John Beam
841-6799
jbeam@austinisd.org
Website
PLTW LMS
my.pltw.org
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STEM based curriculum
Incorporates national science and
technology standards as well as the
state TEKS for math and science.
Project based curriculum – DO NOT
EXPECT a lot of grades or homework
Classes designed to prepare the
students to be able to use technology
to solve everyday problems.
DM/AR
ST
ME
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Students learn how to apply the concept of
“green” choices to the fields of architecture
and construction by exploring
dimensioning, measuring, and architectural
sustainability
They will design affordable housing units
using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design
software.
Applied Chemistry:
 Students will have the opportunity to solve
problems similar to those that a chemical
engineer would experience.
 Students will make and test the characteristics
of ice cream or yogurt.
 Then they will make and test the qualities of
glue.
 Finally, students will clean up an oil spill.
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Students learn how to manipulate objects at the
nano scale and how material properties change
at this scale.
Students will identify how nanotechnology
impacts electronics, materials, manufacturing,
energy, environment, health, medicine,
national security, and space exploration to
name a few.
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Students will identify simple machines and
determine their appropriate use and mechanical
advantage.
They will learn about energy, energy conservation,
and potential and kinetic energy by designing,
building, and testing a model roller coaster.
Students will then learn about systems and
subsystems and have the opportunity to create one
of the following products: Green Car, Rube
Goldberg device, Dragster, or Amusement Park
Ride.
HS
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In this class students will learn the difference between a
conductor and an insulator, how to measure current,
voltage, and resistance, and how to convert energy into
electricity.
Students will design and build models of an
electromagnet, a DC motor, and a generator.
Students will learn how to model an electrical circuit
using Snap Circuits.
They will learn how to identify electrical components by
their symbols and how to create and read a schematic
diagram.
Students will breadboard, test, and build a night light
circuit.
Students will solve several logic problems using Snap
Circuits.
HS
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Students investigate the importance of
energy in our lives and the impact that
using energy has on the environment.
They design and model alternative
energy sources and participate in energy
fairs to demonstrate energy concepts and
innovative ideas.
Students evaluate ways to reduce energy
consumption through energy efficiency
and waste management techniques.
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This unit uses 3-D CAD program as part of the
design process.
Utilizing this design approach, students understand
how design influences their lives.
Students also learn sketching techniques and use
descriptive geometry as a component of design,
measurement and computer modeling.
Students brainstorm, research, develop ideas, create
models, test and evaluate design ideas, and
communicate solutions.
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Students trace the history, development and
influence of automation and robotics.
They learn about mechanical systems,
energy transfer, machine automation and
computer control systems.
Students acquire knowledge and skills in
problem solving, teamwork collaboration
and innovation.
HS
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Students study the history of aerospace
through hands-on activities, research and
a presentation in the form of an
infomercial.
Students explore the science behind
aeronautics and use their knowledge to
design, build and test a model glider.
Simulation software is used to expose
students to traveling and living in space.
Design & Modeling /
Automation & Robotics - year
course (7th/8th grade)
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Medical Detectives and
Green Architecture
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and/or
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These classes earn .5 credit
These MUST be taken to
earn ANY high school credit
and are the prerequisite
courses for ST and ME
Science of Technology
and Magic of Electrons
(8th Grade)
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These classes together
earn another .5 high
school elective credit
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The students will learn the basics of
media and animation using open-source
software.
Vector vs. Raster graphics (Inkscape and
GIMP)
Simple “flash” animations (Vectorian
Giatto)
Stop Motion (Windows Movie Maker)
Public Service Announcements
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Students study the history of robotics
through hands-on activities, research and
a presentations.
They will receive many challenges that
require imagination and teamwork to be
successful. Included will be basic
programming with RobotC which is used
all the way through high school.