Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Design & Modeling and Science of Technology
Overview of the class
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) provides science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs for students from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Both Design & Modeling and Science of Technology are part of PLTW’s Gateway (middle school) curriculum.
(For more information, visit: https://www.pltw.org/pltw-gateway)
In this class, students will learn STEM concepts by participating in activities, projects, and problem-based learning. They will also explore the meaning of engineering by following the engineering design process. Students will have the opportunity to identify problems, find solutions, apply their knowledge, and lead their own learning. In the first semester, students will participate in Design and Modeling. They will work in teams to create furniture and a playground (fun!), recording their ideas and research in their engineering notebooks. Students will showcase their innovative designs by using Autodesk® design software to develop virtual images.
During the second semester, students will participate in Science of Technology. They will use chemistry, physics, and nanotechnology concepts in order to make ice cream (yum!), clean up an oil spill, and discover the properties of nano-materials.
Outcome of Class
Units of Study: Design and Modeling
PLTW Gateway Introduction:
Exploring Engineering Careers
PLTW Engineering Notebook
STEM investigation
The Design Process
Different types of Measurement
Understanding Practical Measurements – Standard and Metric Measurements
Applying measurement practices – Skimmer
Sketching and Dimensioning
How to Use AutoDesk Inventor
Contrasting Orthographic and Isometric sketching
Designing and Implementing for Production
Pegboard, Bracket
- Furniture Design
Units of Study: Science of Technology
Discovering Applied Chemistry Basics
Let’s Make Ice Cream, Gluing It all together, Oil Spill
Nanotechnology
Applied Physics
Exploring Simple & Compound Machines
- Apply AutoDesk procedures to the Real World – Playground, Roller Coaster Mania, Rube Goldberg, Dragster
Grading
RETAKES
Retakes of summative assessments will be provided upon student initiation. Students will have four school days to talk to the teacher and their parent/guardian about retaking a summative assessment. Before the retake will take place, students will be expected to fill out a Retake Form in order to communicate what they have done to continue working on the needed skills. Students will then be given a different assessment testing the same skills. This can be done before or after school.
Daily Supplies
pens
pencils
highlighter
folder
Engineering Notebook (provided by school)
Very Helpful Supplies
Hot glue sticks
Duct Tape
Masking Tape
Who is Mrs. Cullen?
Expectations
While this class is an elective, it is rigorous and requires focus, dedication, and hard work. It is expected that all students will give 100% during class. There are a multitude of ways for students to continue practicing, researching, and exploring the world of engineering at home as well, but I will try to keep homework to a minimum. In order for us to have fun building something, we have to understand the concepts behind its creation first. This means that students will be taking notes, keeping an organized Engineer’s Notebook, and held accountable for all parts of the Design Process. In addition to the seriousness of the curriculum, it is important that students understand that the materials and computer software we will be working with are not cheap, horseplay, misuse, carelessness, and/or theft will not be tolerated.
Further expectations:
- Be prompt -Be in your seat and ready to learn when the bell rings.
- Be prepared
- Be a polite and positive participant
- Be productive
- Be a problem solver
-Have materials with you and know due dates.
Class Procedures
Entering the classroom: Students will enter in a respectful manner: quiet, under control & in a timely manner. Go to assigned seat, and read & follow the directions given on the PowerPoint that will be running on the front screen.
Tardy to class: Students are considered tardy to class if they are not in the classroom and in their seat when the bell rings.
“Something to write with”: Students are required to have a pencil or pen, folder and any other required material needed for class.
Turning in assignments: Assignments are expected to be turned in on the day they are due or submitted through Google Classroom. Points will be deducted if assignments are not submitted on time.
Student responsibilities after an absence: It is the responsibility of the student to see/email me or check Google Classroom to get any notes or make-up work. One day will be allowed to work for each day missed. There is a link to the daily agenda in Google Classroom.
Communication procedures with parents and families: Occasional emails, notes or phone calls will be sent home for various reasons. Parents are always invited to email me.
Ending class: Towards the end of the hour, I will direct the class to “Clean up your workstation”. Students are expected to return their materials to the appropriate places neatly, log-off their computer, and stay in their assigned seat until bell rings. They will be dismissed when the bell rings
Contact Mrs. Cullen
Email: cullensh@northvilleschools.org
Location: Meads Mill
Phone: 1 (248) 344-3700