Technical Preparation
Syllabus email:
rocharza@admin.linden.k12.mi.us
Mr. Ocharzak phone: 810.591.0732
Fall 2008-2009 office hours: 9:43-10:37 a.m.
Introduction
Tech Prep is a course in which
students explore the physical worlds of science and technology. Exploration
occurs in the new LMS Smartlab, from
Creative Learning Systems. This Smartlab approach, which has been coined
“the one room schoolhouse of the future” views all students as learners. Learners
are encouraged to branch out and become project managers by developing creative
portfolios of their work through multimedia.
The Smartlab houses multiple
engagements for learners to explore
emphasizing a “hands on approach,” while supporting the core curriculum, and
enhancing creativity. As a result of the Smartlab
experience learners will discover
more about the world they live in and possible career pathways. Some
specific engagements include: Digital Photography, Audio and Video
Production, Materials Testing, Architecture, Interior Design, Lego Robotics,
Flight Simulation, Engineering, Animation, Lasers, Electronics, Contraptology
and many more……..
Format
Ultimately learners work in groups of two at various engagements. The engagements in the Smartlab are all connected. This interconnectivity ensures real world collaboration almost immediately. The ability to collaborate with others in the learning environment is only enhanced by the various multimedia within the lab. Collaboration within the environment improves the final product and offers young learners valuable social-skills development opportunities. In addition to working at engagements, learners may have additional opportunities for learning. These include instructor and student lead research projects, Advanced Robotics Programming, Inventor Project (8th), Bridge design competition (7th), Aerospace Design Flight competition (6th) and Egg Crate design competition.
Weekly Schedule
(sample)
Week #1 Introduction activities, choose teams and begin first engagements
Week #2 Finish first engagement work including documentation.
Week #3 Class Presentations
Week #4 Begin second engagements
Week #5 Finish second engagement work including documentation
Week #6 Class Presentations
Week #7 Begin third engagements
Week #8 Finish third engagement work including documentation
Week #9 Class presentations or facilitator lead project.
Daily Introduction
Math Monday Math trivia starts the day
Tech Tuesday Technology demonstration/ Audio Trivia
Guess What Wednesday? Guessing games and Trivia
Career Day Career discussion/ Professional Dress
Free Read Friday Select materials from the knowledge wall
Classroom
Expectations/ Guidlines
It is of utmost importance that students follow the general moral principles of respect, honesty, integrity, etc. Any deviation from what is considered school appropriate will be dealt with though LMS policies, procedures. Following are some specific examples:
· Give 100% effort daily.
· Food or beverages are not allowed in class.
· Physical or verbal abuse of any type will not be tolerated.
· Learners are required to bring planners and a pencil to class.
· Respect for others including property is expected at all times.
· Unsafe behavior in class will not be tolerated.
· Teamwork is expected during group work.
· Learners must obtain permission to leave their engagements.
· Learners are expected to turn in original work citing sources.
· Class participation is 10 percent of your grade.
· Graded homework can be redone and turned in for more or less credit.
· All learners are expected to participate in “clean up.”
· If differences in opinion arise within groups the first step is to work it out with group members and the next step is to seek facilitators help.
· Courtesy to guest teachers is expected at all times.
Grading Scale
A Range 100-90
B Range 89-82
C Range 79-70
D Range 69-60
E Range 59- below