Grade 8 - AutoCAD

To all EVEN section students

AutoCAD is a commercial software application for 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting. AutoCAD is used across a wide range of industries, by architects, project managers, engineers, graphic designers, and many other professionals.

Prior to students working independently in AutoCAD they are instructed as a group on how to use the software to create basic drawings.

Drawing Commands and Topics:

Copy    Move   Trim    Zoom   Pan      Mirror

RELATIVE RECTANGULAR COORDINATES allow you to specify a position along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis to locate a point relative to the last point you specified.

Grade 6 - Structural Design

To all EVEN section students

 Using newly acquired knowledge students design their bridge through a set of rough draft drawings and a final drawing which will be used as a template for their project.

The Engineering Design Process is used for this project which involves designing, building, and testing a structure, in this case a Balsawood Bridge. A major area of focus is on the structures overall efficiency. Concepts such as Tension, Torsion, Sheer and Compression are considered when deigning the structures.

The nature of this project involves the use of sharp objects and cutting tools. Students are also evaluated on how they follow classroom safety procedures.  Key points which are stressed to all students are:

1) Focusing on the task at hand.

2) Displaying proper use of cutting tools.

3) Work area is kept clean.

4) Listening and follow teacher’s daily instructional plan.

Final Product is a Balsawood Bridge which students take home.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Engineering/Technology Dept

Mr. Medeiros and Mr. Falcon would like to wish everyone the very best Thanksgiving. Please be safe as you travel to spend time with family.

Grade 6 - Introduction to Scratch Programming has begun

To all ODD section 6th grade classes:

Introduction to Programming using Scratch has begun with it's first project.

The areas we will be concentrating on are:

-Looping

-Conditionals

-Variables

-Expressions

Upon successful completion of the above projects students will be tasked with creating their own  Maze Game as a final project for this unit.

Grade 7 - More Design Process Stages

Grade 8 - Sugo field is under construction

Robotics has officially started. The 8th grade students have started getting their Lego Mindstorm boxes in order and are close to starting their first project.

At the same time work began on the Sugo (Sumo Lego Wrestling) Field. Mr. Medeiros donated an older, but perfect for this project, wooden circular table. Mr. Falcon then grabbed some sand paper and got to work creating a smooth surface the robots will eventually need and use.

After a bit of elbow grease the table was ready for it's new colors. 

Per the SoGoBot.com rules the surface should be gloss-white in color and that is what we went for. 

Next up, the 1.25in black border and the starting lines. Stay tuned. 

Grade 7 - Design Process Stage testing has begun

Our first wave of Stage testing has begun. Without giving away any of their design secrets here are some photos showing their designs.

Stay tuned for more pictures showing all the different designs.