Course Introduction

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS COURSE?

WHAT DO YOU WHAT TO GET FROM THIS COURSE?

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER INTERESTS?

WHY ARE YOU LEARNING THIS?

THIS IS NOW YOUR CLASS

Big Idea• The amount of students at a proficient level in (STEM) subjects has become a major concern in

the United States.• A country’s success in the 21st century will depend on the ideas, knowledge, and skills of its

population. As the 21st century workforce shapes into one that is increasingly technological, the value of these assets will be determined by the effectiveness of STEM education

• In an effort to prepare today’s children for tomorrow’s world, educators must provide them with the knowledge and skills for innovation. According to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, life-long learning and innovation abilities are being recognized as the skills that will separate students who are equipped for the increasingly complex life and workforce of the 21st century and those who are not.

• Authentic STEM research experiences have the potential to provide high school students with desired scientific reasoning, engineering design skills, and practical application of mathematics. Students often learn about the concepts of the scientific method and the engineering design process, but they are unlikely to truly understand the nature of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics without going through the processes from beginning to end.

• When students are in control of their own research, they develop a sense of ownership that creates motivation for success. The increase of student proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as well as the development of crucial skills can help bridge the gap between high school and post-secondary school and lead to a workforce that has a strong background in these fields

• This course aims to increase student proficiency in STEM as well as enhance their preparedness for the remainder of the twenty-first century.

Purpose

• The aim of this course is to allow students to develop the skills necessary for college and career readiness in the 21st century through the practical application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in researching and developing solutions to a real-world issue of student interest.

COURSE GOALS• Develop the critical skills necessary for the 21st century

(creativity, problem solving, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking)

• Resolve valid and justified problems through the practical application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

• Adhere to scientific and engineering practices in research and problem-solving

• Increase proficiency in technological literacy by assessing and evaluating the impacts of technology and engineering on society, culture, environment, and politics

• Perform authentic research in the development of solutions to real world problems

LOOKING AHEAD

Unit 1 Introduction to Solving Problems with Research in Science Technology

Engineering and MathematicsGoals• Appraise the value of effective communication

in the collaborative approach to problem-solving.

• Explain the practical application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

• Utilize a research plan for preparing a solution to a real world problem

Unit 3 Engineering and Scientific Processes and Systems

Goals• Apply the scientific method to investigate a

natural phenomenon.• Evaluate the impact of systemic processes in

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

• Utilize the engineering design process to create a solution to a real-world problem.

Unit 2 Engineering Your Future

Goals• Analyze the impacts of increasingly

competitive global workforce on the future.• Develop strategies to increase the skills

essential for success in the 21st century workforce.

• Attain college and career readiness in the development of professional behaviors.

Unit 4 Global Impacts and Ethics

Goals• Determine the relationship that science,

technology, engineering, and mathematics has on developing a culture and society.

• Evaluate the influence that politics has on creating and developing new technological products and processes.

• Analyze the impacts that new technological products and processes have on the environment.

Unit 5 Scientific and Engineering Practices

Goals• Utilize engineering and scientific practices to

help research a solution to a real-world problem.

• Create a model solution to a real-world problem based on authentic research.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of solution designs using an analysis of testing data.

Unit 6 Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Goals• Assess the importance of collaborating with

subject matter experts in researching solutions to real-world problems.

• Explain the importance of documenting all work and research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

• Effectively communicate information with the appropriate audience.

Habits for Success• Classroom Habits for Success– Be on time, prepared to work safely and effectively– Follow instructions the first time– Collaborate in a courteous and civil manner– Strive for excellence with honesty & integrity

• General Corrective Actions– General reminder– Individual reminder– Stay after class– Class time out– Phone call home– Detention– Referral

Policies• Attendance, Tardiness:• Students are expected to attend class in

accordance with the Public School Laws of Maryland. Students are expected to be in class and prepared to learn when the class starts. Tardiness to class of more than 20 minutes will be treated as an absence. Students that are absent from class greater than 5% of the time, may not receive credit for the class.

Policies• Class participation: • Participation in class discussion and lab

activities are a required part of this class.

PoliciesMissed exams or assignments:–Students may make-up exams or assignments and

receive a recorded grade when an excused absence(s) is documented by a note from the parent. –Assignments not turned in on the assigned date

will not be accepted and the student will not receive credit for that assignment.

PoliciesLab safety/health: • It is the responsibility of the students to follow the

training of safe practices in the Technology Lab. The safety program, consists of more than lecturing and posting safety rules and regulations. It includes instruction that actively involves the students in learning and choosing behaviors that promote the safe use of equipment that is used in the Technology Lab. The implementation and promotion of safe practices in the Technology Lab to prevent incidents and injuries to students are the responsibility of everyone.

PoliciesAcademic dishonesty: Loss of credit for assignment or course may be

appropriate in addition to other consequences. Restitution for loss or damage may be requested in addition to other consequences. Where appropriate, law enforcement officials will be involved.

PoliciesGrading:The grading system for this class consists of

letter grades based on an average for the assignment.–A (89.5-100%) - Outstanding level of achievement–B (80-89%) - High level of achievement–C (70-79%) - Satisfactory level of achievement–D (60-69%) - Low level of achievement–E (59% or lower) Failure– I (Incomplete)

Policies• The computers are only to be used for class-related

purposes• They are not for recreational purposes – video

games or other• Anyone seen playing video games or other

recreational activities during this class will lose computer privileges for 2 class sessions– Students will still be responsible for the work.–Parents/guardians will be notified.–This is for the first time. Subsequent indiscretions will

invoke more severe actions.

Policies• Lockers are helpful for storing projects securely

HomeworkAcquire the following items so you can bring

them to class:–Composition book with Graph paper–Safety Glasses (optional)– removable storage device

Engineering Journal Review

• Written ideas• Sketches (preferably

annotated)• Work session summaries• Research findings• Interview information: who

was contacted, when, and what was discussed or learned

Standard Page Layout

• Bound quadrille-lined (grid) pages• Individually labeled page #s • Location for designer’s signature and

date• Location for witness signature and

date• Locations for identifying contents as

continued from and to another page• Statement of the proprietary nature

of the notebook