Ms. Marowski
Course Syllabus
Course Overview
The Gateway to Technology (GTT) program addresses the interest and energy of middle school students while incorporating national standards in mathematics, science, and technology. This program provides project-based learning that is exciting and challenging for the full range of students and it shows students how technology is used in engineering to solve everyday problems. GTT also promotes communication and collaboration by emphasizing a teaming approach in the instructional units During the GTT experience, students will gain the skills they need to develop, produce, and use products and services.
Design and Modeling (DM)
First semester students begin to recognize the value of an engineering notebook to document and capture their ideas. They are introduced to and use the design process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives. Students useindustry standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions.
Automation and Robotics (AR)
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 use a robust robotics platform to design, build, and program a solution to solve an existing problem.
Medical Detectives (MD)
Students will learn about human vital signs, pathogens and how they spread, the structure and function of the human brain, and how understanding the human body can help law enforcement to solve crimes. They will complete specific lab activities, virtual investigations, and research projects as outlined by the PLTW curriculum in order to achieve and demonstrate their understanding.
Flight and Space (FS)
Students will 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 various flying machines. Also, simulation software is used to expose students to traveling and living in space. They will use their knowledge of aerospace engineering to create their own air compressed dragster cars along with compressed water rockets.
Computer Science (ICS I & II)
ICS is an optimal starting point for the PLTW Computer Science program. Students work in teams to create apps for mobile devices using MIT App Inventor. Beyond learning the fundamentals of programming, students build computational thinking skills by applying computer science to collaboration tools, modeling and simulation, and data analysis.
Learning Management System
Project Lead the Way uses an online program, called the LMS (learning management system), that students will be able to access in class and at home. Students will have a username and password that will allow them to access the LMS. The LMS houses the PLTW curriculum, provides opportunity for students to submit assignments online when appropriate, allows for collaboration, and much more!
Grades
Both formal and informal assessments will be made throughout the school year. Formal methods of assessment will include classwork (40%) and projects (60%). It is important that you act professionally and try your best to be successful in a PLTW course.
Attendance & Conduct
The attendance and discipline policies as stated in the Code of Student Conduct and the Huntsville City Schools Student Handbook will be followed at all times. All responsibility for work missed due to absences rests solely with the student.
Classroom materials
Students in this class will have the opportunity to work with many different materials and equipment for which Huntsville City has invested significant funds. Students should NEVER remove or play with materials/equipment. .
Added help
Appropriate accommodations will be utilized in accordance with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. If during the year you have a question concerning any aspect of this class, please feel free to contact me at Chapman P-8 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The telephone number is (256) 428-7640. Conferences are always encouraged- student and parents alike. Please feel free to e-mail at if you have any questions.
Missed Work: Work will be posted for each day and it is the student’s responsibility to make-up any missed assignments or tests. Two weeks or the end of the six weeks will be the time allotted to make up work and tests will be administered upon the return of the student to class. Make-up work should be turned in on Edmodo/LMS for credit. Anything over the time limit will be considered a zero and may be accepted for half credit at the discretion of the teacher
Tardy: A student that is not in their seat when the bell rings will be counted tardy. Students entering the class without a pass are to IMMEDIATELY sign in on the tardy board. Being late to class three times will result in an absence and will result in teacher directed consequences. Note: During 5th period tardies are not tolerated. Student will be written up if not in room before supervising teacher.
Labs: To enter the lab, students must have completed a Lab Safety Contract and pass a Lab Safety Quiz. Both will be kept on file so that students may be held accountable at appropriate times.
Internet: The Internet is to be used in support of research and education that is consistent with the educational objectives of the Huntsville City Schools. The use of a laptop is acceptable during authorized instructional time. Failure to adhere to acceptable uses of the internet will result in disciplinary action and lost privileges to use these classroom tools.
Journal: An engineering journal will be completed in notebook at the beginning of class unless there is a substitute or assessment. This is always the first thing to be competed and computers should remain closed until they are done. The journal is to be kept in class and serves as an organizational grade.
