KCTC Design Lab Syllabus 2016-17 Mr. Phillips, rooms: C300B (class), C300 (lab), C310A (office) phone: 616 365-2332, e-mail: [email protected] Welcome to Design Lab; I am very glad that you are part of this class! We will explore how science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and the design process are used to solve problems. This course uses a variety of methods including presentations, videos, computerized assessments, and hands-on laboratory activities to help students experience the design process. Additionally, this two-credit course includes one (1) credit in math, science, or elective delivered in an online format.

Major Units of Study: • • • • • • • •

Electronics & Soldering ~3 weeks Data Collection & Analysis ~3 weeks Computer Aided Design (CAD) ~4 weeks Woodworking & Construction ~4 weeks Alternative Energy ~4 weeks Mathematics & Problem-Solving ~ 2 weeks Robotics ~3 weeks Programming & Coding ~4 weeks

Additionally, students will have two (2) year-long projects: a STEM Competition and a Final Project. For the STEM Competition, students choose from over a dozen STEM-related competition options, choose their teammates, and receive resources and support during class. For the Final Project, students choose a problem and use the design process to develop a solution. Project suggestions and examples of previous projects are available. Students may write a grant to request funds and resources to implement their solution.

Course Requirements: Prior to the first day of class, students are expected to have a strong understanding of basic math skills including: using algebra to solve and simplify equations (including equations consisting of only variables), determining the slope of lines, and finding the area of simple geometric figures. Each day, students must bring the following items to class: • School-issued laptop (battery fully charged) • Lab notebook • Headphones • Pen (non-erasable)* *Notes are taken using any appropriate writing utensil. Lab work is completed in pen and mistakes must be neatly crossed out with a single line.

Classroom Expectations: Students will follow the expectations and policies outlined in the Kent Career Tech Center Student/Parent Handbook. Student behavior should not interfere with learning. Students who disrupt the learning process will receive a referral to the Responsible Thinking Center (RTC). There are a few expectations which are especially important: • For your safety, you must carefully read all directions and observe proper precautions. Safety glasses, long pants, and closed-toed shoes must be worn at all times while in the lab. Long hair and loose clothing must be secured. printed 07Sep16 10:18

KCTC Design Lab Syllabus 2016-17 • Technology is used for learning. Please “surf the web,” communicate with friends, manage your playlist, watch videos, etc. on your own time. During class, all school and personal technology is only used to better understand Design Lab topics. • Use class time responsibly. Pay attention and participate. Even when you are tired, you must keep your head up and look at whoever is speaking. There is always something you can work on; don't waste time waiting. • When someone is speaking (student, guest, teacher, etc.) put away technology so the speaker knows he or she has your full attention. • Be prepared and in your seat when the bell rings. Prepared means you have all required materials (paper, sharpened pencils, extra tissues if you have a cold, etc) and you have taken care of personal needs (getting a drink, using the restroom, etc).

Grading Information Grades are designed to be consistent, accurate, meaningful, supportive of learning, and reflective of individual performance. Grades will be issued on a quarterly basis, every nine (9) weeks. You will receive two (2) grades for this course: one for your online course (math, science, or elective) and one for the in-class design lab activities and assessments.

Online Course Grade Information Grades for the online course are based on student performance on the online quizzes, tests, and semester exam. Student must attempt the exam to earn credit for the course. In order to advance to the next lesson, students will be given two (2) attempts to earn 70% or better on their lesson quiz. If a student does not earn at least 70% after his or her second attempt, the student will need to submit a completed copy of the lesson study guide to earn a third attempt. Each subsequent attempt will require additional work to be submitted. Retaking unit tests or an exam is rare, but possible, provided the student demonstrated additional learning – often by completing detailed, comprehensive practice problems or review. The online course will likely require 30 minutes of work outside of class each day (2-3 hours per week) as homework.

