GATEWAYS

Facilitated by: Mr. Ludwig & Ms. Zigmont2015-2016

Course Structure Graded

Self-contained LA/SS/Science

Team-taught

Integrated STEM-based program that imbeds language arts, science, & social studies using strands of present 8th grade curriculum.

How Does Gateways Work? Approximately 40 incoming 8th

grade students (20 boys/20 girls) will be assigned.

Math and elective periods will be taught in a small group format outside of the Gateways classroom.

Remaining class periods spent in our classroom investigating topics within the core curriculum. No separate LA, science, or social studies classes.

Communication/Technology Integration Much of the work completed in

Gateways will be managed through Schoology.

Calendars are maintained in the classroom and via Schoology with upcoming work. Updates are posted to send students reminders.

HAC is used to send email updates to parents, so please make sure your email address is correct in HAC.

Technology is used in Gateways EVERY day! Students are able to bring their own devices.

What is “STEM” Education?

(STEM) education is: the creative and

innovative engagement of students in contextual, project- and problem-based learning, requiring the integration & application of science, technology, engineering, & mathematics knowledge and skills, to produce solutions to predictable and unpredictable real-world problems.

Rationale In 2006, we created this program to meet the need of Radnor

students that possess a keen interest in the sciences of math, physics, and technology.

Curriculum prepares students for the global opportunities that exist today. Opportunities that rely heavily in the knowledge of technology and technical application.

The Gateways program focuses on showing – not telling –how engineers use technology to solve everyday problems through inquiry.

While challenging and engaging their natural curiosities, students will explore math, science, language arts, social studies, and technology in an integrated fashion.

We learn much of the same things that other 8th grade teams learn in math, science, language arts, and social studies and add Project Lead the Way’s Gateway to Technology program to enrich our experience.

Current Research Current data projections indicate that the

majority of the highest paying jobs in the future will require mastery of math and science.

According to a 2012 report by the U.S. Department of Commerce, in consultation with the National Economic Council, computer and math occupations account for close to half of all STEM employment today.

There will be 2.4 million job openings for STEM workers between 2008 and 2018. That consists of 1.1 million net new STEM jobs and 1.3 million replacement positions generated by STEM workers who permanently leave the workforce.

By 2015, 1 in 3 jobs will be STEM-related. 80% of the fastest growing occupations in the US

will be dependent upon mastery of math and science knowledge and skills.

Achieve (2013) reports that more than 40% of high school graduates are not properly prepared for college-level work.

Current Research 78% of college students reported that they decided

to major in a STEM field in high school or earlier.

57% indicated that prior to college a teacher or class piqued their interest in STEM.

The number of pre-collegiate STEM educational opportunities lead to increased achievements in STEM occupations up to 20 years later. Such achievements include: Production of STEM publications Earning a PhD in a STEM field Maintaining a STEM occupation Attaining STEM tenure Obtaining a STEM patent

Only 1 in 5 STEM college students felt K-12 education had effectively prepared them to be successful in collegiate level STEM coursework.

Attributes of Gateways Curricula Contextual

project/problem based

1/3 theory, 2/3 application F = ma, research,

design, & fabricate dragster

Highly rigorous & relevant

Addresses state and national standards across all disciplines

A Historical Approach

The year will be divided into two halves where biographical studies of influential scientists will provide the framework for the core content.

September – DecemberLeonardo DaVinci

Galileo GalileiSir Isaac Newton

January – JuneThomas EdisonAlbert Einstein

Current Technologists

Leonardo DaVinci

Scientific Method Italian Renaissance Sketching & Technical Drawing Dissection Mutter Museum Trip Siege Machines Punkin’ Chunkin Trip Green Architecture

We will start the year exploring the genius of Leonardo DaVinci and the art of inquiry based learning.

Green Architecture In a world of reduced

resources and environmental challenges, it is important to present the concept of “being green” to the next generation of designers and builders.

In this unit, students will be introduced to architectural plans, construction styles, alternative materials and processes, dimensioning, measuring and architectural sustainability.

