Middle School CTE

EXPLORATION OF ROBOTICS 6TH GRADE

Scholars learn basic robot building instructions, programming, and movement, then move on to working with sensors and more complex robot behaviors. This engaging program teaches STEM concepts utilizing the LEGO Education EV3 Robots. Scholars learn how to program basic robot behaviors using motors and rotation, sound, light, touch, and ultrasonic sensors. Many in-depth hands-on lessons are based on real-world robots. Scholars learn the basics of mechanical engineering, design, and computer programming.

Note: This is a 6th grade exploration course and does not qualify for CTE credit.

INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS

Scholars learn basic robot building instructions, programming, and movement, then move on to working with sensors and more complex robot behaviors. This engaging program teaches STEM concepts utilizing the LEGO Education EV3 Robots. Scholars learn how to program basic robot behaviors using motors and rotation, sound, light, touch, and ultrasonic sensors. Many in-depth hands-on lessons are based on real-world robots. Scholars learn the basics of mechanical engineering, design, and computer programming.

Note: 6th grade courses listed under Middle School Exploratory are considered career exploratory courses. There is no CTE credit for this course.

EXPLORING COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 6TH GRADE

Scholars will learn touch-typing on computers. The course will include introductions to word processing, spreadsheets, electronic presentations, elements of web design, and numeric data entry. Scholars are encouraged to take the MOS certification tests, which may earn college credit.

Note: This is a 6th grade exploration course and does not qualify for CTE credit.

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 6TH GRADE

Scholars will learn touch-typing on computers. The course will include introductions to word processing, spreadsheets, electronic presentations, elements of web design, and numeric data entry. This course prepares scholars for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Word Core certification program. Scholars are encouraged to take the MOS certification tests, which may earn college credit.

Note: This is a 6th grade exploration course and does not qualify for CTE credit.

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 7/8

Scholars will learn touch-typing on computers. The course will include introductions to word processing, spreadsheets, electronic presentations, elements of web design, and numeric data entry. This course prepares scholars for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Word Core certification program. Scholars are encouraged to take the MOS certification tests, which may earn college credit.

FLIGHT & SPACE 7/8

Scholars become engineers as they design, prototype, and test models to learn about the science of flight and what it takes to travel and live in space. They solve real-world aviation and space challenges and plan a mission to Mars. Scholars design and build a prototype of an aircraft and create a flight plan based on an assigned challenge scenario. Scholars will work in teams to design and model different aspects required to complete a mission to Mars. Scholars will collaborate to complete the problems and present their findings. The mission includes planning the astronaut crew, rocket specifications, crew daily activity schedules, Mars landing site, and Mars landing vehicle.

INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS 7/8

Scholars learn basic robot building instructions, programming, and movement, then move on to working with sensors and more complex robot behaviors. This engaging program teaches STEM concepts utilizing the LEGO Education EV3 Robots. Scholars learn how to program basic robot behaviors using motors and rotation, sound, light, touch and ultrasonic sensors. Many in-depth hands-on lessons are based on real-world robots. Scholars learn the basics of mechanical engineering, design, and computer programming.

PLTW MEDICAL DETECTIVES

Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, and investigate disease outbreaks.

*Course available to 6th grade at TAF only, as non-CTE.

PRE-ENGINEERING 7/8: DESIGN & MODELING

Scholars will apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Scholars will learn and utilize methods for communicating design ideas through sketches, solid models, and mathematical models. Students will understand how models can be simulated to represent an authentic situation and generate data for further analysis and observations. Scholars work in teams to identify design requirements, research the topic, and engage stakeholders. Teams design a toy or game for a child with cerebral palsy, fabricate and test it, and make necessary modifications to optimize the design solution.

STEM ART

A foundational art course designed to allow scholars to explore various visual art forms and techniques as it relates to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Scholars will be introduced to artists who use STEM in their artwork and emulate STEM-related artists to create art using the principles of design. Scholars will be introduced to traditional drawing, painting, and digital media.

STEM GARDENING

Scholars will learn principles of sustainable agriculture and culinary arts. This includes how to plan, prepare, plant, maintain, and harvest food from a garden in a way that mitigates climate change and environmental impacts on our planet. Scholars will also learn about food systems and connections between food and culture as it relates to food access and social justice. Lastly, they will prepare garden foods to provide balanced, nutritious meals. This course feeds into CTE programs and pathways in agriculture and/or culinary arts at the high school level.