Design and Modeling

Design and Modeling Overview

In Design and Modeling (DM), students discover the benefits of the design process as they combine creativity, innovation, critical thinking, clear communication and effective use of human and material resources to solve real-world, open-ended problems. During the course, students build resiliency as they experience success through failure, practice collaborative techniques to produce required results while seeking a common solution, and learn to communicate design ideas through sketches, solid models and mathematical models. The Approach-, Project-, Problem- based (APB) approach scaffolds learning by connecting students' prior knowledge with new information and rectifying misconceptions as they create, analyze and revise design ideas that meet identified design requirements and engage stakeholders.

"PLTW gives students a basic grounding in problem-solving under constraints, often in settings that demand teamwork – with all the benefits and challenges associated with role definition, accountability, leadership/followership, and incorporation of different ideas and approaches. It also fosters attention to time management (how to juggle curricular demands with co-curricular activities), organization (lots of material to keep track of and lots of analytical work to document), and public speaking (through required presentations). One only has to attend a session of group project presentations to see all of these skills in action."

Make-Up Work and Help

Please note that GTT courses are primarily hands-on/activity-based learning experiences. Due to resources restricted to classroom only use and time constraints, it may not always be possible for students to make up work when they miss class. Unfortunately, I do not have office hours built into my schedule for students to come use tools and equipment or get extra help. I will try to accommodate student requests for help during their lunch time on Tuesdays when I have planning time as long as they make arrangements with me in advance.

Course Outline - Coming soon