GATEWAYS

Facilitated by: Mr. Smolen and Mrs. DiGiacomo2019 - 2020

GATEWAYS

What is Gateways?

Gateways is a STEM-based program that was created in 2007 to satisfy the desires of students that wanted to learn more through inquiry and hands-on activities.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These topics are integrated throughout what we learn all year long.

What is “STEM” Education?

(STEM) education is: The creative and innovative

engagement of students Contextual, project- and

problem-based learning Requires the integration &

application of science, technology, engineering, & mathematics knowledge and skills

Produces solutions to predictable and unpredictable real-world problems

Current Research

Between 2017 and 2027, the number of STEM jobs will grow 13 percent, compared to 9 percent for non-STEM jobs—with positions in computing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing leading the way. (Via Change the Equation)

Out of 100 STEM occupations, 93% of them had wages above the national average. The national average for STEM job annual salaries is $87,570, where the national average for non-STEM occupations sits at roughly half—$45,700. (Via the Bureau of Labor Statistics)

How Does Gateways Work?

Approximately 40 incoming 8th grade students (20 boys/20 girls) will be assigned.

Math and elective periods will be taught outside of the Gateways classroom.

Remaining class periods spent in our classroom investigating topics within the core curriculum. No separate LA, science, or social studies classes.

Differentiated to meet all learning needs with support from the Special Education Department, English Language Development Department, and the Gifted Learners Department.

CourseStructure

Graded Self-contained Team-taught Differentiated Hands-on &

inquiry-based Empowering

Gateways Comparison◼ How it’s the same

– Change classes– 2 elective periods daily– All Math Levels– Grades

◼ How it’s different– Provides ability to make

connections between curriculum within all classes

– Opportunity to direct your own learning

– Greater use of cooperative and group learning

– Greater integration of technology

– Relevant field trips to connect what you have learned to the world

– Student-led Conferences (Nov.)

Tools

Tool Shed Bandsaw Drills

Screwdrivers And many more!

PVC pipe Heat guns

Soldering iron

Wires, motors, and batteries

Circuits Dial Calipers Hot glue guns

Paint

Technology

iPads iMovie Quizizz

Apple Clips Kahoot! Notability Flipgrid Nearpod

Amplify And many more!

Laptops Whitebox

CAD

Code.org

Robotics ROBOTC Building materials

Coding software

Writing in All Content Areas

Some examples include: daVinci Notebook Independent Research Projects Energy source essay Constitutional debates Element Website Technology Children’s Book Future City Essay Seaperch Engineering Notebook STEM Museum Exhibit

Challenges/Labs

Building Challenges

Rube Goldberg Foot Prosthesis Roller Coaster Lab

Building Catapults Green Cars Robotics

A Historical Approach

The year will be divided into two halves where biographical studies of influential scientists will provide the framework for the core content.

September – January

Leonardo DaVinci

Galileo Galilei

Sir Isaac NewtonBenjamin Franklin

February– June

Marie CurieThomas Edison/Nikola Tesla

Albert Einstein

Bill Gates/Steve Jobs

Prominent Themes

Identifying societal needs met by technology and innovation

Innovation’s effect on society Exchanging of ideas Turning “I think” into “I know because” Scientific method/engineering design process

Humanities Integration

How We Got to Now The Science of Leonardo Electric Universe Sci-fi Lit Circles Short Story Unit The Giver To Kill a Mockingbird FutureHype Independent reading

Themes of American history and accompanying literature are explored, as well.

Leonardo daVinci

Italian Renaissance Scientific Method Unit -> Medical

Detectives Energy Unit Jigsaw Ch. 1-4 of SS Sketching & Technical Drawing Computer Aided Design Siege Machines First Differentiated Novel Poetry Unit with Renaissance theme Introduce Future City/IRP

We will start the year exploring the genius of Leonardo daVinci and the art of inquiry-based learning.

Galileo

Early Space Exploration Science of Flight Whitebox Gliders Light and Sound Waves Thermal Energy SS French and Indian War Tech Current Event Eastern Planetarium

We will explore the controversial Galileo and his observations of “the heavens”.

