Sneed Squires tackle preengineering courses The world we live in is complex and constantly changing. It is important now more than ever that students are prepared to solve complex problems, gather and make sense of information, and evaluate evidence to make decisions. A greater interest in STEM education means a brighter future for everyone. By providing students with opportunities to explore STEM and STEM-related concepts, they will develop a solid understanding and passion for it and hopefully pursue a STEM-related career. Our Sneed students are connecting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to their core subjects and solving real-world problems. STEM strengthens critical thinking skills, fosters collaboration, and at its core prioritizes problem-solving. These are highly sought after skills in college and beyond. We are giving rise to a new generation of problem solvers, thinkers, and innovators for our future workforce. Middle school is a time of exploration where students are finding themselves and their interests. When they discover what they are passionate about, they have a better start in choosing a path leading to a more successful future. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a gateway to this discovery for some of our students. Some students take PLTW courses and realize that the field of engineering is something they want to pursue as a career. Design and Modeling is a preengineering course that provides students with an introduction to the world of engineering, introducing the different types of engineers and what they do before shifting the focus to the design process. This scientific process is what engineers use to design solutions to problems that are presented. Throughout the course, students are presented with problems and either work with a partner or a team to come up with a design to solve the problem. After designs have been documented and approved, students build a prototype and test it to ensure that it indeed solves the problem. They develop an understanding of how their own creativity and critical thinking can solve problems and come up with inventions and innovations for our world. This year Design and Modeling is divided into two different levels. All students are allowed to take the first level. Students who excel and show an increased interest can take Part 2 which offers in-depth design opportunities including designing using 3D modeling software. Once their designs are approved, some students will be able to manufacture these designs using our new 3D Printer, gaining further insight into the manufacturing process. Design and Modeling classes offer a project -based learning experience. It affords for more student engagement and gets students more invested in their learning. This is a learn by discovery class so sometimes making mistakes makes the learning process deeper and richer. Students understand that the design process is iterative and that they may have to redesign to arrive at the desired outcome. The teacher is the facilitator of learning and students are encouraged to take more control of their learning process. Students are more interactive and learn not only from the teacher but from each other. Because of the nature of this class, we are right in line with our district’s one-to-one initiative: students complete assignments in the classroom on their Chromebooks through Google Classroom.
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