Winter is Coming...I Think??

What great weather we have been having lately. I know December is almost here but it sure does not feel like it today. School between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break can be interesting. Students are excited about the long Christmas break that is on the horizons. Here is just an update on the course content we will be covering in December.

6th Grade:

Students will be working with autodesk inventor to design their dragster these next few weeks. This is always a really fun project because not only do students get to learn a new software but they get to go into the shop and actually create their project. Be on the look out for a safety permission form coming home in the next few weeks right before we start using the drill press in the shop.

7th Grade:

We will be going into depth regarding shop safety in the next few weeks. Students should already have their safety permission form turned at this time. Students will be using power drills, bandsaws, the drill press, and other power tools to complete their creature amp project. The creature amp, if created correctly,  will passively amplify the speaker on a students cell phone. What is so great about this project is the ability for students to design, create and truly make something unique. I can't wait to see what types of designs the students come up with.

8th Grade:

We will continue working with electronics through the month of December. First we will explore many different types of circuits using SnapCircuit kits. This is a very hands on unit that allows students to explore the world of electronics by completing many projects. After students have mastered different types of circuits students will explore the world of soldering. Students will learn how to use circuit boards and fix small electronics by soldering. I am really excited about this unit.

New Trimester and New Students

First of all I would like to welcome all of my new students and parents to PCMS Technology and Engineering. I try to post a blog entry every other week to help keep parents informed of all the activities we are completing in class and to open a line of communication between parent, student and teacher. If any new parents have questions please feel free to e-mail me anytime.

6th Grade: 

2nd trimester students raced the dragsters they designed last week. If you haven't seen them ask your 6th grade student about the dragster races. This is always the day my 6th grade students look forward to all term. As for my new 6th grade students we are going to cover what an engineer does and measurement before students start designing their dragster on a 3D modeling software called Autodesk Inventor.

7th Grade: 

Students are doing research on types of
engineering careers. 

My 1st Trimester students did a great job on their furniture design project. Students were given a client and had to design a piece of furniture based on the clients needs and wants. I always think it is important for students to understand that when you are a designer or any type of engineer you have to meet the needs and wants of your client. I use the TV show Fixer Upper as an example. Chip and Joanna Gaines always take their clients needs into account when they design and fix the houses.

To all of my new students we will be covering the various types of engineering career possibilities the first 5 days of class. It always amazes students at the many different types of engineering careers. From biomedical to mechanical all these engineers may do different things but they all solve practical problems.

8th Grade: 

We have started a new unit called Magic of Electrons. This is the first time I am teaching this unit and I am very excited. Student interest in the subject is huge. First students learned how electricity worked and now they are creating an electromagnetic and a DC motor. Students will be taking these two projects home in the next week or so. After learning about motors and generators students will end up learning how simple circuits work using snap circuits.

Electromagnet is working!! And it is hat day. 

Another electromagnet

It's hammer time!