Our Plan

STEM stands for Science-Technology-Engineering-Math, and the work we do in this class will encompass those areas. We will learn about STEM careers, and why employers are seeking people with engineering skills. I am hoping to have time for you to journal/blog, do mini-Science lessons/projects, read STEM-related literature, do creative work with tech tools, and math-related projects.
PLTW is the other acronym in the title of this class. It stands for "Project Lead The Way", an organization that provides rigorous and innovative STEM courses for middle and high schools. I went through Core Training this summer to lead you in the middle school "Gateway to Technology" course. There are two main parts of this class - Design & Modeling and Automation & Robotics.
I'm planning to have the basic structure of this STEM class to cover "Design & Modeling" for the first half of the year (or first 2.5 hexes) and "Automation & Robotics" over the last half of the year. That, of course, will be subject to change!

Introduction to Engineering and Design

Lesson	Knowledge/Skills	Projects/Assignments	Estimated Days it will take
1.1 What is Engineering?	use and maintain an engineering notebook difference between invention and innovation; impact on society research careers and pathways in STEM	set up engineering notebook and blog for the year Tech Artifact Presentation Engineering Careers Research and Creation (Brochure, E-book, Online Magazine, Skit, etc.)	14
1.2 Design Process	Describe the DP and how to solve problems with it Use design brief and decision matrix	Design Process concept map Furniture Design Project and Design Brief (parallel to other decisions, as in coaching)	10

Design & Modeling

Lesson	Knowledge/Skills	Projects/Assignments	Estimated Days it will take
1.3 Measurement	convert between standard and metric units demonstrate ability to measure accurately	Precision measuring with dial calipers Skimmer Project and glide in gym or hallway	10
1.4 Sketching and Dimensioning Techniques	recognize and create thumbnail, perspective, isometric, and orthographic sketches communicate ideas using various sketching and drafting views	Sketching of simple objects Practice Wooden Block set activity Dimensioning Guidelines Assignment	12
1.5 Designing for Production	create a 3D model of an object apply constraint to parts and assemble the product using Inventor (CAD software) Use knowledge of design and modeling to solve a design problem	Computer Modeling Fundamentals with Inventor Parametric Modeling Partner practice (one sketches and another completes on Inventor) and then add changes Make parts and assemble Pegboard Toy Make 3D Model of Best Furniture Design Idea Playground Design Problem	44

Automation & Robotics

Lesson	Knowledge/Skills	Projects/Assignments	Estimated Days it will take
2.1 What is Automation and Robotics?	describe AR’s purpose and effect on society summarize how robots are used and what +/- effects are	Sandwich Algorithm/VEX Build What do we use Robots for? Research and Presentation Engineering Career Presentation (choice of tool)	14
2.2 Mechanical Systems	use ratios to solve mechanical advantage problems apply specific mechanisms to adjust speed, torque, force, or type of motion	Mechanism Toybox Examples and Notes Build different Mechanisms with VEX equipment Windmill Construction (optional) Pull Toy Construction OR Survival Challenge with Design Brief, Decision Matrix, and DP solution	24
2.3 Automated Systems	design, build, wire, and program open and closed loop systems use motors and sensors to solve robotic problems describe purpose of pseudocode when programming	Build VEX Testbed with motors and sensors (3 Roles: Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, and Computer Programmer) Automation through Programming Task Check-Off Simulated Factory Assembly Line for block Build, Wire, and Write the program for each factory cell	52