Design (6-8)
Oak Park Middle Schools has implemented the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) program, which features a project-based curriculum designed to challenge and engage the natural curiosity and imagination of middle school students. Throughout the three-year curriculum, students acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork and innovation as well as explore STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) careers.
Designing requires an individual to be imaginative and creative, while having a substantial knowledge base of important factors that will aid or constrain the process. Through this sequence of courses students will be exposed to Computer Aided Design, Coding, and Circuitry. All of the design courses will prepare our students for the 21st century. Students will walk away with an understanding that designers must adopt an approach that allows them to think creatively, while conforming to the requirements of a design specification.
Course Sequence:
Students will rotate out of the scheduled Integrated Studies Class for 1 trimester to take the assigned design course. Course sequence is as follows:
- 6th Grade: Design
- 7th Grade: Electronics
- 8th Grade: Robotics
Course Descriptions:
Design: In this class, students will use the design process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives. Students are using OnShape, a 3D modeling software, to create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions.
Electronics: In this class, students explore electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices through hands-on projects. Students will obtain knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design, and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them.
Robotics: In this class, students will learn about gears and mechanisms and then work to write a computer program using the Vexcode coding language. Students are challenged to solve problems by building with VEX robotics kits and wiring the machines to their computer program. Students will be engaged with a wide variety of projects, such as making an automated sign, stop lights, swing bridges and a robotic arm.