Syllabus for 7th grade GTT: Pre-engineering
Instructor: Mrs. Debbie Meisner
meisner.debbie@westada.org
350-4270 ext. 1227
Course Purpose: Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Gateway to Technology (GTT) program features a projectbased curriculum designed to challenge and engage the natural curiosity and imagination of middle school
students. The knowledge that student’s gain and the skills they build from GTT create a strong foundation for
further Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) learning in high school and beyond. Throughout
GTT, students acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork and innovation as well as explore
STEM. Taught in conjunction with a rigorous academic curriculum, the program is divided into independent
lessons within the foundation unit, using a 45 minute class period.
Foundation Unit: Design and Modeling (DM) - In this unit, students begin to recognize the value of an
engineering notebook to document and capture their ideas. They are introduced to and use the design
process in order to solve problems and understand the influence creative and innovative designs have on our
lives. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to create virtual images of their designs.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Be introduced to Project Lead the Way – Design Process, Sketching and Dimensioning, Design for
Production
2. Be introduced to Autodesk Inventor – 3D modeling software program
Grading: Grades will be based on Projects, Engineering Notebook, various Edmodo, Discovery Education, and
In-class activities.
Grading Policy: Learning is a process. Assignments and assessments are valuable components in mastering
content and demonstrating understanding.
 Assignments - It is expected that assignments will be turned in by the established due date.
 Assessments - It is expected that students study and are prepared for assessments as scheduled.
We expect that students will be committed to their studies while at Lewis and Clark Middle School. We have
an expectation of high work quality and positive attitude and effort. Timeliness is crucial to student success,
as is the coordinated effort from parents, teachers and students.
Keys to Success:
1. Keep the Engineering Notebook in class
2. Be diligent about writing legible notes in the Engineering Notebook, include diagrams when applicable
3. Attendance is necessary in order to complete various activities, projects and take notes
Edomodo:
Edmodo is a free and secure learning network for teachers, students and schools. It provides a safe way for us
to connect, share content, access homework, participate in discussions and receive class information.
Edmodo will not be used as a social network like Facebook, Instagram or MySpace. This tool will be used
strictly for educational purposes using the following guidelines:
 Students will be required to use appropriate grammar instead of texting language
 Edmodo does not allow private student-to-student messaging – the site will be used to discuss schoolrelated content only
 No put-downs or sarcasm toward another’s ideas
 All school rules and consequences related to harassment apply
 Parent/Guardian permission is mandatory
Refer to the Student and Parent Guide to Getting Started.
Edmodo Unique Code ________________
Edmodo Username _______________________________________
Edmodo Password _______________________________________
Discovery Education: A subscription to a Discovery Education online service has provided your child with a
username/password to access educational content. Because your child may be under the age of 13, federal
law requires that we attempt to notify you of the collection of this information. Please contact Discovery
Education at any time regarding privacy questions or concerns, or to request to review what personally
identifiable information has been provided by their school. You may also contact us at any time to request
that we delete the personally identifiable information of your child and disallow any further access.
Discovery Education 1 Discovery Place Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: (800) 323-9084 Email:
education_info@discovery.com
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/aboutus/privacypolicy.cf
Discovery Ed Username ________________________________________________________________
Discovery Ed Password _________________________________________________________________
LCMS Digital Citizenship:
Students should use all forms of technology in a respectful and responsible manner and at the teacher’s
discretion. For more information, refer to the Student Handbook, located in the agenda.
Classroom Behavior: Based on Respect, Responsibility and Courtesy
Agreements:
1. Listen and follow directions the first time
2. Show kindness and respect to others, their property and space
3. Come to class prepared to learn (supplies and good attitude)
4. Everyone has a right to learn, do not take away another’s right to learn
Rewards:
1. Positive learning environment
2. Opportunity to maintain privileges
3. Acquire good grades
Consequences:
1. Prompt (desired behavior)
2. Opportunity to refocus (amend the behavior)
3. Student/Teacher/Parent conference.
4. In an extreme case after all the above has been attempted, a referral to the office.
Syllabus Sign-off Sheet
to be returned to Mrs. Meisner
Due Date __________
I understand and will follow the Edmodo Guidelines. If I violate the guidelines, I may face
disciplinary action and/or face losing the privilege of using Edmodo.
Parent Signature _______________________________________
Date ____________
Print Name ___________________________________________
Student Signature ______________________________________
Date ____________
Print Name ___________________________________________
I understand and will follow the Classroom Behavior Plan.
Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________________Date ____________
Print Name ___________________________________________
Student Signature ______________________________________
Date ____________
Print Name ___________________________________________
Parent(s) / Guardians, please fill in a preferred time and method to be reached by Mrs. Meisner
in case a Parent/Teacher/Student conference is needed.
Time __________________
Method ________________________________________
I understand Discovery Education has provided a username/password to _____________
in order for him/her to access educational content online.
Parent Signature _______________________________________
Date ____________
Print Name ___________________________________________
Student Signature ______________________________________
Print Name ___________________________________________
Date ____________