This is an elective course for 8th grade students. The following units are covered during this semester class. There will be no homework associated with this class. Daily agendas and in class assignments will be posted in Google Classroom.

Units of Study

• Unit I – Innovation in Technology - Around the world billions of internet-connected devices are generating and collecting data. Students will understand what the Internet of Things is and how connecting devices to share and collect data are changing life for the better. Students will also learn about the potential loss of privacy with the sharing and collection of data.

• Unit II – Introduction to Programing - Computer science develops students’ computational and critical thinking skills and shows students how to create, not simply use, new technologies. This fundamental knowledge is needed to prepare students for the 21st century, regardless of their ultimate field of study or occupation. Students will use free web resources such as code.org to develop an understanding of this exciting technology.

• Unit III – Physical Computing/Java Script - To further understand the problem-solving process, I teach students about robotics and coding using the Sphero Bolt robot. Students learn the basics of programming by creating custom code to control the robot's movements, lights, and sensors using the Sphero Edu app. We explore block-based coding for beginners and JavaScript for more advanced students. Hands-on activities include obstacle courses, interactive games, and challenges like programming the robot to navigate mazes or simulate real-world tasks. The Sphero Bolt’s built-in sensors, such as its accelerometer and gyroscope, allow students to explore physics concepts and data collection. Through these activities, students develop problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills in an engaging and fun way.

• Unit IV – Adafruit Circuit Board- Students  will use Adafruit tools in the classroom to explore hands-on STEM learning through coding, electronics, and creative problem-solving. Beginner-friendly devices like the Circuit Playground Express make it easy to learn programming and build projects such as LED displays, weather monitors, or basic robots. Adafruit’s resources also enable cross-disciplinary projects, integrating technology with art, like creating wearable electronics or interactive installations. With free tutorials, step-by-step guides, and beginner-focused designs, Adafruit empowers students to innovate, collaborate, and develop real-world problem-solving skills in an engaging way.

• Unit V – AI Today -In my Tech Rev class, I teach students about AI by connecting it to real-world examples like voice assistants, facial recognition, and recommendation systems. Through hands-on activities, students train simple AI models using tools like Teachable Machine, where they create AI programs that recognize objects, sounds, or gestures. We also work on coding projects, such as building chatbots, analyzing data, or incorporating AI features into games and creative projects. I emphasize discussions about AI ethics, societal impacts, and its future applications, encouraging students to think critically about the technology. To wrap up the unit, students apply their knowledge by designing AI-powered solutions to solve real-world problems.