In-class Design Lab Activities & Assessments Grade Information For the in-class portion, each quarter represents 50% (half) of the final semester grade. Work will be weighted as follows: • 70% Technical Skills: tests, projects, lab reports, presentations, assignments • 30% Career & Employability Skills: time management, problem solving, teamwork, and career planning Periodically, students will be asked to complete tests and assignments before being explicitly taught the necessary content. These pre-instruction activities are called pretests or formative assignments and are used to inform both the student and the teacher as to how to best approach learning. Preinstruction activities will be scored, but they will not affect the student grade; they are identified by a yellow asterisk (*) in the grade book. It is important for students to make their best attempt on these activities to help the teacher design appropriate instruction. After instruction, students will complete a post-test to determine how well they learned the skill. These tests will be scored and will affect student's grade. Students may retake the post-tests, but only once each day. The single score that is most representative of current student knowledge will be recorded in the grade book; this is usually the most recent score or highest score.

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KCTC Design Lab Syllabus 2016-17 Class projects are scored using a rubric based on the project standards with a scale from one (1) to four (4). A score of three (3) represents “proficient” and is the target for most students. To earn a four (4), students will need to push boundaries and challenge themselves. Students have input in defining the rubric criteria and will be required to assess their own work as well as the work of their peers. All final grades will be determined by the teacher. Project scores can be roughly translated based on the table below: 1 – beginning proficiency (~60-69%, D) 3 – proficient, meets industry standard (~80-89% B) 2 – developing proficiency (~70-79%, C) 4 – advanced proficient (~90-100%, A)

Grade Summary Design Lab Final Grade Weighting (1 credit) Online Course Final Grade Weighting (1 credit) 1st Quarter Work = 50% of overall grade Lesson Quizzes–20 points each (5-15 per unit), must earn 2nd Quarter Work = 50% of overall grade 70%+ to advance Unit Tests–50 points each (5-6 units per semester, 10-20% of grade) each quarter is 70% technical skills, 30% career & employability Semester Exam–200 points (10-15% of grade), exam required for credit

Presentations and Group Work Throughout this course, students will be asked to explain their work to the rest of the class both as individuals and in groups. The purpose of presenting is to practice communication and listening skills. In order to prepare students for interviews and formal presentations, professional dress will be a criterion evaluated as part of the grade. Students will also periodically work in a group to complete a project or activity. The purpose of group work is to better understand the thinking process by listening to the diverse ideas of other group members. Group members who choose not to work constructively with their group will lose points as individuals in their career & employability category only.

Lab Information Some lab activities will have a prelab that must be completed prior to conducting the lab. Completing the prelab indicates to the teacher and group members that the student is ready for the lab and understands the safety requirements, procedures, and goals. Students who do not complete the prelab will spend class time completing it and may have additional work outside of class as a result. Lab data, procedures, and observations must be completed in pen in the lab notebook. Data integretity will be discussed in class and notebooks will be turned in periodically for review.

Absences and Make up/Late Work: In preparation for college and career success, students are expected to submit all work on time. Late work will lose points from the Career & Employability category. Additionally, if a student will miss class for any reason, he or she is expected to e-mail or call the instructor before class begins. Contact information is at the top of this syllabus. The student is responsible to make up work missed due to absences. Each day's activities will be posted online at bit.ly/kctcdesign and whenever possible will include links so students can catch up on missed activities at home.

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KCTC Design Lab Syllabus 2016-17 Integrity: Students are expected to complete their own work. However, working with others is often necessary and encouraged. Working together requires discussion from both individuals. If you get help from someone, please indicate such and give that individual credit when submitting your work. Doing something for someone else or giving someone an answer or your completed work robs both individuals of an opportunity to learn and is considered cheating. During an individual testing situation, it is not appropriate to get help from any outside sources (classmate, teacher, parent, internet, etc.) unless explicitly indicated in the test directions. If you need help or have a question, please talk to your instructor only.

Student & Student Responsibility: In this classroom, everyone has a job to do. It is the job of the student to master the material and demonstrate this understanding. My job is to help you do your job. I will make every reasonable effort to help you succeed. I look forward to a great year together!

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