STEAM
Looking to expand your knowledge and skills in the world of technology and innovation? Look no further than these engaging and thought-provoking courses! From exploring the impact of technology on society to learning how to tackle complex problems using a human-centered approach, these courses will challenge you to think creatively and critically about the world around you. Whether you're a student looking to develop your problem-solving skills or simply someone with a passion for innovation, these courses are sure to inspire and delight.
Design Thinking: Innovation and Problem-Solving
Design Thinking: Innovation and Problem-Solving is a course designed to teach students the skills and techniques necessary to identify and solve complex problems using a human-centered approach. In this course, students will be introduced to applied visual techniques, data finding, problem defining, modeling, idea finding, solution finding, and problem-solving systems. Throughout the course, students will learn to sense problems and challenges, explore innovators and inventions, and identify unclarified problems. By the end of this course, students will have a deep understanding of design thinking and be able to apply it to real-world scenarios. This course is perfect for students who want to develop their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Technology & Civilization
In this thought-provoking course, students will explore the dynamic relationship between technology and society. From examining the environmental impact of technological advancements to discussing the cultural implications of gender roles in the workplace, this course provides a holistic view of how technology shapes our world. Through a combination of group discussions, individual research assignments, and thought-provoking reflection papers, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of technological advancements and their effects on society. By the end of this course, students will be able to articulate a global perspective of technology's role in various industries and its impact on quality of life issues related to sustainability in global communities.
Biomimicry: Nature's Innovations
Have you ever wondered how nature has inspired some of the greatest inventions and designs? In this course, you will delve into the fascinating world of biomimicry, where we look to nature to find innovative solutions to engineering and design challenges. Through hands-on projects, you will explore how the natural world has inspired technologies like velcro, solar panels, and airplane wings. You will also examine the adaptations of plants and animals and how these can inform solutions to human problems. This interdisciplinary course will draw on biology, physics, and engineering to explore the wonders of nature and the creative problem-solving skills it has to offer. Join this course and discover how we can learn from nature to create a more sustainable and efficient world.
Grade 8: Technology and Society: Impact and Innovation
Discover the impact of technology on society from a local, national, and global perspective. In this course, you'll explore the social and environmental effects of technology, both positive and negative. You'll use futuring techniques to anticipate the consequences of new technologies, and examine how emerging technologies create new jobs and make others obsolete. You'll also propose alternative technological solutions to local, national, and global issues, and model one of these alternatives.
Grade 8: Technology Problem-Solving Pro
Get ready to become a problem-solving pro in the world of technology! This course teaches you how to tackle technological problems using a formalized problem-solving "system." You'll identify constraints that may hinder the process and design and implement the optimal solution to a given technological problem. Discover the impact of technology on society from a local, national, and global perspective, exploring the social and environmental effects of technology, both positive and negative. You'll propose alternative technological solutions to local, national, and global issues and model one of these alternatives, using futuring techniques to anticipate the consequences of new technologies.
Grade 7: Resource Management for Technology
Join us on a journey through the evolution of technology, from ancient times to the present day. In this course, you'll explore the three aspects of technology and learn about modern tools, devices, and methods that have changed our daily lives. Discover the seven basic resources essential to the success of technology and select one or more resources to showcase their capabilities. You'll use these resources to produce a product, transport an object, grow living material, communicate an idea, or implement a process. Identify alternative technological solutions to meet human needs for different nations.
Innovative STEAM Courses for Young Learners: Developed for Graduate Work
Welcome to our STEAM courses, based on the New York State and ITEEA standards. Our courses provide a wide range of exciting opportunities for young learners to explore the world of technology. From Pre-K to sixth grade, our courses cover a variety of topics, including production, construction, communication, information, transportation, power, and biologically related technology. With interactive activities, projects, and games, our courses focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, while promoting safety in the use of technology. Join us on a thrilling journey through the fascinating past, present, and future of technology, and become a tech wizard, a builder of tomorrow, or a tiny techie!
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Please note that these STEAM courses are not currently being offered as part of our regular curriculum. These courses were developed as part of our graduate work and are designed to showcase innovative ways to teach STEAM with a focus on technology to young learners.
