john beam 841-6799 jbeam@austinisd.org websitepltw lms my.pltw.org

BACK TO SCHOOL 2015-16

John Beam841-6799

jbeam@austinisd.org

Website PLTW LMSmy.pltw.org

PLTW – Project Lead The Way

STEM based curriculum Incorporates national science and

technology standards as well as the state TEKS for math and science.

Project based curriculum – DO NOT EXPECT a lot of grades or homework

Classes designed to prepare the students to be able to use technology to solve everyday problems.DM/AR ST ME

Green Architecture

Students learn how to apply the concept of “green” choices to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability

They will design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software.

Science of Technology

Applied Chemistry: Students will have the opportunity to

solve problems similar to those that a chemical engineer would experience.

Students will make and test the characteristics of ice cream or yogurt.

Then they will make and test the qualities of glue.

Finally, students will clean up an oil spill.

Nanotechnology: Students learn how to manipulate objects

at the nano scale and how material properties change at this scale.

Students will identify how nanotechnology impacts electronics, materials, manufacturing, energy, environment, health, medicine, national security, and space exploration to name a few.

Applied Physics:

Students will identify simple machines and determine their appropriate use and mechanical advantage.

They will learn about energy, energy conservation, and potential and kinetic energy by designing, building, and testing a model roller coaster.

Students will then learn about systems and subsystems and have the opportunity to create one of the following products: Green Car, Rube Goldberg device, Dragster, or Amusement Park Ride.

HS

Magic of Electrons In this class students will learn the difference between a

conductor and an insulator, how to measure current, voltage, and resistance, and how to convert energy into electricity.

Students will design and build models of an electromagnet, a DC motor, and a generator.

Students will learn how to model an electrical circuit using Snap Circuits.

They will learn how to identify electrical components by their symbols and how to create and read a schematic diagram.

Students will breadboard, test, and build a night light circuit.

Students will solve several logic problems using Snap Circuits. HS

Energy and the Environment

Students investigate the importance of energy in our lives and the impact that using energy has on the environment.

They design and model alternative energy sources and participate in energy fairs to demonstrate energy concepts and innovative ideas.

Students evaluate ways to reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency and waste management techniques.

Design and Modeling

This unit uses 3-D CAD program as part of the design process.

Utilizing this design approach, students understand how design influences their lives.

Students also learn sketching techniques and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement and computer modeling.

Students brainstorm, research, develop ideas, create models, test and evaluate design ideas, and communicate solutions.

Automation and Robotics

Students trace the history, development and influence of automation and robotics.

They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems.

Students acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork collaboration and innovation.

HS

Flight and Space

Students study the history of aerospace through hands-on activities, research and a presentation in the form of an infomercial.

Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build and test a model glider.

Simulation software is used to expose students to traveling and living in space.

High School Credit

Design & Modeling / Automation & Robotics - year course (7th/8th grade)

These classes earn .5 credit These MUST be taken to

earn ANY high school credit and are the prerequisite courses for ST and ME

Medical Detectives and Green Architecture

and/or

Science of Technology and Magic of Electrons

(8th Grade)

These classes together earn another .5 high school elective credit

Media and Animation

The students will learn the basics of media and animation using open-source software.

Vector vs. Raster graphics (Inkscape and GIMP)

Simple “flash” animations (Vectorian Giatto)

Stop Motion (Windows Movie Maker) Public Service Announcements

6th Grade Robotics

Students study the history of robotics through hands-on activities, research and a presentations.

They will receive many challenges that require imagination and teamwork to be successful. Included will be basic programming with RobotC which is used all the way through high school.