Subject: STEM Teacher: Ryanne Watson Room: 15 Email:

·  See school website for any updates and announcements : DJHS website- staff- Ryanne Watson

Course description: Welcome to STEM class!

Design & Modeling
Students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work in teams to design a playground and furniture, capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks. Using Autodesk® design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions.

Automation & Robotics
Students 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.

1st 9 Weeks- Design and Modeling

What is Engineering?

What is a STEM Career?

The Design Process

History of Measurements

Skimmer Project

Cube Project

Initials Project

Peg Board Project

Free Style

2nd 9 Weeks- Automation and Robotics

How are Robots used?

Vex Build

Gear Ratios/ Types of Gears

Pull Toy Project

Survival Challenge

Traffic Light Programming

Spinning Sign Programming

Passion Project/ Dragster

Classroom Rules

1.  Be in assigned seat ready to work when the tardy bell rings.

2.  NEVER argue or talk back to the teacher!

3.  Bring black pen and pencil to class every day.

4.  No form of disruptive behavior will be tolerated.

5.  Follow all Computer/Lab Safety Rules

6.  Work only on STEM projects in class & don't close up early.

7.  I will dismiss you (not the bell)

8.  Don't reach across my desk or use my materials without permission.

9.  Assignments must be COMPLETE to receive full credit.

10.  Respect yourself, your teacher and your classmates.

Materials

1.  Black Pens

2.  Engineering Notebook

Grading

Class average is calculated using a total points system. Each project will be given a point value based on the size of the project. The total points available will be given out to students when the assignment is presented. Students are responsible for keeping a neat and organized Engineering Notebook. All work must be completed in class. There is NO work that should be done outside of the STEM classroom unless specified.

Late Work/Makeup work

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR MAKE UP WORK so upon returning to class or before you know you will be absent please come see me as to what you will miss in class during that time. All work must be completed in class unless severe circumstances arise.

Internet Usage Agreement

UNACCEPTABLE USES:

1.  Accessing or processing pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material.

2.  Transmitting or receiving obscene, abusive, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, disrespectful, or sexually explicit language or pictures.

3.  Using language or images that advocate violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature) or that may constitute harassment or discrimination.

4.  Posting private, false or defamatory information about a person or organization.

5.  Engaging in any illegal act or violate any local, state, or federal statute or law.

6.  Hacking or vandalizing the property of another person, organization, or the school system.

·  You are not allowed to check or send email in the computer lab.

·  You are not allowed to IM or participate in chat rooms in the lab.

·  DO NOT download any programs or plugins without the permission of Mrs. Watson.

·  Any changes to the computer desktop backgrounds must not include inappropriate language, symbols, or pictures (pictures of people must meet the school dress code).

·  NEVER GIVE OUT YOUR OR ANY OTHER PERSONS PERSONAL INFORMATION (phone numbers, social security numbers, address, etc.) This may lead to violations of your privacy and safety or even identity theft.

·  REMEMBER- All sites you visit are cataloged and time stamped therefore you have no expectation of privacy on any of the school computers. Places you go visit can be traced back to that computer at the time visited and under the user’s login name. ALL keystrokes are logged!

·  IF A USER INADVERTENTLY ACCESSES UNACCEPTABLE MATERIALS OR AN UNACCEPTABLE INTERNET SITE, THE USER SHALL IMMEDIATELY DISCLOSE THE INADVERTENT ACCESS TO AN APPROPRIATE SCHOOL SYSTEM OFFICIAL. THIS DISCLOSURE MAY SERVE AS A DEFENSE AGAINST AN ALLEGATION THAT THE USER HAS INTENTIONALLY VIOLATED THIS POLICY.

·  CONSEQUENCES: Violation of the school’s internet agreement policy, depending on the severity, may lead to LOSS OF INTERNET PRIVILEGES, corporal punishment, detention, suspension, payments for repairs or damages, or expulsion (in accordance with Dauphin Junior High and Enterprise City Schools policy). Violation of local, state, or federal statutes or laws may result in criminal charges.

LAB/STEM EQUIPMENT SAFETY

·  Hot glue guns are HOT: Do not touch the end of the gun or the glue with your skin or touch another person with the gun and glue. YOU WILL GET BURNED if you do not follow these rules.

·  When using sharp objects, point them away from yourself and others.

·  Place the cap back on sharp objects when not in use.

·  NO HORSEPLAY of ANY KIND.

·  Carefully handle all STEM equipment. (DO NOT: break, throw on the floor, scratch the desks, write on any STEM materials)

·  USE ALL STEM MATERIALS AS DIRECTED AT THE BEGINNING OF A PROJECT

·  Always conduct yourself in a responsible manner.

·  Only perform the project assigned to you.

CONSEQUENCES: Destruction of property is an immediate office referral. Any misuse of the STEM equipment will result in an office referral and you will not participate in the next project. You will be given an alternate assignment to complete.

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Your student has received a copy of the syllabus for 7th grade STEM class. Please read and review with your student what to bring to class each day, how grades are determined, expectations, and consequences. I ask that you review these requirements and both of you sign the agreement slip below. This slip needs to be returned to me no later than Wednesday January 10th 2018.

Also, feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns. I am here to help your student succeed and learn. My email is . Please provide email addresses in order to receive our weekly newsletter (What’s the STEM Story?”). Under announcements on my page of the school’s website, there are directions to downloading the HOMEROOM app. (Pictures of projects in class) DJHS website is http://www.dauphin.al.ecj.schoolinsites.com/ .

7th Grade Science Contract and

Computer/ Lab Safety Agreement

Teacher Contract

I will present a comprehensive integrated science course and will allow time for review and student questions. A variety of teaching techniques and materials will be employed to provoke student interest and enhance student experiments. Safety instructions will be given and safe practices will be stressed in all laboratory work. Students will exercise critical thinking for solving problems and interpreting laboratory results. I have also provided each student with a copy of classroom rules and procedures.

Signature ______

Student Contract

I have thoroughly read the computer/laboratory rules and class procedures and will adhere to the class and laboratory requirements therein. My projects will be done completely and punctually in order for me to be prepared for class daily and to develop a better understanding of the concepts science, technology, engineering and math.

Print Name ______email: ______

Signature ______

Parent or Guardian Contract

My son or daughter has provided me with the computer/laboratory rules and class procedures, which have given me an understanding of the activities and requirements of the 7th grade STEM class. I will encourage my son or daughter to regularly prepare for class and abide by the rules and procedures.

Signature(s) ______email (1) ______

______email (2) ______