Grade 6: Builders of Tomorrow: Creating the Future with Production, Construction, and Power Technology
Are you ready to be a builder of tomorrow? In this course, you'll discover the world of production, construction, and power technology. You'll get hands-on experience with a variety of tools and equipment, learning how to identify them, understand their functions, and use them to create all kinds of amazing things. You'll also get to put your problem-solving and decision-making skills to the test as you build your own projects. Plus, you'll learn all about the impacts of technology on society and the environment. And of course, safety is a top priority, so you'll learn how to stay safe while you build the future!
Grade 5: Tech Wizards: Mastering the Art of Communication and Information Technology
Get ready to become a tech wizard! In this course, you'll dive into the exciting world of communication and information technology. You'll explore a range of tools and equipment and learn how to use them to communicate and process information. Through a range of fun and interactive activities, you'll learn how to problem-solve and make decisions using the latest technology. You'll also discover the impacts of technology on your daily life, relationships, and the world around you. And, most importantly, you'll learn how to stay safe while using all kinds of cool gadgets!
Grade 4: Tech Trekkers: Uncovering the Wonders of Technology
Get ready to go on a wild adventure through the fascinating world of technology! We'll explore everything from construction and biologically related technology to information technology and beyond. As we discover the many tools and equipment used in these fields, we'll gain valuable skills in selecting the right tools for the job, using them effectively, and maintaining them for optimal performance. But that's not all - we'll also explore the relationship between people and technology, the advantages and impacts of technological advancements, and how to keep ourselves and our workplaces safe. Join us for an unforgettable journey of discovery and exploration!
Grade 3: Time Travelers: Exploring the Evolution of Technology
Join us on a thrilling journey through time as we explore the exciting past, present, and future of technology. From the earliest forms of communication and production to the latest in transportation and power, we'll delve into the ways technology has transformed our world. Along the way, we'll develop problem-solving and decision-making skills as we identify the tools and equipment of each era, apply new information to complete tasks, and use processing systems. Plus, we'll explore the impacts of technology on lifestyle and learn how to take responsibility for our technological advancements. And of course, we'll prioritize safety in a world that's always changing!
Grade 2: Tech Detectives: Solving Technology Mysteries
This fun and engaging course for second-graders will build on the knowledge gained in the previous course and expand on it. Students will explore the impacts of technology on lifestyle and society and the human responsibility for its use. They will learn about the relationship between people and technology and how to use information technology in their daily lives. The course will also teach students about the hazards and risks involved in the use of technology and how to identify and avoid them. Through hands-on activities and projects, students will develop their problem-solving and decision-making skills, as well as their creativity and critical thinking.
Grade 1: Tech Explorers: Journey into the World of Wonders
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of technology? Join us on an adventure-filled ride as we discover the exciting applications of technology! Through interactive games and activities, you'll explore the fascinating realms of communication, production, transportation, power, construction, and information technology. You'll get hands-on experience with different tools and equipment and learn how to identify and maintain them. Our course will help you develop problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities, while also teaching you about the importance of safety in the use of technology. Get ready to become a tech wizard and explore the wonders of the world!
Grade K: Jr. Tech Detectives: Solving Mysteries with Technology
This exciting course for Kindergarten students is designed to build on the foundation laid in the first course, and take students to the next level. Students will learn about the impacts of technology on lifestyle and society, and how to use information technology in their daily lives. They will explore the relationship between people and technology, and the advantages and disadvantages of technology. The course will also focus on promoting safety in the use of technology and identifying physical and environmental hazards. Through hands-on activities and fun projects, students will develop their problem-solving and decision-making skills, as well as their creativity and critical thinking. By the end of the course, students will be Jr. Tech Detectives, able to solve any technology mystery that comes their way!
Grade UPK: Tiny Techies: Discovering the Wonders of Technology
In this fun and exciting course for Pre-K students, they will get to explore the amazing world of technology. They will learn about communication, production, transportation, power, construction, information technology, and even biologically related technology, all in a way that is easy to understand and engaging for young learners. With interactive activities, games, and stories, the course will introduce students to the various tools and equipment used in each technology, and teach them how to identify and maintain them. Through fun problem-solving exercises, students will develop their critical thinking and decision-making skills, all while promoting safety in the use of technology.