- Peekskill Middle School
- Syllabus
Scala, Anthony
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The STE(A)M acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. These academic disciplines rely heavily on one another in the academic and professional world. In this blended course, students will be engaged in a hands-on learning environment through project based learning. STEAM units are typically based around finding solutions to real-world problems. All students who takes this course will be able to:
- Focus on and think critically to solve real-world problems
- Work cooperatively with their peers in productive teamwork
- Use the Engineering Design Process
- Apply Science and Math concepts in their work
- Use hands-on inquiry and open-ended exploration to solve problems
STEAM 6
Digital Citizenship – Digital Citizenship consists of a range of topics including online safety, online privacy, security, literacy, screen time, and more. In this unit, students explore a range of simulated activities and understand what it means to be a proper digital citizen.
Getting to Know Technology – In this technology research unit, students will learn how to properly conduct Internet research, cite their sources, and determine whether websites are credible or not. Throughout the process, students will learn about the families of technology, needs versus wants, technology’s role in society, and the role that math and science play in developing new technological products.
Coding – Using Code.org as a resource, students will learn the fundamentals of block-based coding including basic commands, loops, sequencing, variables, functions, and conditional statements. Students will be able to create their own personalized program as the unit project.
Engineering Principles – In this hands-on learning unit, students will learn about several different types of Engineers and their practices. Students will understand that Engineers are real-world problem solvers that work together to accomplish tasks. Students will act as Engineers as they build and test several different structures while working under various constraints.
Engineering & Robotics – As students continue learning about Engineers and the Engineering Design Process, students will use those skills to create a chariot that will be used with Sphero robotics. Students will learn to program the Sphero robot to act as the driver of their constructed chariot.
STEAM Careers – Students will take a personality assessment to gauge their interest in several STEAM career fields. Once complete, students will continue using their research skills to develop a brochure for a STEAM career of their choosing.
STEAM 7
Digital Citizenship - Digital Citizenship consists of a range of topics including online safety, online privacy, security, literacy, screen time, and more. In this unit, students explore a range of simulated activities and understand what it means to be a proper digital citizen.
Coding & Game Design – In this unit from Code.org, students will use coding and computer science to develop their own video game. Throughout the process, students will be introduced to math concepts that are used in computer science such as the coordinate plane, functions, domain, range, and more.
The Engineering Design Process – In this hands-on learning unit, students will learn about several different types of Engineers and their practices. Students will understand that Engineers are real-world problem solvers that work together to accomplish tasks. Students will act as Engineers as they build and test several different structures while working under various constraints.
Sphero Robotics - Using Sphero robots, students will use a paired device to program their Sphero through block-based coding. Students who prefer a challenge can also use Python text-based coding with their Sphero. Students will use various computer science concepts and knowledge of angles while programing their Sphero robot.
Lego Robotics – Students will be able to construct, test, and program the Lego NXT robot to complete various STEAM related tasks. Students will be introduced to the LEGO Mindstorms programming platform and use the 5 sensors attached to their Lego robot to complete various tasks.
Maglev – In this alternative energy unit, students will learn about and construct a model Maglev car. Students will perform an experiment with the strength of magnets before constructing and testing their Maglev car.
Introduction to 3D Design – In this unit, students will be introduced to CAD (Computer Aided Design) and 3D Design principles. Students will be able to use these concepts to create 3D prints of various objects.
STEAM 8Digital Citizenship - Digital Citizenship consists of a range of topics including online safety, online privacy, security, literacy, screen time, and more. In this unit, students explore a range of simulated activities and understand what it means to be a proper digital citizen.
Coding & App Design – In this Computer Science unit, students will use Code.org to build on the fundamentals of coding. Students will use simple commands, functions, parameters, and variables to create their own app usable from any device.
3D Design & 3D Printing – Students will use CAD software and 3D design principles to create various 3D objects. In the process, students will learn about the process of 3D printing, the parts of the printer, and how it can be applied and used in real-world scenarios.
The Engineering Design Process Continued - In this hands-on learning unit, students will learn about several different types of Engineers and their practices. Students will understand that Engineers are real-world problem solvers that work together to accomplish tasks. Students will act as Engineers as they build and test several different structures while working under various constraints.
Web Design – In this web-based unit, students will be able to create their own website using various methods and platforms. Websites that students create will use proper web design fundamentals such as ease of use, visibility, accessibility controls, and audience.