From Emails to 3D Printed Dreams: The Evolution of Tech Skills in GSB's Middle School 

Gill St. Bernard’s Middle School technology program takes students on an exciting, hands-on journey from foundational skills to real-world applications, fostering digital fluency and creativity every step of the way.  

Led by Middle School Technology Instructor Timothy DiBisceglie ’13 and spanning from Fifth to Eighth Grade, the beauty of the curriculum it that it grows with the students, empowering them with essential tools that extend beyond the classroom and into their futures.  

“In our Fifth Grade CAD Maker Space Class, we are working on designing little human beings using an application called Tinkercad on our Chromebooks, and after this, we are going to move on to 3D printing,” Eavan Marcucci ’32 explained. “I love how the class teaches us to be creative and that we have the opportunity to draw and design.” 

“In the Eighth Grade CAD elective, we are currently working on a project where we pick a building on campus and build a replica of it on Tinkercad,” Bella Kantar ’29 shared. “I have learned so many things in CAD and some of these include problem-solving and the basics of structural design.” 

Want to learn more? Let’s explore what each grade offers as they progress through this dynamic program! 

5th Grade: Laying the Foundation 

The tech adventure begins in Fifth Grade with an introductory course that meets once per seven-day cycle. Students dive into fundamental skills, starting with something deceptively simple but incredibly valuable: writing a professional email. Learning how to communicate thoughtfully with teachers and peers sets the stage for future interactions. The course also teaches students how to organize their Google Drives and work efficiently with Google Docs and Slides—skills that help them stay organized in all subjects. 

Digital Citizenship lessons take center stage early on, guiding students through discussions about cyberbullying, phishing, and navigating online friendships. They also sharpen their typing speed and accuracy with EduTyping software and become familiar with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. A taste of coding comes next, using Scratch to create interactive games and animations. 

The introduction to Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a highlight of the year. In this half-year course, students use TinkerCad to design basic creations, which they bring to life on a 3D printer. Along the way, they explore the school’s makerspace, engaging in S.T.E.A.M. mini-projects that blend creativity with technology. 

6th Grade: Expanding Horizons 

In Sixth Grade, students build on the foundation laid in Fifth Grade, honing their skills in email etiquette and Google Drive organization. They also integrate technology into other subjects—using Google Docs and Microsoft Word to transfer their history notebook outlines into polished digital documents. 

A self-paced coding course through Code.org deepens their programming knowledge, introducing new concepts and reinforcing their problem-solving abilities. Digital Citizenship discussions continue, evolving into thoughtful conversations about digital footprints, online safety, and maintaining a healthy tech-life balance. 

Students finish the year by exploring Ozobots, small color-coded robots that demonstrate the practical applications of coding. Through these hands-on activities, students see their abstract coding skills come to life. A more advanced CAD course mirrors the structure of the previous year, with projects that challenge their design abilities. Once again, the makerspace plays an important role, with students engaging in innovative S.T.E.A.M. activities. 

7th Grade: Deep Dives and Design Challenges 

The seventh-grade technology program offers students more choice, allowing them to select a CAD elective for a trimester. This is where they start to dive deeper into 3D printing, with a focus on precision and functionality. Two major projects define the course: 

1. The Balloon-Powered Car: Students design and 3D print a car powered by a balloon, integrating their coding and CAD skills with core S.T.E.A.M. principles. 

2. Architectural Keepsake: Students photograph their homes, then recreate them using CAD software, producing a detailed 3D model that they print as a memento. This project serves as their first glimpse into architectural design. 

The curriculum not only builds technical skills but also encourages students to think creatively about how technology shapes the world around them. 

8th Grade: Mastering the Craft 

Eighth Grade offers students the chance to further hone their CAD expertise with higher-level projects. After a few warm-up assignments, students take on their most ambitious challenge: 

Campus Building Project: Each student selects a building on the GSB campus and works to recreate it in 3D with meticulous attention to detail. This project demands patience, creativity, and technical precision, culminating in a professional-level design that reflects everything they’ve learned throughout the program. 

From Foundational Skills to Future Possibilities 

Gill St. Bernard’s Middle School technology program is more than just a collection of courses—it’s a pathway that helps students build confidence, sharpen practical skills, and unleash their creativity. From writing emails to designing architectural models, students leave the program prepared to embrace the possibilities of technology, equipped not only with knowledge but with the confidence to tackle future challenges. Each year builds on the last, ensuring students grow into capable and innovative thinkers ready for the digital world ahead. 

“It’s important to learn all the different ways to use your Chromebook—and what not to do with it,” Marcucci concluded. “I love tech class, and I enjoy learning how to put shapes together and ultimately creating a really cool sculpture.”