Grade 7: Engineering & Design - STEM – Technical Education

Length of Course: Semester

Course Description:

This course encompasses concepts of Technology, such as the Design Process, Collaborative Learning, and Problem Solving Skills that will assist students in becoming successful lifelong learners. Students will be introduced to the Design Process which includes: Researching, Computer Aided Drafting, Engineering, Testing, and Data Analysis. Students will use Science, Engineering, and Math concepts and skills to successfully complete this course.

Course Overview:

Unit 1: Design Process

Course pre-test knowledge

Engineering Technology Design Process

Problem Statement
Research/Brainstorm
Select Solution
Produce Prototype
Test
Feedback and Analysis

Unit 2: Project

Problem Statement

Criteria
Constraints

Research
Brainstorm Solutions

Thumbnail Sketches

Unit 3: Science and Math

Science Concepts

Force
Tension vs. Compression
Mass
Aerodynamics

Unit 4: Computer-Aided Drafting and Design

Measurement

- Dimensioning
- Scaling

Perspective Views
CAD Drawing
- Thumbnail sketch to CAD
Final Working Drawing
- Drawing plan
- Materials List
- Cost Analysis

Unit 5: Producing a Prototype/ Model

Lab Safety
- Tools
- Eyeware
Technical Plan Reading
CAD Drawing Transfer
Construction of Prototype

Unit 6: Testing and Analysis

Test Final Prototype
- Analyze Data
- Redesign
- Report Outcome

GRADING – The student’s academic grade is based on the following categories. The grades are weighted as follows:
Classroom Assessments
Tests, quizzes, & projects ….…………………………………………….…... 80%

Learning Assignments
Classwork and homework...………………………………………….....……. 20%

Rubrics are provided for assignments, Common Assessments, Tests, Quizzes, in-class homework assignments, class participation (collaboration), and attendance.

Common Core Standards

Ratios and Proportional Relationships 7RP

Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions, including ratios of lengths, areas, and other quantities measured in like or different units

Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities.

- b.Identify the constant of proportionality (unit rate) in tables, graphs, equations, diagrams, and verbal descriptions of proportional relationships.

Expressions and Equations 7EE

Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations.

Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems by reasoning about the quantities.

Geometry 7G

Draw, construct, and describe geometrical figures and describe the relationships between them

Draw (freehand, with ruler and protractor, and with technology) geometric shapes with given conditions. Focus on constructing triangles from three measures of angles or sides, noticing when the conditions determine a unique triangle, more than one triangle, or no triangle.

ITEEA Standards

ISTE Standards

3. Knowledge Constructor
Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produced creative artifacts, and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. Students:

b. build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories, and pursuing answers and solutions

4. Innovative Designer
Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful, or imaginative solutions. Students:

a. know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts, or solving authentic problems

c. develop, test, and reﬁne prototypes as part of a cyclical design process.

5. Computational Thinker
Students develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions. Students:

a. formulate problem deﬁnitions suited for technology-assisted methods such as data analysis, abstract

models, and algorithmic thinking in exploring and ﬁnding solutions

6. Creative Communicator
Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats, and digital media appropriate to their goals. Students:

a. choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or

communication

b. create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.

Academic Expectations Addressed

The Cranston Middle School graduate exhibits, across all content areas, proficiency in:

Communication Skills

All students will evidence a comprehension of complex literary and informational texts, appropriate academic vocabulary, and accurate grammar, through the techniques of:

3. Informational Writing

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills

All students will evidence the guiding principles of focus and coherence of these skills through the techniques of:

2. Geometry

3. Scientific Inquiry

4. Technology/Engineering Design