Synergistics Lab

1. Synergistics Lab Mrs. Escobar’s Student Tutorial This tutorial is meant to give you an over view of what this class is about. It is part of your Orientation to Thompson’s Synergistics Lab. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

2. What is the Synergistics Computer Lab? • Synergistics Systems is a computer-based modular curriculum. • This means that the student learns from the instructors on the computer about various topics such as robots. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

3. What Does Modular Mean? • Each computer in this lab has a different program loaded onto them so that no two computers are alike. • The teachers on your computer teach you and give you quizzes, reviews and tests about a specific topic, such as flight technology. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

4. Modular Work • The teachers in your module will explain the topic material and will instruct you on how to set up the daily experiments and activities. • When you have set up each experiment turn on your light to show me how it works. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

5. Headsets & Videos • You will use the headsets to listen to your instructors and to watch the videos. Whenever you need to repeat the video you can rewind it so that your notes can be complete and that you understand what to do in the experiment. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

6. How does one get started? • When you come in to class each day, you will read the message board to see what assignment you will need to complete for your daily grades. • Then you will boot-up your computer and use a special login to start the module you are assigned. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

7. First Session • The first day on your module you will be introduced to the topic, such as plastics & polymers, and will be given a pretest over it. You will not know the answers to most of the questions but remember it is only a pretest. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

8. More about Session 1 • You will need to take detailed notes each day because you will have a quiz every day over these notes. • You will have an activity and experiment to do each day so your notes will help you complete those easily. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

9. Second Session • You will be given a 3-question quiz over the notes you took during Session 1. You are allowed to use your notes and the module library at your station to complete your quiz. • Your computer will record your grade onto the server for me to access. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

10. More about RCA Questions • The quiz you take on the second, third, fourth and fifth days is called a RCA: research, challenge, application. • Each questions is worth 33 points. You don’t want to miss any so take good notes and use your library! ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

11. More about Session 2 • You will need to take detailed notes each day because you will have a quiz every day over these notes. • You will have an experiment to do each day so your notes will help you complete it easily. Remember to show me your work when you are done! ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

12. Third, Fourth & Fifth Sessions • These are similar to Session 2:First you will have a RCA quiz of 3 questions.Then you will take notes as you listen to the instructors, watch the videos, set up your activities. Then turn on your light & show me your work! ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

13. Sixth Session • This one begins with a review over the first 5 sessions of your module. • You will continue with note-taking and doing the experiments & activities. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

14. Seventh Session • You will have a Post Test that is worth 100 points. You can use all your session notes and the module library so that you can make a high grade. Each question is worth 10 points. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

15. More about Session 7 • Then you will take notes as you listen to the instructors, watch the videos, set up your activities. Then turn on your light & show me your work! • Congratulations! You have then completed this module!!! Yippeeee!! ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

16. In Summary… • Synergistics Lab has 14 computers with 14 different topics that integrate math, science and technology. • Each module takes 7 sessions to complete and the computer records your work and grades. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

17. 14 Modules • Applied Physics • CADD • Computer Graphics & Animation • Creative Solutions • Electricity • Energy, Power & Mechanics • Engineering Bridges • Flight Technology • Lights & Lasers • Logic & Reasoning • Plastics & PolymersPractical Skills • Robotics • Statistical Analysis ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

18. What Materials Will You Need? • Every day you will need a pencil, pen and lots of paper. • I will provide you a colored portfolio that will keep all your notes and papers. This portfolio stays in the classroom and will be delivered to you by your lab managers. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

19. Some Terms You Need to Know • Module- an educational unit which covers a single subject or topic • Module Library- the books and materials related to your module • RCA- a three-question quiz over the sessions you have covered. Missing one earns you a 66%!! Take good notes & rewind the videos! ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

20. More Terms… • Message Board- read these as you enter the room • Sessions- each module has 7 sessions or sections that need to be completed before we rotate to the next module. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

21. And More Terms!! • Module Activity Sheet (MAS) is what you and I use to record your grades onto as you work through your sessions. • Your Portfolio keeps records of your rotations, attendance, participation as well as conduct grades and comments. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

22. Now Let’s Talk about Grading • The Pre-Test in Session 1 has no grade value but the computer scores it so you can see which questions you already know the answers to. • The RCAs in Sessions 2-5 total 30 points each session. Each question is valued at 33% so if you miss one, your grade is a 66% for that day. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

23. More About Grading • Session 6 gives you a review that has no point value but it prepares you for the Post-Test in Session 7. • The Post-Test is worth 100 points and asks you about all the sessions you covered at that module. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

24. Still More on Grades • The computer records the grades of your choices on your pre-test, RCAs, review, and post-test. It also records your attendance and participation. • I record all these grades: Assessments, Experiments & Activities, Worksheets, and Conduct. • I also adjust participation grades when needed. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

25. Lab Environment • This is a quiet computer lab. You will be working either by yourself at your computer or with a partner. You will work with your headsets on and will talk with a low volume. • To have your lab manager come to your station you will turn on your call light and wait patiently. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

26. Lab Rules • After you have read the message board you will go to your computer and boot it up. If you are assigned a partner, you will both log in together unless he/she is absent. • No one should be walking about the room and going to a station that you are not assigned to for that rotation. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

27. Always Use Formal Language • This is a classroom environment. Your choice of words should be formal with appropriate words spoken. • Fowl language and derogatory words are not condoned. • Put-Downs and Bullying are not allowed. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

28. Dress Code • You will need to be in dress code each day. Before you walk into the lab, tuck in your shirt, button-up your shirt, pull-up your pants and tie your shoe laces. • Detentions will be served and office referrals written for being out of dress code. ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

29. Attitudes & Smiles! • I enjoy working with students but I enjoy it even more when students have a good attitude and smile! This tells me that they are trying their best and that they care about their grades. Smiling shows me that they know this is a safe environment where we can all concentrate on learning and doing new stuff!!! ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

30. Free Time • Free Time is an Earned Privilege. If you are not complete with your work or you are not passing, you will not be granted Free Time. When you are given the permission to be on Free Time at your seat it may include: reading drawing coloring monitored Internet time ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.

31. Questions?? • This tutorial is meant to give you an over view of what this class is about. It has definitely not covered all the details but it is part of your Orientation to the Synergistics Lab. • What questions do you have for me? ©2007 Sherri Escobar, M.Ed.