STEM

STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math)

Digitools Grades: 7 Prerequisite: None Credit: .5 Course Length: 1 semester	Digitools is an exploratory course that introduces students to Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Students are also introduced to digital image manipulation and digital cameras. Students will learn Windows file management, produce business correspondence, and learn standard report formatting. An introduction to computer parts and modern network structure are covered. Emphasis is placed on accuracy while creating, formatting and editing documents.
Design & Modeling Grades: 7-8 Prerequisite: Digitools Credit: .5 Course Length: 1 semester	Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they've learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.
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.
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	The exciting world of aerospace comes alive through the Flight and Space (FS) unit. Students become engineers as they design, prototype, and test models to learn about the science of flight and what it takes to travel and live in space. They solve real-world aviation and space challenges and plan a mission to Mars.
Green Architecture Grades: 7, 8 Prerequisite: None Credit: .5 Course Length: 1 semester	In this unit, students learn how to apply green concepts to the fields of architecture and construction. They explore dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability and apply what they have learned to design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software.