Technical Education » Grade 7: Engineering & Design - STEM 

Grade 7: Engineering & Design - STEM 

 

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.

Ratios and Proportional Relationships 7RP

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


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

  1. 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. 

  1. 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

  1. 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.
1.  The Characteristics and Scope of Technology
  • Usefulness of Technology
 
9.  Engineering Design
  • Brainstorming
  • Modeling and Testing
 
11.  Apply the Design Process
  • Apply the design process
  • Model solution to a problem
  • Test and evaluate
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.

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