Teacher & Programs

NAME: Mr. W. Hill

SCHOOL: Berlin Community School

CLASSES: Gifted and Talented / Pre - Engineering

SCHOOL PHONE: (856) 767 - 0129 ext.163 / EMAIL: hillw@bcsberlin.k12.nj.us


Gifted and Talented & Pre-Engineeering Programs


GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM FORMAT:
• Student will follow an “Independent Study Model” based on student interest 
and giftedness with the teacher acting as the facilitator. 
• All units of study will be based on a variety of Core Curriculum Content 
Standards in various subject areas.
• Students will demonstrate their understanding of selected topics through 
any of the following assessments: writing reports, completed projects, 
portfolios, presentations, and /or teacher conferencing.


PRE-ENGINEERING PROGRAM [Project Lead the Way (PLTW)]
Gateway To Technology (GTT) is an activities-, project-, and problem-based 
(APPB) learning program designed to challenge and engage the natural 
curiosity of middle school students. The instructional units excite and 
motivate students to use their imaginations and teach them to be creative and 
innovative, while gaining the skills they need to develop, produce, and use 
products and services.

The GTT curriculum appeals to a full range of students in grades 6 through 8 
and relates technology to students’ daily lives. It also promotes 
communication and collaboration by emphasizing a team approach throughout the 
instructional units. This approach utilizes the strengths of each team member 
to accomplish the goals of the project, while offering students learning 
challenges at all ability levels.

The GTT program helps students develop and hone skills in middle school that 
enable them to enter the high school program with foundational knowledge and 
skills for success in engineering. Although not intended as an introduction 
to PLTW’s Pathway To Engineering program, many schools report improved 
interest in PLTW’s Pathway To Engineering high school program because of GTT.

The program consists of six independent nine-week units; each unit includes a 
two day activity related to engineering careers: Design and Modeling, and 
Automation and Robotics are required units for all students. Each school 
district has theflexibility to decide which of the other four units best 
meets their needs.

Design & Modeling:
This unit uses solid modeling software (a sophisticated mathematical 
technique for representing solid objects) to introduce students to 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 & 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.

Energy & 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 
energysources and participate in energy fairs to demonstrate energy concepts 
and innovative ideas. Students evaluate ways to reduce energy consumption 
throughenergy efficiency and waste management techniques.

Flight & Space:
In this unit 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.

Science of Technology:
This unit traces how science has affected technology throughout history. 
Students learn about applied physics, chemical engineering, and 
nanotechnology through exploratory activities and projects.

Magic of Electronics:
Through hands-on projects, students explore the science of electricity, the 
behavior and parts of atoms, circuit design, and sensing devices. Students 
acquire knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design and explore the impact 
of electricity on our lives.