CONWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Mr. Frank Knoblauch
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Conway Middle School Technology Education program, also reffered to as “The Tech Force”, allows students to practice problem solving skills that are relevant to real world situations. Students regularly apply math, science and communication skills to the solutions of real problems. The Tech Force problem solving approach typically used in activities, is based on the STEM model, which challenges students to interact with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The challenges will be at grade level for each student and will enable students to deepen their understanding in each of these areas. The challenges are often competitive and apply many basic and technical skills. Students are required to complete research experiences, apply basic skills, and solve problems by creating products. The courses are Game Design and a program of varying courses from the Project Lead the Way curriculum. Students in all classes will be engaged in class wide design and problem solving activities. Each program has an individual homepage, so visit the page for the class on your child’s schedule. Please visit my teacher website regularly, as it will be updated with unit and project descriptions, as well as photos of student work in our “Virtual Showcase”.
In addition to our course offerings, our school’s program is affiliated with the Technology Student Association. This is a state and national level student organization that offers enrichment, extra-curricular, and competitive events in technology and STEM. Last year, our students were finalist in numerous events at the state conference, and it is our intention to return in January, 2016 to the conference to be held in Orlando. More information on this and TSA will be offered at a later date.
SHORTCUTS TO COURSE SYLLABI:
COMPUTER GAME DESIGN PLTW: MAGIC OF ELECTRONS (6TH GRADE)
MATERIALS LIST: Students will be required to have the following items to be prepared for each class. Note that these items will be stored in the Technology Education labs, thus enabling the student to be prepared for each class.
- Number 2 or mechanical pencils (pens are optional…pencils required)
- A USB drive (8GB or higher) is recommended but not required.
NOTE: All other paper materials will be provided to students in class. A portfolio folder (all classes) and PLTW Engineering Notebook (PLTW students only) will be provided by teacher.
ASSESSMENT: Student performance will be evaluated on a percentage system inclusive of research questions and problems, tests, projects and products, as well as participation. Some projects, as well as objective tests and quizzes will be submitted electronically through my Edmodo website and through the PLTW Learner Management System (PLTW only).
END OF COURSE ASSESSMENT: As with all classes, this year the state is requiring an end of course assessment. In Orange County Public School’s, career and technical programs will use a portfolio assessment in which students will show growth and competency in the skills studied in class. For our students, this will mean that they will assemble a portfolio of their best work throughout the semester. This is a less stressful alternative to the conventional objective test that would be taken (in other words no bubbling of answers). More information on the assembly of this portfolio will be offered later in the semester. I will be showing students how to save and archive their work throughout the semester so it can be selected and added to this portfolio later on.
NOTE: Each student will be required to sign a computer usage agreement prior to accessing any and all technology resources at CMS and the Technology Education classroom. Please locate that document in the CMS Planner and make sure it is returned. A special form for the Tech Ed program will be sent home separately at a later date.