Gateways

1. Gateways Facilitated by: Mr. Achenbach & Ms. Zigmont 2013-2014

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. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. Leonardo DaVinci We will start the year exploring the genius of Leonardo DaVinci and the art of inquiry based learning. • Scientific Method • Italian Renaissance • Sketching & Technical Drawing • Dissection • Mutter Museum Trip • Siege Machines • Punkin’ Chunkin Trip • Green Architecture & Design

8. Galileo Galilei We will explore the controversial Galileo Galilei and his observations of “the heavens”. • The Nature of Matter • Early Space Exploration • Waves, Sound & Light • Planetarium Trip • Italian Renaissance

9. Sir Isaac Newton We will explore the mathematical mind of Sir Isaac Newton. • Motion, Forces, & Energy • Franklin Institute Trip • Applied Chemistry & Physics

10. Thomas Edison We will explore Thomas Edison and illustrate how his persistence made him famous. • Inventions & Patents • Electricity & Magnetism/Magic of Electrons • Automation & Robotics • Post Civil War American History (1880- 1930) • Stock Market Game

11. Albert Einstein We will learn about the 20th century’s most famous scientist, Albert Einstein. • Post Civil War American History (1930- 1960) • Flight & Space (post Wright Bros.) • Museum of Jewish Heritage Trip to NYC

12. Future Technologists We will learn about modern day and future STEM concepts. • Flight & Space • Nanotechnology • STEM Careers • Science fiction

13. Homework • Extension of Class Work • Homework is reviewed in class • Points will be deducted for late assignments • Recorded in assignment book • Posted on web-site

14. Accessing Website • Access the Radnor Township School District Site: www.rtsd.org • Click on the “Schools” link at the top of the page. • Click on “Radnor Middle School” in the left-hand column. • Click on the “Teams” tab at the top of the page. • Scroll down to view the alphabetical listing. Select “Gateways.”

15. Assessment • Tests • Quizzes • Projects • Homework & classwork • Writing assignments • Labs & dissections • Participation

16. 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:

17. 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 • 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

18. 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 & 2012) ($3,000+) • REF Grant (2012) for upgrade to VEX Robotics Materials ($8,400)

19. 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.

20. RHS Course Selection • Starting in February, course selection for incoming freshmen begins. • We will discuss course selection in greater detail at conferences in November. • We will be responsible for the English, Science, and Social Studies recommendations and possibly Mathematics.

21. Contact Information • Please complete the Parent Information sheet so that we can contact you if necessary. • If you need to contact us, the best way to contact us is through email: andrew.achenbach@rtsd.org beth.zigmont@rtsd.org • Phone: x7312