GRADE 8 Course Descriptions
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION COURSES
Engineering: Aerospace and Design
[ elective, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Experience a scientific environment involving design, creativity, and team problem solving
• Understand the engineering process from concept to production
• Explore how science has affected technology throughout history by looking at concepts in physics
• Explore the science behind aeronautics and use software to experience space travel Projects, activities, etc.: Hands-on and design experiences are integrated throughout the course. Some activities include designing and creating a chain reaction contraption( Rube Goldberg), designing a medical device, and aircraft exploration. Students will be introduced to various software throughout the course such as 3D-CAD and online resources to provide enriched learning experiences. Instructional focus: This class is part of a nationally recognized pre-engineering program called Project Lead the Way Gateway to Technology. This course includes the PLTW units“ Flight and Space” and“ Design and Modeling.” The program goal is to develop more engineers, including project based units in design, modeling, flight, and space. This course emphasizes high levels of academic rigor and computer literacy. Coursework includes both individual and collaborative activities that must be completed as an integral part of this course. Authentic, real-world problem solving skills are emphasized throughout the class. This is an academically challenging course and is best suited for a motivated, collaborative learner.
Engineering: Architecture and Robotics
[ elective, every other day ] Prerequisite / Selection Process: Engineering: Aerospace and Design strongly encouraged Intended audience: Grade 8 Major outcomes:
• Experience a scientific environment involving design, creativity, and team problem solving
• Learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems
• Investigate architectural plans, construction styles, alternative materials and processes, dimensioning, measuring and architectural sustainability
Projects, activities, etc.: Students are introduced to the influence of automation and robotics in our world and use a robust robotics platform to design, build and program a solution to solve an existing problem. Additional hands-on student experiences are integrated throughout the course, including a 3D architectural software program to create an environmentallyfriendly home using shipping containers. Instructional focus: This course emphasizes high levels of academic rigor and computer literacy. Homework is an integral part of this course and students must be independently motivated to complete it in a timely manner. This class combines key pre-engineering content areas through a nationally recognized program called Project Lead the Way: Gateway. This course includes the PLTW units“ Green Architecture” and“ Automation and Robotics.” The goal of the program is to develop more American engineers through authentic real-world problem solving. This is an academically challenging pre-engineering course and is best suited for a motivated, collaborative learner.
Design and Manufacturing
[ elective, every other day ] Intended audience: Grade 8 Major outcomes:
• Learn the process of designing, building, and testing product
• Incorporates CADD [ Computer-Aided Drafting Design ]
• Applied math / technical reading Projects, activities, etc.: Sheet metal or wood projects utilizing production technologies to create items such as exploring new materials and advanced processes to create additional products. Examples: clocks, chairs, and mirror frames. Instructional focus: This is a hands-on course in which students engage in a combination of both individual and group activities exploring technology.
WORLD LANGUAGE COURSES
Teacher recommendation may be used for placement. Attention native or heritage speakers of Spanish, French or German: Level I Spanish, German, and French courses are designed for students with little or no experience in the language. If you already speak Spanish, German, or French at home, consider learning a third language as a beginner along with your peers.
Exploring World Languages and Cultures
[ elective, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Understand and use basic phrases [ emphasis on French, German, and Spanish ].
• Develop an appreciation of other cultures.
• Gain experience that will guide students’ selection of future language study.
Instructional focus: Students will engage in activities using the languages to promote skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing. Connections will be made between language and culture using music, food, readings, videos, and / or games.
Middle School Registration Guide 23