September 5, 2005

Dear Students and Parent(s),

We are glad to have you here and we are looking forward to a productive and enjoyable semester. Your child has received a copy of the course handouts for our class. Please take a moment to review them. Your child should bring their binder with the course handouts included to class every day.  The class procedure contains an overview of the course and the expectations for your child. In addition, it contains a few classroom rules, my grading policy, the course outline and reiterates the school computer use policy.  This information is also explained below this letter.

The technology department collects a $3 fee to offset the cost of consumables.  Please send the money by September 16, 2005.  Checks can be made out to Galway Central School.

I firmly believe that through strong, positive communication among the student, parent(s), and teacher, your child can excel to the best of his or her ability. Please feel free to contact me concerning your child’s performance or attendance. I can be reached via email at jpdonnan@galwaycsd.org  or by phone, 882-1221 x3700. If by telephone, please leave a telephone number and the most convenient time that you can be reached and I will return your call.

For your convenience you may visit our online website at http://www.galwaycsd.org. I will do my best to keep you informed of homework assignments, quizzes and tests.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Joanne Donnan


jpdonnan@galwaycsd.org


 

Technology

 

 

 

 

Class Procedure

 

Entering the Technology Classroom

 

 

 

  1. Enter quietly and take out your Technology binder and pencil.  Put extra items in drawer or under bookcase by door.
  2. Wash hands if necessary.
  3. Go directly to your seat/stool so the lesson or demonstration may begin on time – you should be ready to roll when the bell rings.
  4. Unnecessary talking leads to confusion and lost time.

 

Working in the Technology Class:

  1. Physical and emotional safety is of utmost importance.  No pushing, fighting, or inappropriate comments or touching will be tolerated.
  2. Have the plans/sketches or each project approved before you start construction.
  3. If you need to leave the room, have a pass signed by the teacher and sign out on the pad on the bookcase.
  4. Assume the responsibility of caring for the resources that you use each day.

 

Cleaning up the Technology class:

  1. Stop work immediately at the teacher’s signal – approx. 3 minutes before the bell rings.
  2. Return all tools, materials, and projects to their proper place.
  3. Be responsible for cleaning up your workspace.  Complete assigned clean-up responsibilities.
  4. Assist your classmates if so requested by the teacher.

 

Dismissal from Technology:

  1. When you have finished with your clean up responsibility, get your belongings and wait quietly at your seat.  Push chairs in before leaving.
  2. Leave the classroom in an orderly manner.

 

Working in the Shop after school:

  1. Obtain the teacher’s permission before coming to the Technology room after school.  If you need a bus pass make sure you sign up in homeroom with Mrs. Kear.
  2. Every student using the classroom after school is responsible to see to it that the tools, equipment and floors are left in a neat, orderly manner.

 

Materials needed:

  1.  “ binder with ~ 20 sheets of loose-leaf paper and 4 dividers
  2. Pencil required everyday – pen is optional
  3. Any work/assignment/project related to that days activity

 

Discipline Code

 

You Can Not Violate the Rights of Another Human Being

Class Rules:

  1. Be on time to class – if late have a pass!
  2. Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings
  3. Come to class prepared – with binder, pencil, homework, and projects every day.
  4. All tests/assignments/homework must have your name and section on it.
  5. NO Horseplay, food, drink, candy, coats, etc. in the lab
  6. Be respectful
    1. Raise your hand before asking or answering a question.
    2. Be polite to classmates and respect their right to a productive learning environment.
    3. Respect the furniture, equipment and resources you are fortunate to have – clean up before dismissal from class.

 

The RTC room will be used for those who do not follow the rules.  RTC negotiations to get back into class are from 7:40-7:50 a.m., during lunch, or immediately after school.  Class make up time is available after school.  After school detentions and extra help are from 2:30-3:15 with Mrs. Donnan.

 

Grading

 

Your marking period average is derived using the following formula:

Ø      Homework/class work – 20%                                  Projects                      - 40 %

Ø      Written/Practical tests  - 30 %                                 Binder (Portfolio)       - 10%

 

Tests

Ø      Most will be announced a few days in advance of taking.

Ø      These evaluating tools will be based on class lectures/demonstrations/activities/homework.

Ø      Some tests will be open “notebook”, therefore keeping an organized, complete notebook is essential

 

Homework

Ø      When assigned, it will be graded.  Late homework may be turned in before the next class for 50%.

