Edison Local

School District

Working Together to Inspire Exceptional Student Achievement

Technology

Technology Curriculum

4th Grade
Students will be taught a lot of new things this year. Students begin the year by working on typing club and learning about Google Applications. After students work with the Google Apps, we turn to a website called code.org to build our base of coding. Then, we take a deep dive into robotics and start to code and design using a sphero robot. After that, we code stories and games via Scratch App. Lastly, we build objects and 3D print using TinkerCad.

5th Grade
5th Grade is an extension of 4th grade. Students use the same applications but we take a deeper dive into our projects and build more complex projects. Students begin the year by working on typing club and learning about Google Applications. After students work with the Google Apps, we turn to a website called code.org to build our base of coding. Then, we take a deep dive into robotics and start to code and design using a sphero robot. After that, we code stories and games via Scratch App. Lastly, we build objects and 3D print using TinkerCad. Students will also design projects for our laser engraver, CNC machine and brand new Vinyl Cutter and Printer.

6th Grade

This year, we purchased a new curriculum from Project Lead the Way. This portion of PLTW is called Design and Modeling. In Design and Modeling, you will learn engineering techniques such as different types of sketches, as well as, 3D printing. PLTW is a very student centered approach and requires that students think on their feet while solving problems. At the end of the course, you will design and create a toy. Students will also design and model objects for our laser engraver, CNC machine and brand new Vinyl Cutter and Printer.

7th Grade

In Green Architecture, students will be learning engineering skills that architects use to design and build houses. In addition, Students are going to learn how to plan, develop and carry out the plans of the building process. PLTW is a very student centered approach and requires that students think on their feet while solving problems. At the end of the course, you will design and plan your dream home! Students will also design projects for our laser engraver, CNC machine and brand new Vinyl Cutter and Printer.

8th Grade Future Ready

Over the course of the quarter, students will be examining different career paths and plans. Students will analyze the differences between vocational school and the traditional college pathway. In addition, students will be learning and developing skills needed to be a successful student and adult such as soft skills, budgeting and leadership. When you use all of these skills, you will become FUTURE READY!

8th Grade Computer Science

This class is a semester long class and is taken for high school credit. Over the course of the semester, students will be working with Project lead the Way’s App Creators. We will be learning computer science through a project based approach while creating apps via MIT App Inventor. Students will be debugging and creating apps along the way, with a final project of making your own app! Students will also design projects for our laser engraver, CNC machine and brand new Vinyl Cutter and Printer.

8th Grade Automation and Robotics

This class is a semester long class and is taken for high school credit. Over the course of the semester, students will be working with engineering principles. This includes understanding simple machines, drafting and using the design process. This will be accomplished through the following projects: bridge building, catapults and robotics. Students will be thinking critically and developing problem solving skills necessary in the 21st Century. Students will also design projects for our laser engraver, CNC machine and brand new Vinyl Cutter and Printer.

Mr. Williamsen’s 4th and 5th Grade Technology Classes Try to “Crack the Code”

Edison is proud to announce that this will be the 2nd year of our robotics club. As the demands for problem solving and the design process increases, we believe this club allows our students to be better prepared for life in the 21st Century. Our robotics club is an extracurricular that meets 2 days a week from 7:00 AM - 7:40 AM. We plan on attending a couple vex sanctioned events this year, as well as potentially forming our own robotics league with local schools, with the potential to qualify for the State and World Competition. We believe this club will change the outlook for the future leaders of our community.

At the competition level, Vex IQ follows a three division format: teamwork, driving, and programming. According to the Vex IQ website, they describe the three divisions in this way, “Two robots compete in the Teamwork Challenge as an alliance in 60 second long teamwork matches, working collaboratively to score points. Teams also compete in the Robot Skills Challenge where one robot takes the field to score as many points as possible. These matches consist of Driving Skills Matches, which will be entirely driver controlled, and Programming Skills Matches, which will be autonomous with limited human interaction.” Every year this format remains the same, but the game changes. This year’s game is called pitching in. Looking at the game board below, you can see the layout of this year’s game. The goal of the game is to score the most points possible, “[with] your alliance partner by scoring Balls in Goals, clearing Corrals and Hanging at the end of the Match." The Edison Robotics Club is eagerly ready to begin this year’s game.