Galileo

The Nature of Matter Early Space Exploration Waves, Sound & Light Planetarium Trip Italian Renaissance

We will explore the controversial Galileo and his observations of “the heavens”.

Sir Isaac Newton

Motion, Forces, & Energy Rube Goldberg Devices Franklin Institute Trip Chemistry

We will explore the mathematical mind of Sir Isaac Newton.

The Science of Technology

How has science affected technology throughout history?

To answer this question students will apply the concepts of physics, chemistry and nanotechnology to STEM activities and projects.

Thomas Edison

Inventions & Patents Electricity & Magnetism/Magic of

Electrons Automation & Robotics Post Civil War American History

(1880- 1930) Stock Market Game

We will explore Thomas Edison and illustrate how his persistence made him famous.

Magic of Electrons Through hands-on

projects, students will explore the science of electricity, behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices.

Students will acquire knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design and examine the impact of electricity on our lives.

Automation & Robotics Students will trace the

history, development, and influence of automation and robotics, learning about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems.

Students will use a robust robotics platform to design, build and program a solution to solve an existing problem.

Albert Einstein

Post Civil War American History (1930- 1960) Flight & Space (post Wright Bros.) Museum of Jewish Heritage Trip to

NYC

We will learn about the 20th century’s most famous scientist, Albert Einstein.

Flight & Space The rich history of

aerospace comes alive through hands-on activities, research, and presentations.

Students will explore the science behind aeronautics and use your knowledge to design, build and test a variety of flying machines.

CompetitionsThroughout the year, students will be involved in various local or

nationalcompetitions that will showcase student’s inquiry, fabrication, and presentation skills. Some of these competitions could include:

Gateways Comparison How it’s the same

– 2 elective periods daily– All Math Levels– Grade(s)– Weekly assignments

(i.e. current events & spelling)

– Differentiation

How it’s different – Provides ability to make

connections between curriculum within all classes

– Opportunity to direct your own learning

– More cooperative and group learning

– Relevant field trips to connect what students have learned to the world outside of RMS

Humanities Integration

Industrial Revolution: Electric Universe

Society & Mass Culture: Sci-fi Lit Circles

Depression Era: To Kill a Mockingbird World War II/Holocaust: Holocaust lit

circles, Green Glass Sea, The Wave Cold War: Rocket Boys Additional titles include: Leonardo’s

Shadow, Galileo for Kids, FutureHype, and others selected by class

Themes of post-Civil War American history and accompanying literature are explored, as well.

With a Little Help from Our Friends

REF Grant (2007) for PLTW GTT Automation & Robotics Materials ($10,000)

SME Grant for STEPS Academy ($35,000) Summer camp in July of 2008 and 2009 Additional technology including laptops,

MP3 players and Smart Response System for our classroom

REF Grant (2009) for GTT Flight & Space Unit ($3,000)

ACTS grant (2010) ($1,300) REF Grant (2012) for upgrade to VEX Robotics

Materials ($8,400) REF Grant (2014) for upgrade to digital trainer

boards for Magic of Electrons Unit ($1,300)

Who is Compatible? EVERYONE Seek some independence and

choice in learning Strong interest in math and

science inquiry Enjoy working & learning in

groups Like to explore & “dig deeper” Enjoy getting out of the

classroom to explore real-world applications to the curriculum

Thrive in an environment where much of the learning is “hands-on”

Will My Child Be Prepared for RHS? Since the Gateways program

is combined with a challenging academic curriculum, students are well-prepared for the most demanding high school course work, and a successful transition to 9th grade.

Data that we have collected at RHS has shown that Gateways’ students have performed as well, if not better than their non-Gateways peers.

All PLTW courses at RHS are taught at the Honors (weighted) level.

What’s Next? Discuss Gateways with

your child and decide on acceptance of your child’s spot or decline the invitation.

Intention letter should be submitted to the Guidance Office NO LATER THAN MAY 29th!

ConclusionYesterday:

SputnikToday: STEM

“In an integrated global economy whose key components are increasingly knit together in an interdependent system of relationships will our children be able to compete.”

John Glenn