GIFTED AND TALENTED / PRE - ENGINEERING

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About The Teacher Label:


About The Teacher


Mission Label:


Mission
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.