Course Syllabus

PLTW: Gateway to Technology Syllabus

2020-2021

Instructor Information

Instructor

Email

Room Location 

Mrs. Sara Grenier, M.Ed.

sgrenier@aisd.net

904

Remind

Office/Lab Hours

rmd.at/grenpltw

@grenpltw to 81010

To be announced 

General Information

Online Information

This school year we will embark on a new journey. Starting the year online has its own set of challenges and I am ready to try to tackle them with you. It is important to remember that you must log in to Canvas everyday to interact with course content. This is not only a good practice but it is required for attendance. 

  • Video Communication
      • I will use Microsoft Teams to conduct video conferences and instruction with students and families. Students have Teams accounts associated with their school email address.
      • Parent should also be able to sign up for a free account
  • Live Instruction
      • Live instruction is on Fridays during our regularly scheduled class time. 
      • Students will connect to class via Microsoft Teams
        • There will be a link in Canvas
      • Attendance is not required and all classes will be recorded
        • I will post one for later viewing
  • There will be an alternative assignment for students who do not participate in the live class

Description

Introduction to Engineering and the Design Process

Students learn about the roles engineers play in our world. They will investigate engineering and STEM careers. Students will also learn about and apply the Design Process as a problem-solving strategy, used to develop many possible solutions to a problem or to satisfy human needs and wants.

Design and Modeling

Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they have learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.

Science of Technology

Science impacts the technology of yesterday, today and the future. In this unit, students apply the concepts of physics, chemistry and nanotechnology to activities and projects, including making ice cream, cleaning up an oil spill and discovering the properties of nano-materials. 

Automation and Robotics

Students learn about the history and impact of automation and robotics as they explore mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Using the VEX Robotics® platform, students apply what they know to design and program traffic lights, robotic arms, and more. 

Magic of Electrons

In this unit, students examine the behavior and parts of atoms as well as the impact of electricity on the world around them. They learn skills in basic circuitry design and use what they know to propose designs such as a burglar alarm for an art museum.

Expectations, Safety and Goals

This class will be challenging, and students will be expected to have good attendance. Oral lesson, demonstration, Internet exploration and hands-on activities will be the primary methods of learning. Students will be expected to take notes when a lesson/demonstration is given, are asked to participate in all lessons, and are to ask questions for better understanding. Students will be conducting a significant amount of internet research and completing building projects. Any inappropriate use of the Internet or other campus technology and tools will result in consequences outlined in the AISD Student Code of Conduct.

By the end of the school students will have a basic understanding of the following; the design process, decision making skills, technical drawing and documentation, internet research and citation, basic circuitry design, nanotechnology, concepts of physics and chemistry, machine automation and computer control systems. 

In addition to the skills above students will practice teamwork and problem solving to complete daily tasks in the classroom. 

Course Materials

Required Materials

Most materials will be provided but students are expected to bring the following to class each day

    • Pens (blue or black ink only), no other colors please
    • Pencils, several
    • Something to write on
  • **Engineering notebooks will provided and kept in the classroom (when we return to class)
  • Students are to keep the notebook neat and organized as instructed.
  • Paper should not be removed from the notebook but we may glue in pages as needed.
  • Notebooks will be kept in the classroom at all times
  • The notebooks will be graded throughout the course
  • Wired Headphones for when we return to class
    • I have a classroom set of headphones, if necessary. Students will help clean them between uses.

Optional Materials

Throughout the year we may complete projects that will require students to bring materials from home. I will inform students as soon as possible and use Remind to send information home.

Headphones will be provided but students are encouraged to use their own at their own risk.

Required Text

My.PLTW.org; every student will have a PLTW account they will use to access online materials needed for the course. This is our online textbook.

Course Grades

Type

Description

Daily Work

Counts 1 time

Quizzes and Mini Projects

Counts 2 times

Tests and Long Projects*

Counts 3 times

*Long Projects may be made up of multiple grades during the progression of the project, may be a combination of the above.

Grades, Late and Absent Work

  • I do my best to grade work within a week of when it is handed in.
  • You will not be penalized for turning it work late but it must be submitted the last Wednesday before grades are due for progress reports and report cards.
    • At that point “M” becomes a 0 and cannot be recovered.
  • If you are absent you are responsible for collecting your own work. Check the daily board online, the classroom calendar and the work folders for more info.
    • You can also ask a classmate!

Additional Information and Resources

Because of the special environment in the Career & Technology lab, in addition to school rules the following expectations will be enforced:

  1. Follow all directions, policies, and lab procedures at all times.
  2. Be on time to class, with supplies.
  3. No loud or unnecessary talking.
  4. Keep hands, feet and objects to oneself. Horseplay in the lab will not be permitted!
  5. Use your time wisely.
  6. Always respect yourself and others.
  7. Use all lab equipment safely and properly, and return to the appropriate location at the end of class. 
  8. No gum, candy or drink in the lab at any time.

Disciplinary Consequences

Type

Description

1st Offense

Verbal Warning and Reminder

2nd Offense

Student/Teacher Conference

3rd Offense

Parent Contact

4th Offense

Office referral

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due