Technology
aka S.T.E.A.M. // Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics
void setup() {Class Description}
- Learn by fixing mistakes.
When you were a toddler, you learned to walk by trying, and then falling back, changing the way you moved a little and trying again, and after failing to walk, made some more changes, and then finally you were upright and moving. You held on to something and wobble, step, fall, up, step... You LEARN by fixing mistakes. Were you embarrassed by all the failing? No, not at that age. You solved the problem of falling by trying many ways to stay standing. Did you quit when it got too hard? No. You really wanted to walk around like everyone else so you pushed yourself to keep making changes.
Be like a toddler. Keep going!
- Projects focus.
In this class you will experience hands-on projects that you select from what is available, or that you propose from your own ideas and interests. From computer engineering, robotics, automation, mechanics, building trades, arts, entertainment, physical engineering, product design, to agricultural science.
Based on what is offered or available, what are your interests? What do you want to hack? What will ignite your curiosity in this quest for creativity?
- Open Source Independence
"Open source" is when you make something that solves a problem, that is helpful to the progress of people, and you decide to give that idea away to the public. No one owns it, so anyone is free to build it or improve it and spread it further to more minds. "Open Source" is where many lessons your teachers give you are from. It's also one of the drivers behind speedier advances in science and technology. What is an example the open source universe? There is a Youtube diy video for EVERYTHING! You can learn how to do many many things by studying videos on Youtube... just need to find them first.
The GOALS of the course are for you to:
Learn about the Design Process.
Learn how to use tools such as computers, measurement devices, hand and power tools, and the materials they manipulate.
Learn to teach yourself by designing solutions to problems, asking questions, researching, trying stuff, failing, and trying again.
Form habits that help you to construct critical thinking, access creativity and ignite curiosity.
Experience the truth that you are the best teacher of you.
The Ideals of the course are:
Discover technologies that make our world better and introduce the use of some of these technologies.
Uncover the social impacts of technology.
Learn how to MAKE stuff instead of buying stuff. Buying stuff is needed. But we want to repurpose cast away materials when possible, reuse materials that are still useful, reduce waste of materials
Discover that the best technologies are those that strike a balance between the environment and human use of it.
You can learn anything you set your mind to with effort and access to the resources available. You just have to KEEP GOING.
Above all: YOU ARE THE BEST TEACHER OF YOU
void loop() { This Class has Two Sides to it} //
Side One: ASSIGNMENTS/ LEARNING TASKS
Assignments will be posted in Classroom in the Learning Tasks topic.
All of the lessons and units are intended to expand your horizons and ignite your curiosity. They many connected to each other or standalone lessons.
Will there be tests? Occasionally, the assignments will have their own assessments attached. The eportfolio is your "examination" where you show you what and how you learned. See below:
Side Two: HANDS-ON LEARNING with Projects
With projects in hand, students will learn through the "Design Process"
Projects are chosen by students. You could choose a project suggested to you, you could choose one that is in midstream, or you could propose a project.
Will there be tests? While working on projects, you will regularly update an ePortfolios (an electronic portfolio). In your ePortfolio, you will document your design process, show people the new tools and methods you learned, links to any research you used, the steps of thinking through this project, and it instructs others about how to do your project. This is used instead of tests for assessment.
Timeline:
September -
Learn about the Design Process through design challenges
Innovation Presentations by students
Creating eportfolios and editing media
How to measure
How to make plans and draw them (isometric/orthographic drawing)
October -
How to use shop tools in each area
Build your initial group projects (wood and electronics)
Begin to choose independent projects
November - May
Projects development
eportfolio updates
units of study on various topics and weekly learning tasks
June
Finalize eportfolios for final assessment, gallery walk, and presentation
Safety - Safety in the shop is the first priority. For every tool, all students must be fully trained and pass a safety test. Students may only use power tools after gaining approval from the instructor on the set up and safety of each operation. All students have signed a safety agreement and assume responsibility for their actions regarding tool use. Click here to view the safety agreement.
Curiosity sparks. Creativity ignites. InnovatION TIME!
These are people who thought about what people NEED and innovated SOLUTIONS that they tried. Try, misstep, try, misstep, try... then one day, SUCCESS!!!
Dr. Shirley Jackson - Researched subatomic particles that helped make computers possible.
Click here: Watch a documentary on Ms. Jackson
Nikola Tesla - Invented some part of 75% of ALL technology!
Click here: Watch a Documentary on Mr. Tesla
Lewis Latimer - Invented the carbon filament in household lightbulbs.
Click here: Watch a documentary on Mr. Latimer