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7th & 8th


7th & 8th Grade Google Classroom

STEM Class: 7th & 8th Grade Curricular Goals

In the final years of STEM class, the focus is on developing maker empowerment -- an ability to see the world as designed and malleable and to demonstrate self-efficacy in changing it. We also work on developing self-generated systems for evaluating/testing ideas and refining designs through iterative cycles and feedback.

Design Sensitivity and Maker Empowerment
Looking Closely Exploring Complexities Finding Opportunity for Making
I can take apart an object or system and create a drawing that accurately depicts all components. I can include logical speculation about the make-up and possible origins for components within the object or system. I can consider an object’s place within a system by analyzing the role of geography, materials sourcing, environmentalism, and economics. I can articulate a modification to an object or system that incorporates an explanation of how the item or system works the way it does and how it could be made to work otherwise.


Engineering Design Standards
Defining Engineering Problems Generating and Modeling Ideas Testing and Evaluating Ideas Refining Ideas
I can delineate “must-haves” and likely real-world constraints for solutions to real-world problems. I can identify scientific principles that may help create successful designs. I can create a comparison matrix to compare competing design ideas according to how well they meet conditions for success and work within constraints. I can analyze results from tests to identify high-functioning features of designs that could be combined to create a new design. I can explain how the new design will better meet the criteria for success while remaining within constraints. I can create a system for iterative testing of an idea, product, or tool to find an optimal design.


Computer Science
Computer Programming Computational Thinking and Computer Literacy
I can use conditionals, functions, variables, operators, and logic when programming a computer or a robot.
I can analyze and debug my code to make improvements.

I can create efficient algorithms to program a solution to a task.

I can create a simple program in a text-based programming language.


STEM Class Principles
Imagine Possibilities Dig Into Mistakes Embrace Challenges Ask Questions Share and Show Kindness

7th & 8th Grade Projects 2019-2020:

  • LittleBits Creation
  • Introduction to Python Programming
  • Turtle Art + Laser Cutting
  • Circuits with Raspberry Pi
  • Junior Solar Sprint
  • Olympics-Inspired Creation

Turtle Art Links:
Turtle Art
Turtle Art Resources

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