We are excited to announce the introduction of our new PLTW- Gateway to Technology Middle School curriculum. This curriculum is a “Gateway” or pathway to the high school Project Lead The Way curriculum. The Gateway curriculum is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) based program using critical thinking, problem-solving, and design and modeling through the use of Computer-Aided Design Software. The classes at Station are a part of the Exploratory program rotations of classes.
PLTW- Gateway to Technology curriculum.
Our class is a “Gateway” to the high school Project Lead The Way curriculum. It is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) based program using critical thinking, problem-solving, with design and computer modeling using computer-aided design (CAD) software as well as coding, mechanism design and building through robotics. 6th-grade students will be in the Stem Lab for 6 weeks and the 7th and 8th-grade students for 12 weeks.
Classes also include vocabulary, bell ringer discussions, brainstorming work, engineering sketches, 3D design & modeling and robotics activities, coding, essential and conclusion questions. Work in the engineering notebook will be used daily as formative assessments to ensure students understand the concepts taught in class. The completion of the entire engineering notebook, including activities and projects will be the summative assessment for students at the end of the term. Students will work independently and consult their fellow students as resources.
PLTW Gateway.
With the PLTW curriculum, “Students get rigorous and relevant experiences through activity-, project-, and problem-based learning. They use industry-leading technology (3D modeling software) to solve problems while gaining skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.”
https://www.pltw.org/our-programs/gateway
https://www.pltw.org/our-programs/curriculum
https://www.pltw.org/about-us/our-approach
Design & Modeling (DM): Students learn and apply the design process (including sketching techniques, measurement, and computer 3D modeling) to problem-solve and understand the influence of Engineering, including creativity and innovation on their lives.
They work independently on projects and collaborate in teams to design (final project), capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks. Using 3D design software, student creates a virtual portfolio of their designs & innovative solutions.
Design & Modeling Learning Objectives:
Learning Obj: The use of a common measurement system is essential for communicating and fabricating designs.
Learning Obj: Develop and apply design and modeling skills using various types of modeling techniques.
Learning Obj: Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the Design and Modeling unit while designing and fabricating.
Automation & Robotics (AR): Student trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.
Automation & Robotics Learning Objectives:
Learning Obj: Understand how mechanisms have been used historically how they have progressed and the impact that robots have on society.
Learning Obj: Understanding mechanical advantages and how they are utilized.
Learning Obj: Applying code to a system that will automate a process.
2022-23 Station Exploratory Department Page: With Parent Hand-out and Rotation Dates
Link to PLTW GTT Curriculum info: https://www.pltw.org/our-programs/pltw-gateway-curriculum
Link to Standards Alignment: http://alignment.pltw.org/site/index
More Videos about PLTW:
For School Districts looking to implement PLTW-GTT
Here is our FAQ Document