PCMS Technology and Engineering: Last Post Before Winter Break

8th Grade:

We have been exploring the world of electronics the past few weeks in 8th grade Gateway to Technology. Resistors, capacitors, transistors and more have been the topics the past few weeks. Students have learned how to use a digital multimeter to measure current, voltage, and resistance. We even explored Ohm's law and the mathematical relationship between voltage, current and resistance. The next two weeks before winter break students will learn how to use a transistor to create a simple night light. After prototyping the nightlight using Snap Circuits students will then learn how to solder real electrical components to a circuit board to create a night light they can take home. Soldering irons can be dangerous if used improperly which means we will have to go over safety precautions in detail. It would also be helpful if parents talked about safety with their student as well. After we come back from winter break students will utilize their design and electrical knowledge to create an underwater robot. I am really excited about this project. To kick this underwater robotics project off we will watch a movie called Spare Parts. This movie is rated PG-13 which means your son or daughter will come home with a permission form for this movie some time in the future. I hope your son or daughter has learned a lot through the Magic of Electrons unit. Below you will find some pictures of the different things we have completed in class.

7th Grade:

We have explored Autodesk Inventor and went over shop safety the past few weeks. Starting today 11/9/16 students are working in the shop using various types of drills, saws and other woodworking equipment to create their creature amps. We have many great designs that I am excited to see come to life. Safety is my number one priority and I expect students to always act appropriately in the shop while tools are being used. I know at the middle school level students can be a bit goofy at times but I let them know that being goofy in the shop can lead to injuries.
I really love to see students so excited about coming to class during our time in the shop. It is a change of pace from the "normal" type class. It is really rewarding to see students create something with their own two hands.

6th Grade:

Students have just finished designing their mini dragsters on Autodesk Inventor. We are now getting ready to go into the shop to create the dragster that they designed. It is really fun to see students design the car in 3D computer aided design software. Some students really take an interest in this software. If you know your son or daughter is interested in 3D design their are multiple free software that can be downloaded to your home computer. One of those is called 123D design. You can find the free download at http://www.123dapp.com/design