STEM
| Technology Fundamentals Grades: 7 Prerequisite: None Credit: .5 Course Length: 1 semester |
Technology Fundamentals will help prepare students for a digital world. The curriculum includes: Digital Safety and Citizenship, intro to Computer Programming, Keyboarding, Appropriate use of Technology, Google Apps and Drive, Digital Communications via Email and School Learning Platforms, Digital Calendars, Digital Organization, Digital Animation, Career and Web Research, Computing systems, Coding, Creating Art within these projects and more. This class will also count as a middle school art class. |
| Design & Modeling Grades: 7-8 Prerequisite: Digitools Credit: .5 Course Length: 1 semester |
Design and Modeling is an introduction to engineering class. It is a hands-on STEM/CTE activity-based class. Students will learn the engineering and design processes, design and make bridges, isometric and multiview drawings, CAD software, 3d design, 3d printing, precise measurement with calipers, design skimmer flyers, prototype an orthosis, make 3d puzzles, prototype a 3d toy using bearings, creating art within these designs and more. This class will also count as a middle school art class. |
| Automation & Robotics Grades: 7 Prerequisite: None Credit: .5 Course Length: 1 semester |
This course is taught within 7th grade science classes. Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.
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| Medical Detectives Grades: 8 Prerequisite: None Credit: .5 Course Length: 1 semester |
Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction. |
| Science of Technology Grades: 8 Prerequisite: None Credit: .5 Course Length: 1 semester |
This course is taught within 8th grade science classes. Science impacts the technology of yesterday, today, and the future. Students apply the concepts of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to STEM activities and projects, including making ice cream, cleaning up an oil spill, and discovering the properties of nano-materials. |
| Flight & Space Grades: 7, 8 Prerequisite: None Credit: .5 Course Length: 1 semester |
Students will explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build, and test gliders, airplanes, hot air balloons, parachutes, airfoils, rockets, and more. Students will study the history of flight and space, learn the parts of aircraft, propulsion systems, and how aircraft create lift to fly. Students will incorporate art into all of their designs. They will use simulation software to test airfoil designs and learn how to evaluate their design solutions before building them. Students will learn about the past, present, and future of space travel. This class will also count as a middle school art class. |
| Green Architecture Grades: 7, 8 Prerequisite: None Credit: .5 Course Length: 1 semester |
Students will learn to measure and use architectural dimensioning. They will learn how to read and design floor plans. Students will use architectural scales to draw blueprints as well as use Autodesk’s® 3D Revit architectural design software to design virtual buildings. Students will build a scale model shed using balsa wood. Some students may build a larger-scale model the size of a large dog house. Students will learn how material and construction choices can make a difference when designing green and environmentally sustainable buildings. Students will use their skills to design portable houses made from shipping containers. |