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Your STEM Journey: 6th-12th Grade Roadmap

๐Ÿš€ Your STEM Journey

A complete roadmap from 6th grade to college applications

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6th Grade
Foundational Exploration + Interest Development
๐Ÿง 
Skills & Learning
  • Python: functions, modules, GUI
  • HTML/CSS + basic JavaScript
  • UI design with Figma/Canva
  • Train a small AI model with Teachable Machine
๐Ÿค–
Projects
  • Build a weather app or alarm clock
  • Train an AI to recognize emotions
  • Design a mobile UI for a "Student Time Manager" app
๐Ÿ†
Competitions & Activities
  • FLL (LEGO robotics) โ€“ be a coding leader
  • Start USACO Bronze practice
  • Local hackathon
  • MOEMS / MathCounts School Round
๐Ÿ“š
7th Grade
Skill Enhancement + Project Development
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Skills & Learning
  • Data structures and algorithms (Leetcode Easy)
  • Flask or Streamlit web dev
  • Intro to machine learning (fast.ai or Scikit-learn)
  • Engineering modeling (Tinkercad/Fusion 360)
๐Ÿค–
Projects
  • "AI reading recommender" or "AI waste sorter"
  • 3D-print robot extensions
  • Build a social impact web app
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Competitions & Activities
  • USACO Bronze official โ†’ aim for Silver
  • FTC / VEX IQ robotics
  • Technovation / Conrad Challenge (team projects)
  • AMC 8, Hackathon, STEM blog writing
๐Ÿ’ก
8th Grade
Breakthrough + Academic Depth
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Skills & Learning
  • Dynamic programming (USACO Silver)
  • Flask/Streamlit + deployed AI models (Hugging Face)
  • Databases and APIs (Firebase, SQLite)
  • Build full portfolio website
๐Ÿค–
Projects
  • "AI + Design + Society" capstone
  • Product prototyping with Fusion 360
  • Flask-based AI recommendation app
๐Ÿ†
Competitions & Activities
  • USACO Silver/Gold
  • Lead FTC/VEX, regional/state level
  • Technovation/Conrad/Synopsys Science Fair finalist
  • AI4ALL, Stanford Pre-Collegiate, Inspirit AI
  • AMC 8 Honors, MathCounts Chapter level
๐ŸŒŸ
9th Grade
High School Transition + Depth Building
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Skills & Learning
  • Advanced algorithms (USACO Gold-level)
  • Advanced Python: OOP, APIs, Flask full stack
  • Intro to neural networks & PyTorch/TensorFlow
  • Design research: UX studies, UI/UX testing
๐Ÿค–
Projects
  • "ML + Web App" for solving a real-world problem
  • Data visualization dashboard (Plotly, Dash)
  • Mobile app prototype (Figma โ†’ Flutter)
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Competitions & Activities
  • USACO Silver/Gold contest
  • Regeneron ISEF-affiliated science fairs
  • Major hackathons (TAMUhack, Hack Club)
  • Technovation Senior, Google Code-in (if reinstated)
  • AMC 10, AIME qualifier
๐Ÿ”ฌ
10th Grade
Research + Recognition
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Skills & Learning
  • Deep learning with PyTorch/TensorFlow
  • APIs, backend dev, DevOps basics (CI/CD)
  • AI ethics & explainability
  • Portfolio redesign (Behance + GitHub)
๐Ÿค–
Projects
  • ML model to analyze real data (e.g., NLP, CV)
  • Publishable-level research with mentor or local university
  • Launch open-source project or Chrome extension
๐Ÿ†
Competitions & Activities
  • USACO Gold/Platinum (or parallel track: ML competitions)
  • AMC 10/12 โ†’ AIME โ†’ USA(J)MO
  • Google Science Fair, Conrad Challenge
  • Publish blog/tutorials on Medium, GitHub Pages
๐Ÿ‘‘
11th Grade
Leadership + Impact
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Skills & Learning
  • AI/ML specialization: NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning
  • Entrepreneurship basics: lean startup, pitch decks
  • Advanced mathematics (linear algebra, stats for ML)
  • Public speaking, storytelling
๐Ÿค–
Projects
  • Lead a team in a year-long project (startup, app, nonprofit)
  • Research paper (submit to ArXiv, Regeneron STS, or JSHS)
  • Launch a free course or toolkit (e.g., AI for middle schoolers)
๐Ÿ†
Competitions & Activities
  • Final year of USACO / ML competition (Kaggle, DrivenData)
  • ISEF Finalist, Conrad Global, DECA/STEM pitch events
  • Speaker at TEDx/Tech Talk
  • School AI/Robotics club president or co-founder
  • MIT LaunchX, RSI, Clark Scholars, Polygence (advanced research)
๐ŸŽฏ
12th Grade
Showcase + College Application
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Skills & Learning
  • Capstone portfolio polish (PDF + site + video)
  • Application essays: reflect growth via STEM journey
  • Recommendation letters: from project mentors, research advisors
๐Ÿค–
Projects
  • Final cross-disciplinary capstone (AI + social science/design/engineering)
  • Polish and publish final research
  • Update and present personal GitHub/portfolio with storytelling focus
๐Ÿ†
Competitions & Activities
  • Submit to final round of top fairs/contests (ISEF, Regeneron STS, etc.)
  • Final summer program: AI camp TA, nonprofit intern, or STEM teaching
  • Interview prep: explain AI/engineering projects with clarity and purpose
  • Apply Early Action/Decision to top STEM schools with strong supplemental materials

๐Ÿงฐ Optional Add-ons Throughout 6โ€“12th Grade

๐Ÿ’ป
Open-source contributions

GitHub, Code for Good, MLHub

๐Ÿงช
College research programs

Polygence, Pioneer, RSI, Veritas AI

๐ŸŒŽ
Community leadership

Teaching coding to underserved students, local workshops

๐ŸŒ
Personal brand

Tech blog, YouTube tutorial