The Technology/Engineering classes meet the MA Curriculum Frameworks for Science and Technology/Engineering and prepares students for the 8th grade Science and Technology/Engineering MCAS

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Grade 7th Units

Computer Programming: video game design challenge 

Students are introduced to a graphics oriented block-based programming language (StarLogo TNG) and use it to solve various challenges, such as simple video games. They will be able to develop algorithms, write code in standard computer code format (variables, if statements, for loops, etc), test and debug code, and design and create a computer game.

Transportation Technology 

Students study transportation systems in terms of their subsystems (propulsion, structure, control, etc.).  Students choose one technology and work with a team to create a poster presentation.  As a result students are exposed to a variety of interesting transportation technologies.

Catapult Design Challenge 

Students study the physical principles involved in launching items with a catapult.  They use the Engineering Design Process to guide them through the process of designing and building a catapult to propel items into a given target.  They experiment with various materials and configurations, take data, and calibrate their devices for a specified target.

Grade 8th Units

Structures, Forces, Materials I: Wood Frame House 

Students learn what makes structures strong and able to resist specific forces.  We take an in-depth look at the structure and materials used in a common Wood Frame House.

Engineering Design 

Students will use the Engineering Design Process and knowledge of wood framing in their design of a small vacation cottage.  The process includes idea generation, prototype construction and final model.

Structures, Forces, Materials II: Bridges 

Students continue their study of structures, forces and materials by focusing on bridges.  We look at the history of bridge technology, major types, materials, forces, and selection of an appropriate bridge type for a given site.  

Communications Technology 

Students study communications methods from historical times to present.  They experiment with a model telegraph and use it to encode, transmit, and decode messages.  We explore various communications technologies including fax machines, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, MP3s, and cell phones.  Students learn about the digital TV format and how it improves upon analog TV.

Airplanes and Rockets 

Students learn the principles of flight and how a plane is controlled during flight.  They use this knowledge to perform stunts with paper airplanes that they construct. Students also learn the principles of a rocket and how it is controlled during flight.  They build rockets and then test them outdoors while using math and physics concepts to determine its altitude.

House Design and 3D CAD 

Students follow the Engineering Design Process while they design and model a small vacation home.  3D CAD software “Google Sketch-Up” is used to model and furnish the house on a computer workstation.

Manufacturing Technology  

Students are introduced to basic manufacturing processes (separating, forming, assembling, casting, finishing, quality control etc.), the organization of a manufacturing company, and the systems of custom and mass production.  Pin-back buttons are used as an example product; students will create a business plan and produce prototypes.

Elizabeth Baker - Science and Technology/Engineering Director

(617)993-5975

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