1. Jill Burgess 841-6777 jburgess@austinisd.org PLTW LMS - https://my.pltw.org/ My website

2.  Painter’s tape  Electrical tape  Markers  Disinfecting wipes

3.  STEM based curriculum  Incorporates national science and technology standards as well as the state TEKS for math and science.  Project based curriculum – DO NOT EXPECT a lot of grades or homework  Classes designed to prepare the students to be able to use technology to solve everyday problems.

4. Design & Modeling / Automation & Robotics - year course (7 th /8 th grade)  These classes earn.5 credit  These MUST be taken to earn ANY high school credit. 8 th Grade Only (earn an additional.5 credit)  Science of Technology (semester)  Magic of Electrons (semester)  Students must take both to earn credit New this year – Green Architecture/Medical Detectives (7 th /8 th grade)

5.  Students explore the biomedical sciences through hands-on projects and labs that require the students to solve a variety of medical mysteries.  Investigate medical careers, vital signs, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as human body systems such as the nervous system. (includes sheep brain dissection). Genetic testing for hereditary diseases and DNA crime scene analysis (students solve a murder mystery by doing get electrophoresis) put the students in the place of real life medical detectives.

6.  This unit uses 3-D CAD program as part of the design process.  Utilizing this design approach, students understand how design influences their lives.  Students also learn sketching techniques and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement and computer modeling.  Students brainstorm, research, develop ideas, create models, test and evaluate design ideas, and communicate solutions.

7.  Students trace the history, development and influence of automation and robotics.  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.

8.  Students study the history of aerospace through hands-on activities, research and a presentation in the form of an infomercial.  Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build and test a model glider.  Simulation software is used to expose students to traveling and living in space.

9.  Students investigate the importance of energy in our lives and the impact that using energy has on the environment.  They design and model alternative energy sources and participate in energy fairs to demonstrate energy concepts and innovative ideas.  Students evaluate ways to reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency and waste management techniques.

10.  Students study the history of robotics through hands-on activities, research and a presentations.  They will receive many challenges that require imagination and teamwork to be successful.  Students will be programming using ROBOTC and building with VEX robotics