Cell Phones: Cell phones are not permitted in class, it will be collected if visible. This is in accordance with HCS policy.
Classroom Rules
1. Be on time, on task and prepared to learn. # nofreedays
2. Respect the teacher, the classroom, other students, and yourself.
#benice
3. Be responsible for your own learning. #nocheating #workhard
4. Clean up after yourself and your classmates. #notyourhousekeeper
5. Keep all personal electronic PUT AWAY. #onlywithpermission #notexting #nopictures #nosocialmedia
Consequences
Safety Contract
As I learn to be a good investigator, I need to be organized, clean, and act safely in the classroom. I will not engage in behavior that is disruptive or dangerous or that interferes with another student’s right to learn. In the laboratory, I promise to:
1. Be Prepared: I will give my full attention to the instructions for each experiment and make sure I understand them before beginning the experiment. I will work only in my assigned space.
2. Respect Equipment: I will carefully utilize the different instruments as they are intended to be used to carry out scientific activities. I will immediately report any damaged or broken instruments or equipment to the teacher.
3. Complete the Experiment: I will wait until the teacher authorizes me to begin the experiment. I will follow the steps of the procedure in the correct order and I will not carry out steps beyond what is indicated.
4. Observe Thoroughly: I will listen and I will observe calmly and silently to learn the most.
5. Investigate Carefully: I will follow all written and oral instructions. I will wait until I receive my teacher’s permission to begin a lab activity.
6. Be Safe: I will protect my eyes, face, and hands while performing lab activities by wearing safety goggles and, when needed, gloves or other protective gear as directed by my teacher. I will follow any additional safety instructions given by my teacher. I will not horseplay in the lab.
7. Treat all preserved specimens and dissecting supplies with care and respect.
a. Do not remove preserved specimens from the science room.
b. Use scalpels, scissors, and other sharp instruments only as instructed.
c. Never cut any material towards you— always cut away from your body.
d. Report any cut or scratch from sharp instruments to the teacher immediately
8. Record Results: As I work, I will record my observations and measurements in my science notebook or my student sheet.
9. Clean Up: I will clean the instruments used in the experiment after I have finished. I will clean my work area and I will wash my hands.
10. Report Accidents: I will immediately notify the teacher of any accident, injury, or dangerous situation that occurs in the laboratory to ensure everyone’s safety.
Course Agreement
I, ______(first and last name) have read and agree to follow all of the classroom policies and safety rules set forth in this document. I realize that I must obey the safety rules listed in order to ensure my own safety, and that of my fellow students and instructors. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe lab environment. I will also closely follow the oral and written instructions provided by the instructor. I am aware that any violation of the safety contract may result in my being removed from the laboratory, detention, and/or lose credit for the work done in my absence.
Student Signature ______Date ______
Dear Parent or Guardian:
I feel that you should be fully informed about your child’s opportunities and experiences in my class, as well as my expectations of him/her. Please read through this syllabus and safety contract. No student will be permitted to perform laboratory activities unless this contract is signed by both the student and parent/guardian. Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this document, are aware of my expectations and the measures taken to ensure the safety of your son/daughter in the science laboratory, and will instruct your son/daughter to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules and procedures in the laboratory.
Parent/Guardian Name ______
Parent/Guardian Signature ______Date ______
Parent Email ______
Parent Phone ______
Authorization to Disclose Student Records
Student Name:
______
Authorization: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The above-named student participates in one or more Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses and assessments, and the purpose of this authorization is to obtain your consent to release student educational records to Project Lead The Way, Inc. in connection with theses PLTW course(s). This information will be used by Project Lead The Way, Inc. to register the student in the PLTW learning management system (which provides students with online access to curricula, assignments, assessments, and other course materials), to administer and validate assessments, and to study the effectiveness of the PLTW Program in order to inform and improve future instruction. The records that will be released are as follows:
· Student Name
· Student State Identification Number
· Gender
· Date of Birth
· Race
· Ethnicity
· Student IEP Status (allows implementation of approved accommodations on year end tests)
______
Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian Date
______
(Please print name)