What have we been working on and what is coming up next!!

8th grade Applications of Technology Class:

This group of awesome young men and women just completed their Biotechnology Unit. For this unit students discussed how biotechnology (industrial, agricultural and medical technologies) are used in their lives. Students created an artificial hand with basic materials, spent one school day without the use of an arm (to help with the understanding of how people with disabilities are able to lead normal lives) and then researched careers in the biotechnology field to get a better understanding of a career they have interest in.

This marking period we have begun our manufacturing unit. Our focus begins with how products are packaged for consumer use, what types of packaging are helpful to the environment and which are not and what are some government required items to be found on all packaging.

 

7th grade Foundations of Technology class:

This group just completed their fantastic marble mazes! This was a unit on construction with a discussion on how weight and balance keep structures supported and how friction is used to slow down and object.  The goal of this activity is to design and build a maze which will force the marble to go as slow as possible from one point to another. Best time was 23 seconds!!

 

Up next for this group is a unit in Communication Technology where students are learning about Logos and design. Students will be creating a label for a beverage container (start bringing in those plastic bottles soon!). We have discussed what Logos signify to a company as well as what a trademark means. We also discussed the requirements of Nutrition Facts found on all food and beverage containers and why they are used.

6th grade Exploring Technology:

Our group continues to learn more about what Technology is and we are now researching technologies (inventions) we are interested in learning more about.  Students are creating a one page typed paper with information about their invention and then creating a project based on the invention. (a powerpoint, a timeline or a model). This activity is due at the end of next week! The assignment is listed below:

 

Inventions and History

 

Directions: for this activity you will be researching a invention of your choosing which was invented before 2000. You will be typing a one page paper as well as creating a project related to your technology. The rubric is below:

The paper: (example is on the back)

1. At least one page typed, in 12-16 pt font
2. Double spaced
3. The title on the top line,  and your name below the title
4. Items to be included in the paper:

• When was the technology invented (ex: Dec. 5, 1976 or the 1300’s or the 16^th century are all periods of time)
• Who invented it (could be more than one person. If the technology is very old an inventor may not be named but do indicate that information)
• Where was it invented (could be in a city, state, country or empire that no longer exists)
• What other inventions do we have today which are like your invention or what other inventions came to be because of your invention? (Example: the cell phone, fax machine and internet were all created thanks to the telephone)
• Finally, some fun facts about your invention. (Examples: Was it an accidental invention? Is it no longer around and why?)

1. All work is to be original, no copy and pasting information.

 

Total possible _____ / 10 points summative

 

Also complete a project, see your choices below:

 

The project: (choose one of the following)

 

1. A powerpoint presentation with five slides which display pictures and information found in your paper. You can add animation and sound if you like.
2. A model of your invention (it can be made of any material you chose but cannot just be the invention such as showing us your cell phone, that is not a model). If your model is large or resembles a weapon than this activity is probably not the best choice.
3. A timeline on poster displaying how your invention has changed throughout the years. If you invention has not changed much than this activity is probably not the best choice.

 

    Total possible _____ / 10 points summative

 

All work is due by March 27 (A day), March 26th  (B day) . There will be time in class to research your information and work on your project. You may want to consider also doing some work at home.