GATEWAYS
2015-2016
Facilitated by: Mr. Ludwig & Ms. Zigmont
Course Structure
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Graded
Self-contained
LA/SS/Science
Team-taught
Integrated STEM-based
program that imbeds language
arts, science, & social studies
using strands of present 8th
grade curriculum.
How Does Gateways Work?
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Approximately 40 incoming 8th grade
students (20 boys/20 girls) will be
assigned.
Math and elective periods will be taught
in a small group format outside of the
Gateways classroom.
Remaining class periods spent in our
classroom investigating topics within the
core curriculum. No separate LA,
science, or social studies classes.
Communication/Technology Integration
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Much of the work completed in
Gateways will be managed through
Schoology.
Calendars are maintained in the
classroom and via Schoology with
upcoming work. Updates are posted to
send students reminders.
HAC is used to send email updates to
parents, so please make sure your email
address is correct in HAC.
Technology is used in Gateways
EVERY day! Students are able to
bring their own devices.
What is “STEM” Education?
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(STEM) education is:
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the creative and innovative
engagement of students in
contextual, project- and
problem-based learning,
requiring the integration &
application of science,
technology, engineering, &
mathematics knowledge and
skills, to produce solutions to
predictable and unpredictable
real-world problems.
Rationale
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In 2006, we created this program to meet the need of Radnor students
that possess a keen interest in the sciences of math, physics, and
technology.
Curriculum prepares students for the global opportunities that exist
today. Opportunities that rely heavily in the knowledge of technology
and technical application.
The Gateways program focuses on showing – not telling –how
engineers use technology to solve everyday problems through inquiry.
While challenging and engaging their natural curiosities, students will
explore math, science, language arts, social studies, and technology in
an integrated fashion.
We learn much of the same things that other 8th grade teams learn in
math, science, language arts, and social studies and add Project Lead
the Way’s Gateway to Technology program to enrich our experience.
Current Research
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Current data projections indicate that the majority of
the highest paying jobs in the future will require
mastery of math and science.
According to a 2012 report by the U.S.
Department of Commerce, in consultation with the
National Economic Council, computer and math
occupations account for close to half of all STEM
employment today.
There will be 2.4 million job openings for STEM
workers between 2008 and 2018. That consists of
1.1 million net new STEM jobs and 1.3 million
replacement positions generated by STEM
workers who permanently leave the workforce.
By 2015, 1 in 3 jobs will be STEM-related.
80% of the fastest growing occupations in the US
will be dependent upon mastery of math and science
knowledge and skills.
Achieve (2013) reports that more than 40% of high
school graduates are not properly prepared for
college-level work.
Current Research
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78% of college students reported that they decided
to major in a STEM field in high school or earlier.
57% indicated that prior to college a teacher or class
piqued their interest in STEM.
The number of pre-collegiate STEM educational
opportunities lead to increased achievements in
STEM occupations up to 20 years later. Such
achievements include:
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Production of STEM publications
Earning a PhD in a STEM field
Maintaining a STEM occupation
Attaining STEM tenure
Obtaining a STEM patent
Only 1 in 5 STEM college students felt K-12
education had effectively prepared them to be
successful in collegiate level STEM coursework.
Attributes of Gateways Curricula
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Contextual project/problem
based
1/3 theory, 2/3 application
 F = ma, research, design, &
fabricate dragster
Highly rigorous & relevant
Addresses state and national
standards across all disciplines
A Historical Approach
The year will be divided into two halves where
biographical studies of influential scientists will
provide the framework for the core content.
September – December
January – June
Leonardo DaVinci
Thomas Edison
Galileo Galilei
Albert Einstein
Sir Isaac Newton
Current Technologists
Leonardo DaVinci
We will start the year exploring the genius of Leonardo DaVinci and
the art of inquiry based learning.
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Scientific Method
Italian Renaissance
Sketching & Technical Drawing
Dissection
Mutter Museum Trip
Siege Machines
Punkin’ Chunkin Trip
Green Architecture
Green Architecture
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In a world of reduced
resources and environmental
challenges, it is important to
present the concept of
“being green” to the next
generation of designers and
builders.
In this unit, students will be
introduced to architectural
plans, construction styles,
alternative materials and
processes, dimensioning,
measuring and architectural
sustainability.
Galileo
We will explore the controversial Galileo and his observations of “the heavens”.
