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<\/td>\nComputer Science Fundamentals 1 (Grades 7) and Computer Science Fundamentals 2 (grade 8)<\/strong> \u2013 The middle school courses will teach students programming, physical computing, HTML\/CSS, and data. Students will create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving and fun. Computer science teachers will focus on skill development in design, logical reasoning, and problem-solving that have value beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n The PLTW Gateway To Technology (GTT) program features a project-based curriculum designed to challenge and engage the natural curiosity and imagination of middle school students. They envision, design and test their ideas with the same advanced modeling software used by companies like Lockheed Martin, Intel, and Sprint. They study mechanical and computer control systems; think robotics and animation. Students also explore the importance of energy, including innovative ways to reduce, conserve, and produce it using solar, thermal, and wind power. The knowledge that students gain and the skills they build from the GTT program create a strong foundation for further STEM learning in high school and beyond. For more information go to\u00a0www.pltw.org<\/a><\/p>\n STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS<\/span>:<\/p>\n STEM 6:<\/u><\/span>\u00a0Design & Modeling part 1<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Students will be introduced to the design process to solve problems and communicate ideas.\u00a0 Students will use solid modeling software (a sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) as part of the design process.\u00a0 Utilizing this design approach, students will understand how design influences their lives.\u00a0 Students will build on their mathematics understanding when learning sketching techniques, applying descriptive geometry, measurement, and computer modeling as components of the design process.\u00a0 Students brainstorm, research, develop ideas, create models, test and evaluate design ideas, and communicate solutions. \u00a0(1 quarter)<\/p>\n STEM 7:<\/u><\/span>\u00a0Green Architecture<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 In a world of reduced resources and environmental challenges, it is important to present the concepts of \u201cbeing green\u201d to the next generation of designers and builders.\u00a0 Students are introduced to architectural plans, construction styles, alternative materials and architectural sustainability.\u00a0 Students use a 3D architectural software program to create an environmentally friendly home using shipping containers.<\/p>\n Energy and the Environment \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0Students will investigate the importance of energy in their lives and the environment.\u00a0 They will investigate and design ways to capture alternative energy sources and learn ways to reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency and waste management techniques.<\/p>\n STEM 8:<\/u><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Automation & Robotics<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Students trace the history, development and influence of automation and robotics.\u00a0 They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork collaboration and innovation.<\/p>\n Design and Modeling part 2\u00a0<\/strong>– Students will review and reinforce their math and design process skills learned in Design and Modeling part 1 with more advanced design projects. Students will complete the capstone playground design project. The skills and concepts learned in Design and Modeling part 2 will better prepare students to transition smoothly into the high school engineering classes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u200b Ms. Casey ccasey@kusd.edu STEM 6 and Computer Science Fundamentals 1 and 2 Mr. Nieman tnieman@kusd.edu STEM Computer Science Fundamentals 1 (Grades 7) and Computer Science Fundamentals 2 (grade 8) […]\n","protected":false},"author":4839,"featured_media":0,"parent":158,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-254","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kusd.edu\/lance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/254","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kusd.edu\/lance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kusd.edu\/lance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kusd.edu\/lance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4839"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kusd.edu\/lance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=254"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.kusd.edu\/lance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/254\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17051,"href":"https:\/\/www.kusd.edu\/lance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/254\/revisions\/17051"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kusd.edu\/lance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/158"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kusd.edu\/lance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=254"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}STEM\u00a0(Science Technology Engineering and Math)<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)<\/h3>\n