Technical Preparation Syllabus                     email: rocharza@admin.linden.k12.mi.us

Mr. Ocharzak                                                  phone:  810.591.0732

Fall 2007                                                       office hours: 9:15-10:00 a.m.

 

 

Kickoff

 

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……..

 

Reality Bits

 

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.

 

Do It!

 

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.

 

 

More Useful Stuff

 

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.

 

Brain Waves

 

A Range          100-90

B Range          89-82

C Range          79-70

D Range          69-60

E Range          59- below