• Introduction to Engineering

  • Students learn about the basics of engineering design such as the 4 main concerns (safety, utility, economics, aesthetics), the forces on structures, and live vs. dead load. Students review footage of the Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse to determine which forces led to the collapse.

• Types of Bridges

  • Students learn about 4 of the main types of bridges (arch, beam, truss, suspension) and what the advantages and disadvantages are of each type of design.

• Bridges Around the World

  • Students are led on a virtual expedition using a custom Google Earth Tour to various locations around the world that are sites of current or future bridges. Students answer questions about the various types of bridges as they explore.

• Bridge Design

  • Students design their own truss bridge that meets the specifications outlined in the Project Report.

• Bridge Construction and Testing

  • Students are shown how to construct the truss bridges and work independently to make their bridges. Upon completion, students test their bridges to failure and calculate the efficiency rating (live vs. dead loads) to determine which truss bridge design is most efficient and cost-effective.

• Introduction to Flight

  • Bernoulli Effect

  • Lift, Thrust, Drag, Gravity

  • High vs. Low Air Pressure

• Drone Technology Basics

  • UAV

  • Tello, Tello EDU, Toolboxes

  • Controlling the drones and introduction to safe drone flight

• FAA Drone Regulations

  • Part 107 and recreational flight regulations

  • Reading METARs

  • Ceiling of clouds

  • Calculating wind speed and direction

  • Special weather statements

  • Sectional charts (MSL vs. AGL)

  • METARS

  • Latitude vs. Longitude

• Programming Flight Paths

  • DroneBlocks or TelloEDU

  • Drone Stations

• Drone Data Collection

  • Advanced Tech: Developing a sectional chart of the OPMS campus by flying drones to collect altitude data and inputting into a custom Google Earth map.

  • 8th Grade Tech: Using drones to capture photos and videos to create a short multimedia presentation.

• FAA TRUST Test

• Introduction to Vector-Based Design

  • What is a vector? (connect-the-dots analogy)

  • Tour of Gravit

  • Gravit Design Fundamentals

    • Select vs. Sub-select

    • Nodes/Anchors

    • Compound shapes

    • Fills and borders (paths)

    • Opacity

    • Knife tool

    • Visual effects

    • Layering

• T-shirt Design Project

  • Designing for a t-shirt graphic

• Introduction to Construction

  • Students learn about the basics of construction technology such as the 4 main concerns (safety, utility, economics, aesthetics), general materials and systems of home construction.

• Construction Safety

  • Students learn about machines, tools, and hardware used within the construction industry. This is done through tool/machine introductions, short videos/activities, and follow up quizzes through Power Tool Institute/OSHA.

• Home Construction Systems

  • Students are led on a virtual adventure to explore the systems of a home. Upon completion, students will practice skills related to each of these systems.

    • Foundation - build concrete walls for model or pour a brick

    • Framing - build a small wall section

    • Drywall/Sheathing - attach drywall/sheathing to wall section

    • Roofing - place and nail a shingle

    • Plumbing - review PEX, PVC, Copper and create a PEX fitting

    • Electricity - wire a switch, light, outlet

    • Finishing - tile work, painting, flooring

  • Students design their own architectural model that meets the specifications outlined in the Project Report.

• Bridge Construction and Testing

  • Students are shown how to construct the truss bridges and work independently to make their bridges. Upon completion, students test their bridges to failure and calculate the efficiency rating (live vs. dead loads) to determine which truss bridge design is most efficient and cost-effective.

• Home Automation

  • Students will research current trends and designs in Home Automation and share their findings with the class to discuss how their technology or system improves our lives and the environment, what consequences that technology may have, and whether they believe the technology will be a success.

• Introduction to Manufacturing

  • Students learn about concepts of automation, positive/negative and intended/unintended consequences, and the history of manufacturing. We review the design process and students develop their thoughts and ideas in the project report.

• Brainstorming

  • Students document ideas and develop designs for their project. Students participate in a class critique.

• Drawing and Graphing

  • Students create their final design on ¼” graph paper and plot coordinates for every endpoint. We review the X,Y,Z axes, the 4 quadrants, and measurement.

• Machine Code

  • Using guided notes for the CNC Glossary, students learn and practice machine code and use a simulator to demonstrate their understanding. Students then write the code for their final design. Upon completion, the code is machined on the CNC Router.

Advanced Technology and Engineering students will have similar experiences to the traditional 8th Grade Technology and Engineering students in content topics. However, these students will have the opportunity to compete in local events such as Niagara County Community College Tech Wars and Erie County Community College Tech Wars. They will compete in events such as bridge building, drone racing, graphic design, and STEM challenges.