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The Nature of Matter
Early Space Exploration
Waves, Sound & Light
Planetarium Trip
Italian Renaissance
Sir Isaac Newton
We will explore the mathematical mind of Sir Isaac Newton.
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Motion, Forces, & Energy
Rube Goldberg Devices
Franklin Institute Trip
Chemistry
The Science of Technology
 How has science
affected technology
throughout history?
 To answer this
question students will
apply the concepts of
physics, chemistry
and nanotechnology
to STEM activities
and projects.
Thomas Edison
We will explore Thomas Edison and illustrate how his persistence made
him famous.
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Inventions & Patents
Electricity & Magnetism/Magic of
Electrons
Automation & Robotics
Post Civil War American History (18801930)
Stock Market Game
Magic of Electrons
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Through hands-on projects,
students will explore the
science of electricity,
behavior and parts of atoms,
and sensing devices.
Students will acquire
knowledge and skills in basic
circuitry design and examine
the impact of electricity on
our lives.
Automation & Robotics
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Students will trace the history,
development, and influence of
automation and robotics, learning
about mechanical systems, energy
transfer, machine automation and
computer control systems.
Students will use a robust
robotics platform to design, build
and program a solution to solve an
existing problem.
Albert Einstein
We will learn about the 20th century’s most famous scientist, Albert
Einstein.
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Post Civil War American History
(1930- 1960)
Flight & Space (post Wright Bros.)
Museum of Jewish Heritage Trip to NYC
Flight & Space
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The rich history of aerospace
comes alive through hands-on
activities, research, and
presentations.
Students will explore the
science behind aeronautics and
use your knowledge to design,
build and test a variety of flying
machines.
Competitions
Throughout the year, students will be involved in various local or national
competitions that will showcase student’s inquiry, fabrication, and
presentation skills. Some of these competitions could include:
Gateways Comparison
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How it’s the same
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2 elective periods daily
All Math Levels
Grade(s)
Weekly assignments
(i.e. current events & spelling)
– Differentiation
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How it’s different
– Provides ability to make
connections between
curriculum within all classes
– Opportunity to direct your
own learning
– More cooperative and group
learning
– Relevant field trips to
connect what students have
learned to the world outside
of RMS
Humanities Integration
Themes of post-Civil War American history and accompanying literature are explored,
as well.
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Industrial Revolution: Electric Universe
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Society & Mass Culture: Sci-fi Lit Circles
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Depression Era: To Kill a Mockingbird
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World War II/Holocaust: Holocaust lit
circles, Green Glass Sea, The Wave
Cold War: Rocket Boys
Additional titles include: Leonardo’s
Shadow, Galileo for Kids, FutureHype,
and others selected by class
With a Little Help from Our Friends
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REF Grant (2007) for PLTW GTT
Automation & Robotics Materials ($10,000)
SME Grant for STEPS Academy ($35,000)
 Summer camp in July of 2008 and 2009
 Additional technology including laptops, MP3
players and Smart Response System for our
classroom
REF Grant (2009) for GTT Flight & Space
Unit ($3,000)
ACTS grant (2010) ($1,300)
REF Grant (2012) for upgrade to VEX
Robotics Materials ($8,400)
REF Grant (2014) for upgrade to digital trainer
boards for Magic of Electrons Unit ($1,300)
Who is Compatible?
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EVERYONE
Seek some independence and choice in
learning
Strong interest in math and
science inquiry
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Enjoy working & learning in groups
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Like to explore & “dig deeper”
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Enjoy getting out of the classroom to
explore real-world applications to the
curriculum
Thrive in an environment where much of
the learning is “hands-on”
Will My Child Be Prepared for RHS?
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Since the Gateways program is
combined with a challenging
academic curriculum, students
are well-prepared for the most
demanding high school course
work, and a successful transition
to 9th grade.
Data that we have collected at
RHS has shown that
Gateways’ students have
performed as well, if not better
than their non-Gateways peers.
All PLTW courses at RHS
are taught at the Honors
(weighted) level.
What’s Next?
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Discuss Gateways with your
child and decide on
acceptance of your child’s
spot or decline the invitation.
Intention letter should be
submitted to the Guidance
Office NO LATER
THAN MAY 29th!
Conclusion
Yesterday: Sputnik
Today: STEM
“In an integrated global economy whose key components are increasingly
knit together in an interdependent system of relationships will our children
be able to compete.”
John Glenn