 

Notebook

Ø      You are to keep your notebook organized.  Use dividers and place the date and section # in the upper left corner of all papers when the papers enter your notebook will surely help.  Remember this is a continuous process.

Ø      A few sheets of white lined paper plus a few sheets of graph paper should be included in your notebook.

Ø      Technology notebooks are to contain technology papers only and must be able to pass the shake proof test.

 

 

Missed homework/tests/projects:

Any missed assignments and or notes will be the responsibility of the students.  Students may get notes from the instructor or another classmate.  Any missed test and or homework assignment must be madeup during a learning lab or after school.  It will be the student’s responsibility to arrange a time with the instructor to make up missed work.

 

Computer Use Guidelines

 

  1. The computer is a valuable resource in this technology class.  You will use it with the understanding that it is a privilege to do so.  You will not attempt to abuse the computers in this class in any way.

 

  1. The Windows Operating System installed on the computers allows you access only to drives and software necessary for your success in this course.  Do not attempt to bypass the Windows NT partitions.

 

  1. All of your computer work will be stored on the building’s server in a Student Directory Account (H: drive) assigned to you.  To gain access to your directory, you must log into the network.  Your access privileges extend to the Shared Directory (J: drive).  In it, you will find files and tutorials associated with this course.

 

  1. It is important for you to know how to access your Student Directory and how to follow the path to it when saving work.  If you accidentally save work in any location other than your Student Directory, it will be lost and you will need to redo it.

 

  1. Under no circumstances should you share your personal password with anyone.  If you think someone knows your password see the Computer Coordinator (Mrs. Euler) to change it.

 

  1. Computer work done by you in this class is original work.  Any computer-generated work copied from someone else is cheating.

Cheating will be handled in this manner:

    1. A grade of ZERO (0) will be awarded to all students involved.
    2. An administrative referral will be written and parents will be notified.

 

  1. Software and CD’s from outside this room will not be used on the computers.  There is no way to determine if it carries any Virus’s or if it has been illegally copied (bootlegged).  No files will be downloaded from the Internet without permission from the teacher.

 

  1. Internet access is for directed research only.  You are not allowed to surf the net, visit chat rooms, or retrieve email in this lab.

 

Be sure you understand and follow all the procedures outlined here.  Your academic success in technology class depends in large part on the materials you generate on the computer.

 

 

Gateway To Technology

 

Gateway To Technology’s (GTT) cutting-edge program addresses the interest and energy of middle school students, while incorporating national standards in mathematics, science, and technology. GTT is “activity oriented” to show students how technology is used in engineering to solve everyday problems in units of study. There are currently four instructional units that excite and motivate students to use their imaginations and teach them to be creative and innovative, while gaining the skills they need to develop, produce, and use products and services.

 

The GTT curriculum provides project-based learning—a hands-on approach--that is exciting and fun for the full-range of students in today’s grade 7 – 8 classrooms and that relates technology to students’ daily lives. It also promotes communication and collaboration by emphasizing a teaming approach in the instructional units. This approach utilizes the strengths of each team member to accomplish the goals of the project, while offering students learning challenges at all ability levels.

 

The mathematics, science, and technology integrated GTT program helps students develop and hone skills in middle school that enable them to enter the high school program with foundation knowledge and skills for success in pre-engineering. Although not intended as an introduction to the PLTW pre-engineering high school program, many schools report improved interest in the high school program because of GTT.

 

Four Units

 

GTT currently consists of four independent units that should be taught in conjunction with a rigorous academic curriculum. The units are designed to challenge and engage the exploratory minds of middle school students. Each 10-week unit contains performance objectives and suggested assessment methods. The four units are:

 

Design and Modeling – 7th Grade – Mrs. Donnan 

 

This unit uses solid modeling (a very sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) to introduce students to the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how solid modeling has influenced their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques, and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Using design briefs or abstracts, students create models and documentation to solve problems.

 

 

 

 

The Science of Technology – 7th Grade – Mr. Marcantonio

 

This unit traces how science has affected technology throughout history. Students learn about the mechanics of motion, the conversion of energy, and the use of science to improve communication.

 

The Magic of Electrons – 8th Grade – Mr. Marcantonio

 

Through hands-on projects, students explore the science of electricity, the movement of atoms, circuit design, and sensing devices. Students acquire knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design and explore the impact of electricity on our lives.

 

Automation and Robotics – 8th Grade – Mrs. Donnan

 

Students trace the history and development of automation and robotics. They learn about structures, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in engineering problem solving and explore requirements for careers in engineering.