, STEM is more than a class—it is the bridge between learning and life. We believe every student deserves opportunities to solve authentic problems, think critically and creatively, engineer innovative solutions, and make something meaningful that impacts the world around them.

During the 2025–2026 school year, Davie students experienced STEM in ways that extended far beyond the classroom. Through partnerships with East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine, the Coastal Studies Institute, the Google BetaBox, the Center for Energy Education, North Carolina State University's MSEN Program, Rocket Drones, Morehead Planetarium, and other community partners, students explored careers in medicine, engineering, environmental science, robotics, coding, aviation, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Our students conducted scientific investigations, programmed robots, explored coastal ecosystems, learned life-saving medical techniques, operated drones, created with emerging technologies, visited college campuses, and engaged in authentic project-based learning that connected classroom instruction to real-world careers.

These experiences are intentionally connected to our instructional vision of High-Impact Instruction, Foundational Literacy & Numeracy, STEM Integration, and Culture, Belonging & Opportunity—ensuring every student develops the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in high school, college, careers, and life.

At Davie, we are committed to Expanding Access. Creating Opportunity. Inspiring Excellence. Every STEM experience empowers our Vikings to become curious learners, innovative thinkers, collaborative leaders, and future-ready problem-solvers prepared to shape tomorrow's world.

Lead. Learn. Level Up.

The Poe Center – For the Health of It

At William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy, our partnership with the Poe Center for Health Education helps students discover the powerful connection between science, health, and everyday decision-making. Through the For the Health of It program, students explore how the brain develops, how drugs, nicotine, vaping, and alcohol affect the nervous system, and why healthy choices matter for lifelong success.

Using interactive STEM-based investigations, brain models, and hands-on learning experiences, students examine the science behind addiction, brain function, and decision-making while building critical thinking skills and health literacy. This partnership empowers our Vikings to make informed choices, understand the biology behind healthy living, and recognize how protecting their minds today prepares them for brighter futures tomorrow.

At Davie, we believe STEM is about solving real-world problems—including those that impact our own health. By combining science education with wellness, the Poe Center helps us continue Expanding Access. Creating Opportunity. Inspiring Excellence. Through experiences like these, our students are not only learning about the brain—they are learning how to protect it, strengthen it, and use it to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

Google BetaBox Innovation Lab Grant

Through a competitive grant opportunity, William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy was selected to host the Google BetaBox Mobile Innovation Lab, bringing cutting-edge technology and authentic STEM experiences directly to our students. This incredible opportunity transformed our campus into a hands-on innovation hub where Vikings explored emerging technologies, collaborated to solve real-world challenges, and experienced the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Inside the BetaBox, students engaged with advanced tools and technologies—including 3D printing, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, engineering design, and digital fabrication—while working through interactive, project-based learning experiences. Rather than simply learning about technology, students became creators, designers, engineers, and innovators.

The Google BetaBox experience perfectly reflects Davie's vision of Expanding Access. Creating Opportunity. Inspiring Excellence. By providing students with experiences often found in college innovation labs and leading technology companies, this grant expanded access to high-quality STEM learning, inspired curiosity, and encouraged students to see themselves as future problem-solvers and leaders in an increasingly technology-driven world.

At William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy, we believe STEM is the bridge between learning and life. The Google BetaBox experience exemplifies that belief by empowering every Viking to Solve. Think. Engineer. Make. as they prepare for success in high school, college, careers, and beyond.

Exploring the Science of Medicine

Davie students experienced the world of medicine and health sciences through an engaging visit to East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. Students explored connections between classroom science, medical technology, human health, and healthcare careers while gaining firsthand exposure to a university medical-school environment. The experience allowed students to see how STEM knowledge can lead to meaningful careers that improve the health and well-being of communities—especially in eastern North Carolina, a central part of Brody’s mission.

STEM Connection: Science • Medicine • Technology • Career Exploration • Community Impact

Our students went from learning science to seeing where science can take you.

Exploring Coastal Science Through Authentic Field Learning

Davie students extended STEM learning beyond the classroom through an immersive experience at the East Carolina University Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. Through hands-on, standards-based learning, students explored coastal and marine ecosystems, environmental science, scientific investigation, and the ways researchers use STEM to understand and protect North Carolina’s coastal communities. CSI’s work spans fields such as ecology, biology, coastal processes, engineering, and environmental science, giving students an authentic look at how science is used to solve real-world problems.

STEM Connection: Environmental Science • Marine Science • Research • Engineering • Field Investigation • Career Exploration

Our Davie Vikings went from the classroom to the coast—students experience science where it happens.

Exploring the Universe & Inspiring Scientific Curiosity

Davie students traveled to Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at UNC–Chapel Hill for an immersive STEM learning experience that brought science beyond the classroom. Through engaging planetarium programming and interactive science experiences, students explored concepts connected to astronomy, space science, engineering, scientific inquiry, and emerging STEM careers. Morehead’s school programs are designed to align with North Carolina standards while engaging students in science through planetarium shows, demonstrations, exhibits, and engineering challenges.

STEM Connection: Astronomy • Space Science • Engineering • Scientific Inquiry • Technology • Career Exploration

Looking beyond the classroom and toward the stars—where curiosity becomes discovery.