7th Grade Elective PLTW
Unit 1 Engineering
In these lessons students will learn about STEM careers and how they impact the past, present, and future. Students will learn how to use an engineering notebook and develop a portfolio of their own work. In all Gateway units, students will practice problem solving with structured activities and progress to open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. Lesson 1: What Is Engineering? What role will today’s students play in the future of our global economy? Most career choices will involve the use of STEM. An understanding of engineering and technology and its impact is essential to today’s students and our future society. In this lesson students will learn about STEM careers and how they impact the past, present, and future. Lesson 2: The Design Process Each time a complex problem was solved, people studied the process along with the created solutions. The benefits of using a design process are more evident today than ever. This lesson focuses on the tools that engineers use to solve problems. Students will study the Design Process and use it to guide their actions while solving problems. Unit 2
Flight and Space
The exciting world of aerospace comes alive through the Flight and Space (FS) unit. Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, prototype, and test model rocket fuel and a glider. Custom-built simulation software allows students to experience space travel. Lesson 1: History of Flight and Space The study of aerospace engineering would not be complete without a basic understanding of the history of aerospace. In this lesson students will be introduced to the history of flight through hands-on activities, research, and a presentation. Lesson 2: Aeronautics Aeronautics is the science and art of flying through the air. To design an aircraft or spacecraft, engineers must understand the elements of aerodynamics, propulsion, materials and structures, and stability and control. In this lesson students will be exposed to all of these elements as they discover the science of flying, design and test propulsion systems, use simulations to create flying machines Lesson 3: Traveling and Living in Space Engineers play a vital role in space travel, space discovery, and living in space. In this unit students will experience space travel and spacecraft innovation through an interactive simulation. |
Unit 3
Automation and Robotics
Allows students to trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms. Lesson 1: What Is Automation and Robotics? The field of automation and robotics includes computer-controlled machines used to make manufacturing more efficient, productive, and safe. Robots are also used as assistive tools for people with disabilities and as equipment in hospitals to help with surgery, to deliver food, or to dispense medications. In this unit students will learn how automation and robotics affect everyday life both positively and negatively, including safety, comfort, choices, and attitudes about a technology’s development and use. Lesson 2: Mechanical Systems Think about a bicycle, an eggbeater, a sewing machine, a hand-cranked drill, and a workshop vice. What do they have in common? All of them have at least one mechanism that provides movement. If the devices were taken apart, you would find a series of gears that redirect the applied force so they can accomplish their tasks. The activities in this lesson will introduce the students to several mechanisms that are used to change speed, torque, force, type of movement, and direction of movement. These mechanisms have been developed over time to address the need for changes in machine tools, robots, automobiles, airplanes, etc. Lesson 3: Automated Systems Computer programs and sensing devices provide feedback to guide tools and machines in the manufacturing of parts. Automated systems can be used to pick up a part, move it to a certain location, wait for a process to be performed, pick it back up, and deliver it to an offloading location. Upon completion of this lesson, students will have a better understanding of the necessary components of a flexible manufacturing system and the programming necessary for communication between the sensors, motors and building components. |