7th grade- Design and Modeling

Our focus is creating a culture of “homegrowing” our own engineers. 

My plan time is  7:40 - 8:30am           School Phone: 816-690-4156           Email:  tzerr@ogr6.org

The OGMS STEM program classes utilized a nationally recognized pre-engineering program, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and various cross discipline activities. 

The class will focus on skills, knowledge and methods of engineering in a (MakerSpace) working environment. This class will expect students to utilize information and instruction from multiple sources to design/produce/manipulate a useful product.

Students are expected to work independently and in small groups. Many assignments require independent processing of instructions. Some ambiguity is inherent in engineering.  Independent and team learning work ethics are demanded as the class should emulate work environments.

“Hard” skills will be on measurement, sketching, CADD, human and machine language to demonstrate the overarching goal of technical/engineering/ building/design. 

Additionally students are expected to develop and utilize their “Soft” workplace skills in the classroom activities.

Behaviors: 

We = parents + teachers + peers  expect that:

• You are in this class to participate.

• You are willing to work with others in the class.

• Students are representatives of our larger learning community, Oak Grove. 

• Your peers and teachers will share in your educational endeavors.

• Students will show responsibility that will earn respect:

General grading practice:

Students will earn credit by appropriately following instructions, actively participating, and the completion of assignments. Currently 6th grades are weighted as 50% assessment and 50% activity. 7th and 8th grade is weighted 60% assessment and 40% activity. 

Special Note on grading: PLTW encourages the emulation of real world activity, therefore grading projects and student achievement are often blended. In most cases the letter/points grade is not indicative of student success or achievement. 

Parents should communicate with the teacher to reduce miscommunications. Parents are expected to inform the teacher ASAP.  Appropriate and timely communication will assist school personnel in making the best decisions for all our students. Please keep in mind that students mimic our behaviors and expectations. 

Classroom Procedures/Safety: As with any team there must be defined starting and ending rules. Similar to a football team the QB (teacher) will huddle and call the play. Then every player is expected to execute their task. After the play (the activity) the team gathers together to discuss the success or issues. The team gets organized for the next play or end of class procedure.  

Our classroom will be conducted similarly. We will begin and end the activities/class as a team. Once everyone understands what the instructions are, each student will do their best to ensure the success of the team. I as the coach/QB will assist all players in doing their part to “win”. 

Organization of the classroom and lab is critical to the success of learning. Students are expected to assist in using, returning and keeping all materials and equipment in good condition.

 Safety is not an option. Each student must demonstrate proper knowledge and physical/mental skillset while choosing and using equipment.. Students who do not demonstrate good lab protocols and procedures will not be allowed to fully utilize the lab. 

Advice:

There are four kinds of advice: (This is an oversimplification - no one has it exactly like this.) 

1. Mother’s: The day to day reminders, i.e.; clean up, get along, don’t forget to….

2. Father’s: Don’t do that again or this will be your consequence.

3. Grandparents: You have an aptitude for this…..! Good job kiddo!

4. Self Advice: The student will be asked guided questions to assist them in figuring out the issue/conflict. Then decide what could be done differently to achieve a better outcome should something similar happen again. (Prior proper preparation prevents poor performance- Say that three times fast. LOL)