Gateways

1. Gateways Facilitated by: Mr. Achenbach & Ms. Zigmont 2012-2013

2. 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.

3. How Does Gateways Work? • Students elect to participate, with parental permission. Selection will be based upon 8th grade ranking system, followed by a lottery, if necessary. • Approximately 40 incoming 8th grade students (20 boys/20 girls) will be assigned. • 3 class periods spent in our classroom investigating topics within the core curriculum. No separate LA, science, or social studies classes. • The other periods will consist of math and two elective periods.

4. 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.

5. 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 all 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.

6. Assessments • On 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) exam, less than 50% of students in grades 4, 8, and 12 performed at or above the Proficient level in Science. • Proficiency rates dropped from grades 4-12. • Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) reflected an average US math score almost 10 points lower than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average. • 17 countries scored higher than the US on the math component of the PISA examination.

7. Current Research • Current data projections indicate that the majority of the highest paying jobs in the future will require mastery of math and science. • By 2015, 1 in 3 jobs will be STEM-related. • By 2018, there will be more than 1.2 million job openings in STEM-related fields. • 80% of the fastest growing occupations in the US will be dependent upon mastery of math and science knowledge and skills. • Achieve (2009) reports that more than 40% of high school graduates are not properly prepared for college-level work.

8. 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.

9. PLTW Specifics • In a study of PLTW graduates, 40% reported studying engineering and technology in high school as compared to 4.3% of their non-PLTW peers. • In a 2009 analysis of college transcripts of PLTW students, 31% of these students study engineering and engineering technology in their first year of college compared to 5% of all post-secondary students.

10. 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

11. Enrichment to 8th Grade Curriculum • Each of the 6 units within the Gateway to Technology (GTT) program will connect to the current 8th grade curriculum. These units are: • The Science of Technology • Magic of Electrons • Automation & Robotics • Energy & the Environment/Green Architecture • Flight & Space

12. 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.

13. Energy & the Environment • Students will investigate the impact of energy on our lives and the environment by designing and modeling alternative energy sources. • Students will evaluate ways to reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency and sustainability.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Influential Scientists • Biographical studies of influential scientists are also conducted throughout the year. • Leonardo DaVinci • Galileo Galilei • Sir Isaac Newton • Thomas Edison • Albert Einstein

19. Competitions Throughout the year, students will be involved in various local or national competitions that will showcase student’s inquiry, fabrication, and presentation skills. Some of these competitions could include:

20. Humanities Integration Themes of post-Civil War American history and accompanying literature are explored, as well. • Industrial Revolution: Electric Universe • Society & Mass Culture: Sci-fi Lit Circles • Progressive Era • World War I • Roaring Twenties • Depression Era: To Kill a Mockingbird • World War II/Holocaust: Holocaust lit circles, Green Glass Sea • Cold War: Rocket Boys • Additional titles include: Leonardo’s Shadow, Galileo for Kids, FutureHype, and others selected by class

21. Gateways Comparison • How it’s the same • Change classes • 2 elective periods daily • All Math Levels • Grades • Weekly assignments (i.e. current events & spelling) • 25 Book Requirement • 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

22. 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) • Pending REF Grant (2012) for upgrade to VEX Robotics Materials ($8,400)

23. 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”

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

25. Our First Class is Off to College! • In 2012, our first class of Gateways’ students will be off to college. Some of the schools they will be attending include:

26. What’s Next? • Discuss Gateways with your child and decide on rankings. • If you and your child are interested in Gateways, rank Gateways as their first or second choice. • All ranking forms should be returned to the office by Wednesday, April 25th.

27. Conclusion Yesterday: Sputnik Today: 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