Course Philosophy
Pine Middle School has partnered with Creative Learning Systems to provide a state-of-the-art technology lab. In this lab you will have the chance to build models as you learn about simple machines, aerodynamics, robotics, and basic engineering. Most will work with top-of-the-line photo, video and audio equipment as you develop your own songs, produce your own video shorts, and manipulate reality using Adobe Photoshop. We also have exciting new suite of sustainable energy lessons exploring wind power, solar energy and more. Other engagements include, exploring electronics, discovering pneumatic circuitry, flight simulators, city-planning simulations, working with digitized science sensors, and even learning about lasers. This class is unique and has the potential to be an amazing learning environment as well as a really fun course.
Primary Methods of Instruction
Students work with a partner on a series of rigorous hands-on engagements lasting approximately two
weeks each. Each engagement is focused in one of the following areas:
weeks each. Each engagement is focused in one of the following areas:
- Computer Animation and Simulations
- Robotics and Control Technology
- Multimedia including: Music &Video
- Electrical and Pneumatic Circuits
- Graphic Design
- Science and Data Acquisition
- Mechanics and Structure
- Desktop Publishing
- Sustainable Energy
What to Expect in Tech of Science
As you work on engagements you are required to use objectives and rubrics, keep an updated calendar, and make in-depth reflections on their progress (this is your Blog). You will be required to read and research a variety of instructional materials in order to accomplish their learning objectives.
At the end of each engagement, you and your partner will be expected to give a multimedia presentation highlighting what you have accomplished in your engagement. These presentations will generally include photos, screen shots, videos, and articulate explanations. After presenting students will apply for their next engagements. Students who have demonstrated exceptional productivity and determination will often get first choice for the next engagement.
At the end of each engagement, you and your partner will be expected to give a multimedia presentation highlighting what you have accomplished in your engagement. These presentations will generally include photos, screen shots, videos, and articulate explanations. After presenting students will apply for their next engagements. Students who have demonstrated exceptional productivity and determination will often get first choice for the next engagement.
Your Responsibilities
This class teaches you not only state of the art technology but how to work with others, manage your time and the importance of taking pride in your work. You will be working with a partner for the entire semester and the two of you will need to problem solve and work both effectively and independently. Although you will be working with a partner you will each receive an individual grade.
Attendance & Tardies
Coming to class is the first step to being successful. If you have to miss class, your partner is forced to work alone, so please try to come to school every day. Participation are critically important to being successful. If you are absent you must make up the time you miss. Since the activities are hands on and utilize equipment that may or may not be available at home, most of the work must be made up in class. Since we have the on line curriculm and you are building team websites some of the make up work can be done at home. See the student assistance section for makeup times. Pine Middle School attendance/tardy policies are enforced.
When the class period starts you are expected to be in your seat reading any updates on the website and blogging your daily goal. (I will explain this later.) You are expected to demonstrate integrity and work independently in this class.
Materials The only items you should bring to this class are your planner and a pen or pencil and any material for your next class. Nearly all of our work will be done with models or on the computer. My largest concern is that you take care of the materials made available in the lab. If you like you can bring a flash drive to copy your work to take home and share with your parents and work on it if need be.
When the class period starts you are expected to be in your seat reading any updates on the website and blogging your daily goal. (I will explain this later.) You are expected to demonstrate integrity and work independently in this class.
Materials The only items you should bring to this class are your planner and a pen or pencil and any material for your next class. Nearly all of our work will be done with models or on the computer. My largest concern is that you take care of the materials made available in the lab. If you like you can bring a flash drive to copy your work to take home and share with your parents and work on it if need be.
Behavior & Participation: The Classroom as a Community
Your actions affect others. Students will learn how their work ethic affects their peers and the importance of working together and being respectful of each other. When you choose to study, participate, and work hard, your knowledge and focus help the class learn more. You can help your partner and peers when they struggle, and you help the class keep the focus on learning new and exciting material. If you engage in disruptive behavior, disrespect your peers, and fail to be productive, these actions hurt the entire class. If you disrupt the class I am forced to deal with your disruption instead of helping others.
It is your responsibility to seek knowledge in this class and have the integrity to take care of the equipment. Many of you have never had the opportunity to work with such high-tech equipment and will likely not have another opportunity like this until college. I understand that there are lots of students working on exciting material and it is often appropriate to check out what others are doing. It is also easy to get distracted by some of the materials in the class rather than focusing on the tasks you need to complete. It is your primary responsibility to focus on completing your engagement. If you are found mistreating equipment and it results in a loss or destruction of property, you may be asked to pay for items you couldn’t take care of.
You have an opportunity to learn from your peers. Many of the engagements you will work on will be similar to ones done by your peers. You are the experts in this lab and can act as great resources for one another. Also, much of the material your peers show you in end-of-engagement presentations is useful, not only for choosing your next engagement, but for other classes as well. Pay attention and show empathy to presenting peers.
It is your responsibility to seek knowledge in this class and have the integrity to take care of the equipment. Many of you have never had the opportunity to work with such high-tech equipment and will likely not have another opportunity like this until college. I understand that there are lots of students working on exciting material and it is often appropriate to check out what others are doing. It is also easy to get distracted by some of the materials in the class rather than focusing on the tasks you need to complete. It is your primary responsibility to focus on completing your engagement. If you are found mistreating equipment and it results in a loss or destruction of property, you may be asked to pay for items you couldn’t take care of.
You have an opportunity to learn from your peers. Many of the engagements you will work on will be similar to ones done by your peers. You are the experts in this lab and can act as great resources for one another. Also, much of the material your peers show you in end-of-engagement presentations is useful, not only for choosing your next engagement, but for other classes as well. Pay attention and show empathy to presenting peers.