Gateway to Technology Syllabus
Cornerstone Charter Academy
Miss LuCinda Coder
2013-2014
Project Lead the Way is a national, not-for-profit educational program that assists high-school students in developing strong backgrounds
in science and engineering. This dynamic program uses hands-on, real world curriculum to engage and challenge students to achieve their
highest potential. The following is the link to Project Lead the Way. Please visit the website for information regarding the Biomedical
Sciences Program: http://www.pltw.org/Biomedical/biomedical.cfm.
The PLTW Gateway To Technology (GTT) program features a project-based curriculum designed to challenge and engage the natural
curiosity and imagination of middle school students. They envision, design and test their ideas with the same advanced modeling software
used by companies like Lockheed Martin, Intel and Sprint. They study mechanical and computer control systems; think robotics and
animation. Students also explore the importance of energy, including innovative ways to reduce, conserve and produce it using solar,
thermal and wind power. The knowledge that students gain and the skills they build from GTT create a strong foundation for further
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 careers.
This class will be rigorous and, challenging, fascinating and fun. I expect that this class will motivate you to work hard, help you learn to
work well with others, improve your higher-level thinking skills and will ultimately result in you having a deep understanding of how the
human body is organized, how it works, what can go wrong and how medical interventions can help.
E-mail: lcoder@cornerstonecharter.com
Cornerstone Phone Number: 407-608-7171
Required Materials:
In order to be successful in this class, you will need the following materials daily. Please let me know IMMEDIATELY if you will have
difficulty getting any of the materials and I will find a way to help you get what you need.
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½ or 1 inch 3-ring binder
3 Dividers
Notebook Paper (College or Wide Ruled)
Pencil
Blue or Black Pen
Scientific Calculator
Suggested Supplies:
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Graph Paper
Colored Pencils
Flash Drive
Highlighters
Learning Goals:
Students will take GTT for a semester. In that time frame, students will take two of the GTT courses; Design & Modeling and Medical
Detectives, each one for a nine weeks.
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 to solve problems and understand the influence that
creative and innovative design has on our lives. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image
of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions.
Medical Detectives (MD) - Medical Detectives (MD) explores the biomedical sciences through hands-on projects and labs
that require students to solve a variety of medical mysteries. Students investigate medical careers, vital signs, diagnosis and
treatment of diseases, as well as human body systems such as the nervous system. Genetic testing for hereditary diseases and
DNA crime scene analysis put the students in the place of real life medical detectives.
Learning Management System:
Project Lead the Way uses an online program, called the LMS (learning management system), that students will be able to access in class
and at home. The website is my.pltw.org. Students will have a username and password that will allow them to access the LMS. The LMS
houses the PLTW curriculum, provides opportunity for students to submit assignments online when appropriate, allows for collaboration,
and much more!
It will be beneficial if students have access to internet in order to complete assignments, prepare for assessments, collaborate, and more.
I understand that at times, students may need to use equipment, computers, collaborate with one another, etc. In order to meet these
needs, I will offer time after school on Tuesday’s until 4:00pm for students to come in and work. If additional time is needed, please speak
with me on an individual basis.
General Policies
Attendance/Tardies: Students are expected to attend and be on time for each and every class. The attendance and tardy policies and
procedures set forth in the student handbook will be adhered to and upheld.
1st and 2nd Tardy = Warning
3rd Tardy = Warning and Parent Contact
4th Tardy = Administrative Detention
5th Tardy = ISS and Letter Home
6th Tardy = ISS and ACST Meeting
7th Tardy and Above = Consequence is at Administrative Discretion
Absences & Make-Up Work: If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to retrieve any work you missed. Please check the website
for class and/or homework assignments. You may see me before or after school to discuss the assignments. Any assignments that were
due on the day of an absence are due upon your return to class. If an assignment is not turned in when you return, it is considered late.
For every one excused absence, you have two days to complete any missed class work. Work not turned in within this time
frame will be considered late.
Students with 10 or more unexcused absences in a semester must pass a comprehensive exam in each class period, regardless
of the grade earned, in order to receive a passing grade and course credit.
Late Work: Homework, projects, labs, etc. are due at the beginning of class on the assigned day. Students will have a notebook for this
class – they will keep it organized with assignments that we complete throughout the class. It is the students’ responsibility to ensure their
notebook is completed and organized with all assignments. I do notebook checks – these can be at any time, announced or unannounced.
Students who do not turn in assignments or notebooks on time will have 3 school days from the time the assignment is posted
in progress book to complete and turn in it. Late assignments will be docked 50%. Assignments not turned in, or turned in after
the late deadline, will receive a 0%.