Sir Isaac Newton

Force and Motion Simple Machines Roller Coaster Lab Rube Goldberg Devices Egg Drop Engineering Internship The Giver Future City Competition IRP Presentations Franklin Institute -> Newton’s Loft

We will explore the physics findings of Sir Isaac Newton.

Benjamin Franklin

Declaration of Independence Revolutionary War Ben Franklin Museum American Revolution Museum Independence Hall Science Fiction Lit Circles

We will explore the impact of Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin.

Marie Curie

Phase Change Happy Atoms Chemical Reactions Element Website Chemical Heritage Foundation 12 Angry Men

We will explore the accomplishments of the ground-breaking scientist, Marie Curie.

Thomas Edison/Nikola Tesla

Inventions, Patents, & The Law Electricity Unit Snap Circuits Electric Universe Short Stories—science fiction elements Seaperch

We will explore Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla and illustrate how their persistence made them famous.

Albert Einstein

To Kill a Mockingbird Character Psychoanalysis Constitution and Bill of Rights Constitution Center and Liberty Bell Constitutional Debates Video Current Event

We will learn about the 20th century’s most famous scientist, Albert Einstein.

Bill Gates/Steve Jobs

Robotics and Coding Technology Children’s Book Current Event—STEM Careers Present 2nd IRP Future Hype Nanotechnology Singh Center for Nanotechnology SS Ch. 11-19 Jigsaw Final Project – Gateways Museum

We will learn about current technology gurus, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.

Independent Research Projects

Semester-long project

Research ANY TOPIC that interests you Must make an argument Research paper using sources to back up your argument

Present your findings to your classmates including interactive learning experiences

Independent Research Projects

Examples of topics: Amazon is destroying small businesses. Standardized testing has more negative effects than positive effects. Self-driving cars need much more work before becoming available for

purchase. GMOs have many positive effects. Germany needs to lead the EU along with Western Asia and North

Africa. The moon landings were not fake. Asian culture has a positive effect on the success of Asian children. Swimmers are more physically fit than runners. Net neutrality is important for equal Internet access. Parents with Munchausen’s by proxy negatively affect their children.

Future Cities

National competition

Planning a city from scratch Civil engineer mentor Multiple components—

Essay Model

Sim Presentation Project plan

Interview for job Prepare a resume

Practice interview questions Participate in an interview with a member of RTSD administration

Seaperch

Underwater robotics competition

Fashioned out of PVC pipe Naval engineer mentor Multiple components

Presentation Engineering notebook

Design of the perch Pool competition

Compete at Regionals at Temple University

Potential to compete at Nationals

With a Little Help from Our Friends

In the last couple of years: REF Grant (2017) to attend Seaperch

Nationals REF Grant (2018) to bring Whitebox

Learning to the Classroom RTSD Curriculum Office (2017-2019)

to allow Gateways teachers to attend new PLTW trainings

Who is Compatible?

EVERYONE

Seek some independence and choice in learning

Strong interest in technology and science inquiry

Enjoy working & learning in groups

Like to explore & “dig deeper” Enjoy getting out of the classroom to

explore real-world applications to the curriculum

Thrive in an environment where much of the learning is “hands-on”

Will My Child Be Prepared for RHS?

Yes!

Well-prepared for the most demanding high school course work and a successful transition to 9th grade

Data has been collected tracking former students’ performance at RHS

Has shown that they have performed as well, if not better than their non-Gateways peers

Skills Learned from the Gateways Classroom

Project planning Personalized challenge in the

form of differentiation Group work Writing in all content areas Engineering software Tool safety

Research projects Applications to the real-world Making personal learning choices Video/movie editing Website creation Wiring motors and circuitry

Reminders

Once your student accepts a spot in Gateways, they will be scheduled in this class for the rest of the year

This course takes the place of 3 core classes, and as a result, will take a similar amount of homework time

This course includes many forms of group work, and students must be open to working toward a goal with anyone

There are many opportunities throughout the year for differentiation, and all of our projects allow students to push themselves to meet individualized goals

Gateways teachers make the same 9th grade recommendations as all other teachers, which allows students to have the opportunity to enter any college prep, advanced, honors, or seminar classes

What’s Next?

Discuss Gateways with your child and decide on acceptance of your child’s spot or decline the invitation

Intention letter should be submitted to the Guidance Office NO LATER THAN Tuesday, May 28th.