Classroom Materials: Students in this class will have the opportunity to work with many different materials and equipment for which
Cornerstone has invested significant funds. Students should NEVER remove materials/equipment without permission from Miss Coder.
Students are expected to handle all materials with care and keep them in good, working condition.
Classroom Expectations
Be Present: In order for you to learn, you must be present. The expectation is that you are in the classroom, willing and ready to learn
each day. This class is fun but it is also challenging. If you miss class, you will get behind which ultimately causes you more work.
Be Prepared: Bring all required materials and a good attitude to class every day.
Be Respectful: Please remember you are not the only one in class. You are to treat others in a tolerant, considerate, courteous and
respectful manner at all times. This includes using appropriate language, speaking in a mature manner, keeping your hands to yourself
and participating fully in classroom activities. Many of the lesson activities in this class require group work. Therefore, participation and
getting along with others is a necessary component of the course. I am here to help every one of you succeed and reach your highest
potential. Seek help if you need help, ask questions and treat others respectfully and I guarantee this class is one you will not forget.
Grading
At the end of each grading period all assignment points will be totaled and the percentage of earned points will be determined. The grading
scale is as follows:
A
B
C
D
F
90% – 100%
80% – 89%
70% – 79%
60% – 69%
59% and below
I am willing to discuss your grade with you any time before or after school.
I’m looking forward to a great year and am excited to get to know each of you! If you have questions or concerns regarding the course or
grades don’t hesitate to talk with me. Let’s make it a fantastic year!
Laboratory Safety Contract
1.
Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory. If in doubt about anything, ASK!
2.
Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the instructor
before proceeding.
3.
Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory without an instructor present.
4.
When first entering a science room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you
are instructed to do so.
5.
Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory.
6.
Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor.
7.
Never fool around in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.
8.
Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times.
9.
Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the desk when not in use.
10. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety shower,
fire extinguisher, and fire blanket. Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.
11. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals in sink drains. Sinks are to be used only for water and those solutions
designated by the instructor. Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed
of in the proper waste containers, not in the sink.
12. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash your hands with soap
and water after performing all experiments. Clean (with detergent), rinse, and wipe dry all work surfaces (including the sink)
and apparatus at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.
13. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You will be assigned a laboratory station at which to work. Do not wander
around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.
14. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear laboratory goggles. There will be no exceptions to this rule!
15. Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the
laboratory. Long hair must be tied back and dangling jewelry and loose or baggy clothing must be secured. Shoes must completely
cover the foot.
16. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor immediately, no matter how trivial it may
appear. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Tell Miss Coder and SHE will clean it up!
17. If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the eyewash station or
safety shower for at least 20 minutes. Notify the instructor immediately.
18. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Do not touch, taste, or smell any chemicals unless specifically
instructed to do so. The proper technique for smelling chemical fumes will be demonstrated to you. Never remove chemicals or
other materials from the laboratory area.
19. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before
touching an electrical switch, plug, or outlet.
20. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped or cracked glassware. Never use dirty glassware. Do not immerse hot
glassware in cold water; it may shatter.
21. Exercise extreme caution when using an alcohol burner. Take care that hair, clothing and hands are a safe distance from the
flame at all times. Do not put any substance into the flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Never reach over an exposed
flame. Never leave a lit burner unattended. Never leave anything that is being heated or is visibly reacting unattended. Always
turn the burner or hot plate off when not in use.
Course Agreement
I, ______________________________________ (write name legibly)
have read and agree to follow all of the classroom policies and safety rules set forth in this document. I agree to obtain all necessary
materials for the course and tell Miss Coder ASAP if I am unable to get any of the necessary materials. I realize that I must obey the safety
rules listed in order to ensure my own safety, and that of my fellow students and instructors. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my
instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe lab environment. I will also closely follow the oral and written instructions provided by
the instructor. I am aware that any violation of the safety contract may result in my being removed from the laboratory, detention, and/or
receiving a failing grade.
Student Signature _____________________________ Date ________________________
Dear Parent or Guardian:
I feel that you should be fully informed about your child’s opportunities and experiences in my class, as well as my expectations of him/her.
Please read through this syllabus, especially the general policies, expectations and safety contract. No student will be permitted to perform
laboratory activities unless this contract is signed by both the student and parent/guardian and is in the student’s notebook on the day of
lab work.
Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this document, are aware of my expectations and the measures taken to
ensure the safety of your son/daughter in the science laboratory, and will instruct your son/daughter to uphold his/her agreement to
follow these rules and procedures in the laboratory.
Parent/Guardian Name ______________________________________ (write name legibly)
Parent/Guardian Signature _______________________________ Date ________________
Parent Email _________________________________________________________________________
Parent Phone _______________________________